Tennessee Senator Sara Kyle (D- Memphis), has introduced a bill in the state legislature that would allow family members, household members, intimate partners or law enforcement to petition the courts to temporarily confiscate guns from an individual who shows an immediate risk of harming themselves or others.
Similar laws have been introduced in other states in response to gun violence and are typically called "red flag" laws or extreme risk protection orders.
This proposed bill would require someone to sign a petition or a sworn affidavit for the order on the family member or partner. If the order is granted by a judge, the person would be prohibited from purchasing or processing a firearm during the period of the order.
Other areas of this proposed law to note - the petitioner would face criminal charges for lying or making a misrepresentation, and the petition is not a criminal issue. If an order is issued, all firearms would be required to be surrendered within 48 hours to a third party. Any violation would be a misdemeanor.
TN Senate Bill 1807
Description of Bill: Orders of Protection - As introduced, allows a court to issue an emergency protection order upon a finding that a person poses an imminent risk of harm to the person or others if allowed to purchase or possess a firearm; authorizes a family member, household member, intimate partner, or law enforcement officer to petition for such an order. - Amends TCA Title 36 and Title 39.
Source: Partner Station WMSR
