Media Advisory

Today, both the House and Senate adjourned “sine die,” marking the end of an emotional special session on public safety

Dear Safer TN Coalition,

Today, both the House and Senate adjourned “sine die,” marking the end of an emotional special session on public safety. What started with 100+ bills filed, concluded with a near stalemate between the House and the Senate. Small steps were made toward firearm safety with three bills passed by both chambers, all of which Voices for a Safer Tennessee supported. (See bill recap below.)

It is understandable that this chaotic and abrupt end to the special session has left many Tennesseans feeling frustrated. Your frustration is warranted, and we share in it. Much more needs to be done to make communities across our state safer, and we are channeling our frustration into continuing the work.

While the special session did not substantively address firearm violence in our state, there were small steps taken toward our core policy priorities: temporary transfer laws, stronger firearm storage laws and consistent background check requirements. These small steps have opened the door for important discussions that will continue into the 2024 legislative session and beyond.

We reflect on the last several months with great appreciation for all the ways Voices for a Safer Tennessee coalition members have shown up and engaged in the legislative process. THANK YOU! From thoughtfully contacting your legislators asking for action to respectfully sitting in committee meetings and hearings, our nonpartisan approach has built strong momentum. Together, we’ve grown our membership to more than 20,000 Tennesseans from all 95 counties, and raised more than $300,000 from over 700 donors in the last week alone. Our approach is resonating, and it will take us forward from a position of strength.

So what’s next? As we gear up for the 2024 legislative session, we must continue to keep the need for firearm safety legislation top of mind for our policymakers, as well as with our friends, family and neighbors. So we will continue the conversations, doing the research, and be ready to educate and take action when session is back in January. Additionally, our board of directors will be hard at work finalizing a long-term strategic plan that will guide the organization’s continued work and advocacy into the future. We will share more about our planning and how you can continue to be involved along the way.

Thank you for joining the chorus of voices committed to creating a safer Tennessee. It will take all of us to make the bipartisan change that the majority of Tennesseans want and expect a reality. 

Sincerely,

Todd Cruse 
Voices for a Safer Tennessee
Board Chair and Treasurer

Bill Recap

The following bills that Safer TN supported passed both the House and the Senate and will be presented to Governor Bill Lee to sign into law. 

HB7012/SB7085 – provides free firearm locks to TN residents upon request, establishes a PSA campaign for secure storage, incorporates secure storage into firearm safety courses, and makes gun safes tax free.

HB7013/SB7086 – shortens the timeframe in which the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation must be notified of an individual’s final disposition by a court from 30 days to 72 hours.

SB 7089/ HB 7070 – an appropriations bill that will provide the following noteworthy investments:

• $1.1 million in funding for a gun safety advertisement campaign (funds the PSA campaign established through HB7012/SB7085)
• $12 million for mental health professional bonuses
• $4 million to increase behaviorial health safety net grants
• $50 million non-recurring to mental health agencies that contract with the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse
• $30 million non-recurring for safety upgrades for institutions of higher education

Tennessee’s legislators may have adjourned the special session, but the work for firearm safety legislation has only just begun.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (August 29, 2023) — Voices for a Safer Tennessee (Safer TN), a nonpartisan organization dedicated to prioritizing firearm safety and promoting responsible firearm ownership through bipartisan legislation, issued the following statement regarding the adjournment of the special session on public safety: 

Tennessee’s legislators may have gone home today, but we will continue to advocate for firearm safety legislation in the days, weeks, months and years ahead.

Small steps were made toward firearm safety with the three bills that passed in both chambers – all of which Voices for a Safer Tennessee supported. While we acknowledge these small steps forward, they only begin to scratch the surface of what is needed to meaningfully strengthen firearm safety in Tennessee. Much more needs to be done to make communities across our state safer.

Safer TN fundamentally believes that there is common ground, in all 95 counties, around temporary transfer laws, stronger firearms storage, and consistent background checks. Looking forward to the 2024 legislative session, we call on our legislators to hear their constituents’ support for these solutions and to act on them. Our more than 20,000 members will join with the voices of so many others to do the same. 

Since our founding in the days following the Covenant School shooting, Safer TN has believed that we will make change through discussion, common ground and shared solutions. So we will continue the conversations, doing the research, educating and engaging one another until substantive progress is made in protecting our communities from firearm violence.

About Voices for a Safer Tennessee
Voices for a Safer Tennessee (Safer TN) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan coalition dedicated to prioritizing common-sense firearm safety laws and promoting responsible firearm ownership to make communities across our state safer. Safer TN was founded by neighbors, friends, colleagues and community members who came together with a shared desire for change following the tragic events of March 27, 2023, at The Covenant School in Nashville, Tenn. The organization brings voters and lawmakers together by leading conversations, sharing diverse perspectives and finding commonality to champion the bipartisan change that the majority of Tennessee voters support. Learn more at safertn.org.

