Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, a Republican, signed an executive order Tuesday to strengthen background checks for gun purchases and called on the General Assembly to pass the equivalent of a red flag law.
Lee said at a news conference that the order would ensure that information-sharing “more closely guarantees the safe, lawful purchase of firearms in Tennessee.”
He also said legislation was needed to address shortcomings in existing gun laws.
“Our current law is proven and effective in many circumstances, especially with regards to domestic violence, but this new stronger order of protection law will provide the broader population cover, safety, from those who are in danger to themselves or to the population,” Lee said.
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Red flag laws, which are similar in scope to order of protection laws, allow authorities to temporarily seize firearms from people who are found to be dangers to themselves or others. President Joe Biden last year signed landmark bipartisan gun legislation that included grants to states for red flag laws.
Read the full story on NBCNews.com here.
