Gov. Lee calls for August special session on school security

NASHVILLE, Tennessee (WDEF) – Governor Bill Lee has picked a date for a special session to discuss solutions mass shootings.

He made a gun check proposal in the last days of the legislative session, but Republican lawmakers declined to take it up, saying it was too late for the year.

So the Governor said he would call them back later to deal with solutions following the Nashville school shooting.

On Monday, he announced the date will be on August 21st.

He plans to spend the summer discussing solutions with lawmakers and citizens.

The Governor has faced criticism from both sides for his response after the shooting.

Protestors have accused the Republican super majority of refusing to consider any gun bills.

Then when the Governor did propose a change in law that would allow police to take guns from those who make threats of violence, critics on the right accused him of backing a so-called Red Flag law that would restrict gun owners’ rights.

“After speaking with members of the General Assembly, I am calling for a special session on August 21 to continue our important discussion about solutions to keep Tennessee communities safe and preserve the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens,” said Gov. Lee.

“There is broad agreement that action is needed, and in the weeks ahead, we’ll continue to listen to Tennesseans and pursue thoughtful, practical measures that strengthen the safety of Tennesseans, preserve Second Amendment rights, prioritize due process protections, support law enforcement and address mental health.”