Nonpartisan coalition expands its leadership as it continues to work toward advancing firearm safety policy in Tennessee during the special session and beyond

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (August 17, 2023) — Voices for a Safer Tennessee (Safer TN), a nonpartisan organization dedicated to prioritizing firearm safety and promoting responsible firearm ownership through bipartisan legislation, has added two new directors to its governing board: Lisa Rottmann of Knoxville and Dori Thornton Waller of Chattanooga. In addition, the organization announced the creation of an advisory board of prominent Tennessee leaders.

New Board of Director Members

Lisa Rottmann, a Knoxville native, is president and chief executive officer of Stowers Machinery Corporation, where she has served in leadership roles for more than 11 years. She is a seasoned marketing, human capital and business strategist, and an active member of her local community.

Before starting her Tennessee-based business, The Social Office, Dori Thornton Waller lived in Washington, D.C. and served in the White House for President George W. Bush as the youngest deputy social secretary in recent history. Waller now resides in Chattanooga and leads a team of highly successful signature event planners with a statewide and national presence.

“Lisa and Dori bring valuable expertise and perspective to our already diverse and experienced board,” said Todd Cruse, chairman and treasurer for the Safer TN board of directors. “As we continue to build our board leadership, we have been intentional about aligning the political representation of the board with that of the state and ensuring broad geographic reach across Tennessee. We are proud to have Lisa and Dori serving in these important roles to help improve the safety of our great state.” 

Advisory Board

To help further guide and support the organization’s efforts, Safer TN has convened an advisory board of prominent Tennessee leaders who have raised their hands in support of stronger firearm safety policies. This group represents influential leadership within the government, healthcare, business, faith, education, music and philanthropy sectors and includes:

1. Dr. Michael Burcham, Executive Partner, Shore Capital Partners
2. Bill Carpenter, Healthcare Executive and Chairman of the Board for FirstBank
3. Senator Bill Frist, M.D., Former United States Senate Majority Leader
4. Vince Gill, musician and singer/songwriter
5. Amy Grant, Christian and pop recording artist, and philanthropist
6. Milton Johnson, Former CEO, HCA Healthcare
7. Teresa Sloyan, President, Hyde Family Foundation
8. Dr. Clay Stauffer, Senior Minister, Woodmont Christian Church (Advisory board chair)
9. Dwayne Tucker, CEO, Lead Public Schools
10. Jamie Woodson, Founder and Principal, TriStar Strategies and former State Senator

“Firearm safety is not a partisan issue, it is a public safety issue, and we must set politics aside to address the devastating impact firearm violence is having across our state, particularly amongst our children,” said Senator Bill Frist, M.D. “I have been following Voices for a Safer Tennessee since the organization’s formation, and I believe that the nonpartisan coalition they have built is a strong platform to break through the political noise, raise awareness about the troubling data, and encourage collaborative solutions that ultimately improve the safety of citizens in our great state. I am eager to work with Safer TN as a member of the Advisory Board, among an exceptional group of Tennessee leaders.”

Dr. Clay Stauffer will serve as chairman of the advisory board. The group will engage in advocacy, education and fundraising alongside the coalition and its leadership in an effort to achieve the organization’s policy goals of:

1. Temporary transfer laws that would allow authorities to temporarily restrict access to firearms from people who pose a risk to themselves or others
2. Stronger firearm storage laws that require firearm owners to provide secure storage and report lost or stolen weapons
3. Consistent background check requirements across more firearm transactions to help keep firearms away from dangerous people who are not legally allowed to own them

Safer TN’s board and advisory board announcements follow the proclamation by Governor Bill Lee calling a special session on public safety to begin August 21. Expansion of these important leadership bodies poises the organization for continued effectiveness during the special session, into the 2024 session and beyond. Today, the Safer TN coalition includes more than 20,000 supporters representing all political viewpoints and nearly all 95 counties in Tennessee. 

Safer TN encourages all Tennesseans who believe that we can find common ground around firearm safety and protect our communities to get involved by joining the coalition, donating, and following Safer TN on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for regular updates and calls to action.

About Voices for a Safer Tennessee

Voices for a Safer Tennessee (Safer TN) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan coalition dedicated to prioritizing common-sense firearm safety laws and promoting responsible firearm ownership to make communities across our state safer. Safer TN was founded by neighbors, friends, colleagues and community members who came together with a shared desire for change following the tragic events of March 27, 2023, at The Covenant School in Nashville, Tenn. The organization brings voters and lawmakers together by leading conversations, sharing diverse perspectives and finding commonality to champion the bipartisan change that the majority of Tennessee voters support. Learn more at safertn.org.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (August 8, 2023) — Voices for a Safer Tennessee (Safer TN), a nonpartisan organization dedicated to prioritizing firearm safety and promoting responsible firearm ownership through bipartisan legislation, released the following statement regarding Governor Bill Lee’s official call for a special session on public safety:

We commend Governor Bill Lee for issuing the official call for a special session to begin on Aug. 21, 2023, at 4 p.m. While Tennesseans have voiced support for a broader scope of solutions to be considered during the special session, opening doors to discuss orders of protection, beginning to address background check challenges, and educating the public on the value of secure storage, are first steps in the right direction and mark the beginning of a process that will carry into the 2024 Tennessee General Assembly and beyond. 

