The Tennessee General Assembly is holding a Special Session in Nashville on August 21 at 4PM. The session comes at the request of Governor Bill Lee. State Representative Mike Sparks from Smyrna told WGNS, "The Nashville school shooting that occurred in late March of this year is what sparked the need to hold a special session that focuses on public safety." 

The first item for legislators to address is the availability of mental health services… Again, Sparks said the need for better mental health care is at a crisis level. The second key item highlights the need for schools to formulate a school safety plan and policy.

To better protect the public from those suffering from a mental health crisis, the state is suggesting the implementation of a temporary “Mental Health Order of Protection.” If pushed forward, legislation would state the newly proposed order of protection would have be initiated by law enforcement.

The state is directing TennCare to seek funding assistance from the federal government to to provide better coverage of mental illness and substance abuse disorders.

Another subject that will be addressed focuses on Human Trafficking in Tennessee. A resolution will be filed that directs the TBI to report on the “State of Human Trafficking in Tennessee.” Read the Governors Proclamation HERE.