Image Credit: capitol.tn.gov
The Tennessee Conservative [By Rebecca Scott] –
A red flag gun bill continues to progress through the Tennessee legislature.
Senate Bill 1673 (SB1673), sponsored by Senator Becky Massey (R-Knoxville-District 6), and its companion, House Bill 1625 (HB1625), sponsored by Representative Jason Zachary (R-Knoxville-District 14), expands current state law requiring mental health professionals to report the possibility of potentially violent acts by their patients.
SB1673, “As introduced, requires a qualified mental health professional or behavior analyst to warn or protect an identified victim or group of people when the professional or analyst determines that a service recipient has communicated an intent for actual threat of bodily harm; requires the professional or behavior analyst to report such threat; provides immunity from civil, criminal, and regulatory liability for a professional or analyst who takes reasonable action to warn or protect identified victims or groups and to report such threat . – Amends TCA Section 33-3-206.”
On March 19th, the bill was recommended for passage with amendments by the Senate Health and Welfare Committee with 8 Ayes recorded. The bill will now be placed on the calendar to be heard on the Senate floor.
In the Health and Welfare Committee, the votes on SB1673 were recorded as follows:
Senators voting aye were: Crowe, Haile, Jackson, Massey, Reeves, Swann, Watson, Yarbro — 8.
Senators present and not voting were: Hensley — 1.
Representative Zachary had worked with Covenant School parents on the language of the bill and has said that the Tennessee Psychological Association is in support of the legislation. This red flag legislation informs mental health providers that in cases of risk of imminent harm they must report to law enforcement.
As SB1673 builds momentum, it also raises many questions regarding privacy laws. What happens to the information once it is shared, where will it be stored, who will manage it, how it can be used, and who will have access to in perpetuity? And what are the long-term implications of this red flag legislation?
SB1673 is now in the hands of the Senate Calendar Committee for scheduling to be heard on the Senate floor and given a final vote.
To voice your opinion on SB1673 prior to the Senate floor vote, use the “Find My Legislator Tool” HERE to find your Senator’s contact information.
The House version of the bill (HB1625) already passed on the House floor on February 22nd.
Rebecca Scott is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative.
You can reach Rebecca at Rebecca@tennesseeconservativenews.com