The challenges associated with firearm safety are complex and have worsened over many years. We know that it will take time to fully address and correct the dangerous trajectory we are on. We encourage the General Assembly to move forward during the special session with an open mind, acting in the interests of the thousands of Tennessee voters across the state who have made it abundantly clear that we want and expect change.

Fueled by nonpartisan support in nearly all 95 counties, our momentum is strong, and we will remain committed – this session and in sessions that follow – to advocating for:  

• Temporary transfer laws that would allow authorities to temporarily restrict access to firearms from people who pose a risk to themselves or others
• Stronger firearm storage laws that require firearm owners to provide secure storage and report lost or stolen weapons
• Consistent background check requirements across more firearm transactions to help keep firearms away from dangerous people who are not legally allowed to own them

Tennesseans’ voices are important now more than ever. We will continue to actively engage in discussions with policymakers across the state, as well as with our friends, family and neighbors. Together, with time and dedication, we will find common ground on meaningful policies that will make our communities safer. 

We look forward to working with policymakers now and in the future to create a safer Tennessee.

About Voices for a Safer Tennessee

Voices for a Safer Tennessee (Safer TN) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan coalition dedicated to prioritizing common-sense firearm safety laws and promoting responsible firearm ownership to make communities across our state safer. Safer TN was founded by neighbors, friends, colleagues and community members who came together with a shared desire for change following the tragic events of March 27, 2023, at The Covenant School in Nashville, Tenn. The organization brings voters and lawmakers together by leading conversations, sharing diverse perspectives and finding commonality to champion the bipartisan change that the majority of Tennessee voters support. Learn more at safertn.org.

Warning: Content might not be suitable for all audiences, especially children, viewer discretion is strongly advised.

Ad campaign to feature multiple videos that highlight firearm safety policies and call Tennessee voters to reach out to their legislators and express their support

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (August 3, 2023) — Voices for a Safer Tennessee (Safer TN), a nonpartisan organization dedicated to prioritizing firearm safety and promoting responsible firearm ownership through bipartisan legislation, today launched a statewide public education campaign ahead of the August 21 special legislative session planned by Governor Bill Lee. The first campaign ad, entitled “What’s More Important?,” features Katy Dieckhaus, mother of Evelyn Diekhaus (9), one of six victims killed on March 27, 2023 at The Covenant School. The campaign launches the week of what would have been Evelyn’s 10th birthday.

The first video honors Evelyn’s deep faith and love for learning and raises awareness of the fact that a deeply troubled individual was easily able to access multiple firearms, which ultimately killed three children and three adults, including Evelyn. Tennessee’s current laws do little to nothing to prevent individuals who are a danger to themselves or others from accessing firearms, though recent polls show the majority of Tennesseans support legislation that would address this. 

The policies Safer TN is advocating for during this session include:

1. Temporary transfer laws that would allow authorities, following due process, to temporarily restrict access to firearms from people who pose a risk to themselves or others
2. Stronger firearm storage laws that require firearm owners to provide secure storage and report lost or stolen weapons
3. Consistent background check requirements across more firearm transactions to help keep firearms away from dangerous people who are not legally allowed to own them

“The time is now. Our children have the right to go to school and live without fear of being shot. Our citizens have the right to feel safer in our communities than they do today. We can make change and preserve these rights, while also preserving the values and rights of responsible firearm ownership,” said Todd Cruse, chairman and treasurer of Safer TN. “As an avid sportsman, gun owner, father and proud Tennessean, I urge you to watch these videos and use your voice to help make change.”

In addition to launching this educational campaign, Safer TN has made exceptional progress building a statewide coalition of Tennessee voters who share a common desire for stronger firearm safety measures. The coalition currently includes voters representing nearly all 95 counties in Tennessee. Supporters are engaging in activities ranging from contacting their local representatives to hosting community forums, such as last week’s “Faith, Firearms and Community Safety in Middle Tennessee” event in Maury County. Safer TN also continues to see an influx of support from donors across the state who are committed to making Tennessee a safer place for us all. These donations allow for the development and sharing of helpful resources like those featured in this campaign.

Safer TN encourages all Tennesseans who believe that we can find common ground and protect our communities to get involved by joining the coalition, donating, and following Safer TN on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for regular updates and calls to action.

About Voices for a Safer Tennessee

Voices for a Safer Tennessee (Safer TN) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan coalition dedicated to prioritizing common-sense firearm safety laws and promoting responsible firearm ownership to make communities across our state safer. Safer TN was founded by neighbors, friends, colleagues and community members who came together with a shared desire for change following the tragic events of March 27, 2023, at The Covenant School in Nashville, Tenn. The organization brings voters and lawmakers together by leading conversations, sharing diverse perspectives and finding commonality to champion the bipartisan change that the majority of Tennessee voters support. Learn more at safertn.org.