The city of Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee, is among a growing number of municipalities and counties across the nation to pass a resolution declaring itself a "Second Amendment sanctuary."
"It's a lengthy exposition of law and the right to bear arms," said City Attorney Sam Elliott of the city's resolution, which he drafted at the request of Vice Mayor Robert Cothran.
The resolution passed unanimously at the board of commissioners' March 5 meeting.
Elliott said that the resolution is not a change in law.
"It lets the world know where you [as a city] stand on this important issue," he said.
"The city lawyer did a fantastic job ... writing it up," Cothran said of the resolution. "It's got a real good plan to each and every thing."
Counties, cities and towns across the country have passed similar resolutions asserting their citizens' right to bear arms, either in response to or in anticipation of state or federal laws restricting gun rights. Examples of such legislation include requiring universal background checks, bans on assault weapons, and "red flag" laws authorizing temporary confiscation of firearms from people who have been deemed a danger to themselves or others.
On Jan. 27, 2020, the Tennessee Senate passed a "red flag" law, SB1807, that would allow a court to issue an emergency protection order if it is found that a person poses an imminent risk to themselves or others if allowed to possess or purchase a firearm. It would authorize law enforcement, a member of a person's family or household, or an intimate partner to petition for such a protection order.
The House bill, HB1873, was assigned to the state House of Representatives Children & Families Subcommittee Jan. 29.
Locally, counties and municipalities that have passed Second Amendment sanctuary or other pro-gun resolutions and proclamations include Bradley, Grundy, McMinn, Meigs, Polk and Sequatchie counties in Tennessee, as well as many in North Georgia.
Contact Emily Crisman at 423-757-6508 or ecrisman@timesfreepress.com.