NASHVILLE, Tenn.– A gun safety group formed in response to The Covenant School mass shooting is urging Tennessee lawmakers to implement significant legislative changes in 2024. The organization, known as Covenant Families for Brighter Tomorrows Action Fund (CFBTAF), was established after the tragic shooting that claimed the lives of three students and three staff members on March 27, 2023. Comprised of parents, survivors, and school staff, CFBTAF’s objective is to advocate for education on the impact and prevention of school shootings, improve mental health support, and drive legislative change to ensure the safety of children and staff in schools.
The group is calling on the Tennessee GOP to take action on firearm safety as state legislators prepare to reconvene. Specifically, CFBTAF is aiming to expand background checks for gun sales, enact laws requiring safe storage of firearms, strengthen school safety measures, and protect the privacy of child victims of violent crimes and their families. Additionally, the organization is advocating for the allowance of signs in galleries and committee rooms, as well as keeping both sides of the House gallery open to the general public to observe the legislative process.
According to CFBTAF co-founder Sarah Shoop Neumann, the lack of “meaningful firearm legislation” following a Special Session in August is a cause for concern. Neumann emphasized the urgency of enacting legislation to ensure responsible firearm handling in the state, citing nearly 1,000 shooting incidents in Tennessee since the TN General Assembly adjourned in April 2023, leading to the deaths of 37 children and 354 adults.
The organization’s push for legislative change comes amidst a backdrop of ongoing concerns about gun violence and school safety in Tennessee. As the state lawmakers prepare to resume session, CFBTAF is committed to advocating for measures that prioritize the safety and well-being of students and staff in educational institutions.
In response to the tragic events at The Covenant School and the subsequent rise in gun violence, Covenant Families for Brighter Tomorrows Action Fund is demanding action from Tennessee lawmakers to enact meaningful legislative changes aimed at improving firearm safety and protecting the well-being of children and staff in educational settings. With the upcoming legislative session, the organization’s advocacy for enhanced background checks, safe storage regulations, and stronger school safety measures reflects a growing determination to address the pressing issue of gun violence in the state.