MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Memphis City Council cleared its first hurdle toward potential gun reform.
The Council voted unanimously in support of a 2024 voter referendum, clearing committee. This would take on the state of Tennessee’s existing gun laws within city limits.
Several of the Memphis City Council members expressed their frustration with the surge of recent gun violence in public places.
“I think in spirit, everybody is on board with what’s being done. We just got the language today. There’s a lot to go through in the terms of the details,” said Worth Morgan, City Council Member - District 5. ”And so I’m not signing onto it quite yet, but in spirit I agree with what they’re doing, and at the end of the day we’re trying to figure out how people feel about this.”
If the council gets the referendum on the ballot in 2024, it would ask voters three questions:
Does someone need a permit to carry a gun, and how should it be stored in a car?
Should there be a ban on future assault weapon sales, and restrict the use of assault weapons already in circulation?
Should there be a red flag law, where law enforcement could take away a gun if someone is considered to be a risk?
If Memphians vote yes, it would essentially create a trigger law. If the Tennessee General Assembly gives the go ahead, the measure could go into effect by the start of 2025.
The measures could be a long shot, since Tennessee’s Republican supermajority expressed little interest in gun reform. In August, lawmakers will take part in a special session called by Governor Bill Lee.
“We know we don’t have the authority to change gun laws in Memphis, but we’re going to go to our boss - which is the people, and that is also the boss of the state legislature,” said Morgan. "Trying to get their opinions on this and this is a creative and clever way to do it.”
The questions in the referendum will not go on the ballot yet. The measures still need to survive two more readings at city council and a public comment period before voters could get a chance to vote on it in 2024.