Summary:
- Tennessee's special session on gun safety faces uncertainty as the Senate adjourns, leaving the legislative outcome uncertain.
- Despite hopes, red flag law proposals lack support, and gun-related legislation remains stalled.
- A surviving proposal allows trying individuals aged 16 and above as adults for gun-related offenses.
- Gun thefts, a major concern, prompt support for the bill in Shelby County, but critics argue it treats young offenders unfairly.
- Speaker Sexton clarifies criteria for transferring young offenders to adult court, and the significant daily session costs are highlighted.
As this special session on gun safety standoff continues, the Senate's decision Thursday to adjourn until Monday leaves little certainty about what lawmakers might ultimately pass.
Both the state house and senate are set to reconvene on Monday. The Senate has been unyielding on many gun proposals, with hopes dashed for passing a version of a red flag law. Democrat versions of gun bills were rejected, leaving substantive gun legislation stalled. One surviving proposal in committee is a bill allowing 16 and up to be tried as adults for gun-related offenses, including firearm thefts.
In Shelby County, where over 1300 guns were stolen from vehicles in Memphis within the first seven months of the year, the issue is critical. House Speaker Cameron Sexton supports the measure, claiming it will curb violent crime. However, critics argue it unfairly treats young offenders as adults.
Speaker Sexton clarifies that only murder or attempted murder charges would mandate the transfer of young offenders to adult court. Other gun-related offenses would be at the discretion of local district attorneys. The cost of the ongoing session is substantial, with an estimated daily expenditure of nearly $60,000. Lawmakers are set to resume on Monday.