NASHVILLE, Tenn.– A new legislative action organization, formed in response to The Covenant School mass shooting, is urging the Tennessee GOP to take action on firearm safety as state lawmakers get ready to reconvene. Covenant Families for Brighter Tomorrows Action Fund (CFBTAF) was established after the tragic shooting in March 2023, which claimed the lives of three students and three staff members. Comprised of parents, survivors, and school staff, the organization is advocating for “meaningful legislative change” to address the impact and prevention of school shootings, enhance mental health support, and ensure the safety of children and staff in schools.
The organization is calling for specific legislative measures, including the expansion of background checks before gun sales, requirements for safe storage, and stronger school safety protocols. Additionally, CFBTAF is seeking to protect the privacy of child victims of violent crimes and their families. The organization’s goal is to advocate for laws that address these crucial issues to prevent future tragedies.
Moreover, CFBTAF is urging legislators to permit signs to be held in galleries and committee rooms, as well as allowing both sides of the House gallery to remain open to the general public to observe the legislative process. These actions are aimed at increasing transparency and public participation in the legislative decision-making process, particularly on matters related to firearm safety and school security.
In a statement, organization co-founder and parent Sarah Shoop Neumann expressed deep concern over the lack of “meaningful firearm legislation” following a Special Session in August of the previous year. Neumann highlighted the alarming number of shooting incidents in Tennessee since the state’s General Assembly adjourned, emphasizing the urgent need for legislative action to protect children and communities from gun violence.
The need for effective legislative measures to address gun safety and school security is of paramount importance to ensure the well-being and protection of students and staff. As the Tennessee GOP prepares to return to session, the call for “meaningful legislative change” in 2024 by Covenant Families for Brighter Tomorrows Action Fund underscores the critical need for comprehensive and proactive approaches to address these urgent issues.