Lee Sends Lawmakers Proposed Change To Mental Health Order Of Protection
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee this week has sent a proposal to lawmakers on Capitol Hill looking to improve Tennessee’s existing “Order of Protection” law. Lee’s proposed amendment to the law states that a petition for a temporary mental health order of protection, may only be filed by a law enforcement officer or law enforcement agency and it must be filed in the county where the respondent resides. The amendment also states that the petition must allege that the respondent poses a substantial likelihood of serious harm by having a firearm or any ammunition in the respondent’s custody or control or by purchasing, possessing, or receiving a firearm or any ammunition.
The amendment also says a person would be committing aggravated perjury if a false statement is made or if relevant information is omitted when they are seeking a temporary mental order of protection.
Lt. Governor Randy McNally released a statement saying in part “Making sure the mentally ill and those in crisis do not have access to firearms while protecting the second amendment rights of everyone else is no easy task. It is an extremely delicate balance. I believe that balance has been struck with this proposed Temporary Mental Health Order of Protection. Other states that have attempted this balance have fallen short to one extent or another by failing to provide real due process and protect against false complaints.” Governor Lee is urging lawmakers to act on his proposal before this legislative session ends.