Lee Signs Foster Care Bill, Talks Special Session in Chattanooga

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee talking to media in Chattanooga.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Governor Lee is calling Tennessee lawmakers back to Nashville for a special session.

That announcement came late last week.

We caught up with him today in Chattanooga.

The Governor hopes to pass legislation that he says will “strengthen public safety and preserve constitutional rights.”

Lee hopes to keep guns out of the hands of unstable people.

He believes the state can do that, without infringing on Second Amendment rights.

Gov. Lee said, “There needs to be a way to separate those who are a danger to others and to themselves from access to weapons and protect the rights, in particular second amendment rights of Tennesseans. And of course what we proposed is very different from red flag laws from across the country.”

No official word yet when the special session will convene.

While in Chattanooga today, Governor Lee also signed the “Forever Homes Act” at Ridgedale Baptist Church.

Ridgedale offers vast support for foster families.

This legislation makes multiple changes to adoption care laws.

It will shorten waiting periods and provide mothers with resources for a longer time.

Adoption finalization currently takes six months. The bill will cut that time in half.

Gov. Lee said, “Forever Homes Act serves the moms, the children, the foster families, the adoptive families. It creates a stronger family environment throughout this state.”

The Governor sees this as a personal issue since his wife, Maria, grew up in a foster family.