Tennessee Republican lawmakers hit an impasse on Thursday, just a few days into a special session called in response to a deadly school shooting in March. The special session was convened by Republican Governor Bill Lee, who hoped to pass a bill to keep guns away from individuals deemed to be a threat. However, the GOP-dominated Senate adjourned on Thursday without taking up any more proposals, leaving little certainty about what gun control measures might ultimately be passed. The decision was met with outrage from gun control advocates in the galleries, who booed and jeered at the announcement.

The impasse between the two chambers has added to the emotional and chaotic atmosphere of the special session. Gun control advocates are calling on the Republican-led Statehouse to consider tightening the state's relaxed gun laws. In response, Republican legislative leaders have taken steps to limit public access to the Capitol building and have increased the presence of law enforcement. House Republicans even attempted to ban the public from holding signs during floor and committee proceedings, but a judge has since blocked that rule. In one hearing, troopers were called to remove the public from the room, including grieving parents connected to the school shooting, who broke down in tears at the decision.

Democratic lawmakers have expressed concern that the bills being considered have focused solely on mass tragedy responses rather than preventive measures to address gun violence. They argue that the state should be taking proactive steps to prevent future violence, rather than simply preparing for the next tragedy. Republican House leaders defend their approach, stating that they are using the special session to address a wide range of proposals, while the Senate has refused to consider anything outside of the limited legislative agenda outlined by the governor.

Despite the impasse, Governor Bill Lee has proposed several smaller changes aimed at improving public safety. Some of these proposals, such as incentivizing safe gun storage and increasing funding for school resource officers, have been passed by the Senate. However, House Republicans have taken up more extensive measures, including a bill that would charge juveniles aged 16 or older as adults in murder cases and a bill to shield the public disclosure of autopsies of child homicide victims.

Meanwhile, the public has been increasingly vocal in their demands for gun law reforms. During the special session, protestors have found ways to defy the ban on signs, writing messages on their bodies and holding up their phones with messages displayed. The actions of the Republican-led legislature have drawn criticism for their strict punishments of opponents, with two young Black Democratic lawmakers being expelled earlier this year for breaking House rules during a gun control demonstration.

The emotional and chaotic atmosphere of the special session has left little hope for significant gun control changes in Tennessee. Lawmakers are set to return on Monday, but with the impasse between the House and Senate, it remains uncertain what measures will ultimately be passed. Gun control advocates continue to push for stricter laws, while Republican leaders defend their approach as a comprehensive response to public safety concerns. The standoff between the two chambers highlights the deep divisions within the state legislature and the challenges of addressing gun violence in a politically charged environment.