In the wake of the tragic school shooting that took place in Nashville earlier this month, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has urged state legislators to pass a law that would prevent individuals who pose a risk to themselves or others from obtaining firearms.

Lee also announced plans to sign an executive order enhancing background checks for purchasing firearms, although he was careful not to describe them as “red flag laws,” a term that raises alarm bells among Second Amendment supporters, even though the difference is effectively indistinguishable.

“I’m asking the General Assembly to bring forward an order of protection law,” Lee said in a news conference at a Nashville police station on Tuesday. “A new, strong order of protection law will provide the broader population cover, safety, from those who are a danger to themselves or the population. This is our moment to lead and to give the people of Tennessee what they deserve.”

His comments came in the wake of the recent school shooting in which a 28-year-old transgender woman opened fire on students at a private Christian school in Tennessee which she had once attended. Six people were killed, including three children

“I think everyone — leadership from speakers as well as other leaders — have expressed a desire to do something and move forward,” he continued. “I have challenged them to bring forward ideas and subsequently met with those leaders. I do believe we should get it done during this session.”

Lee added that the current system for background checks on firearm purchases is effective only if up-to-date and precise information is accessible. His executive order, therefore, mandates a 72-hour timeframe for reporting new criminal activity and obligates courts to provide this information directly to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for the purpose of conducting the necessary checks.

Although the governor did not provide any specifics regarding the order of protection measure, he expressed a desire to work with Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, the Republican Senate speaker of Oak Ridge, and House Speaker Cameron Sexton, to finalize the details. McNally has previously expressed his support for implementing some form of red flag law.

“We all appreciate Gov. Lee’s leadership and his commitment to finding solutions to stop tragedies like The Covenant School shooting from two weeks ago,” Sexton said in a statement.

“As we look at mental health orders of protection, they must have a level of due process, protections from fraudulent claims and a quick judicial hearing for individuals who pose imminent threats,” he continued. “The House is willing to work toward bipartisan solutions to protect all children at their schools, in their communities and inside their homes.”

Tensions in the state have been at a fever pitch following the expulsion of two Democrats, Justin Jones and Justin J. Pearson, from the General Assembly for their participation in a protest on the chamber floor against gun ownership. However, Jones was reinstated on Monday following a vote by the Nashville City Council. It is expected that the Shelby County Commission will hold a similar vote for Justin J. Pearson on Wednesday.