MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – Republican leaders in Tennessee have threatened to withhold millions of dollars in state grants from the city of Memphis in response to three gun control bills that could go before voters in November.

Last month, the Memphis City Council unanimously voted to put these measures to a vote.

On Monday, Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton and Tennessee Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally took action to withhold sales tax revenue from the state, calling it “attempts to go it alone and play political sideshows.”

The first measure The referendum asks voters whether to amend the City of Memphis Charter so that no one can legally carry, store or carry a handgun. without a valid carrying permit.

Voters are also asked to educate themselves about the legality of storing unsecured firearms in unattended cars, where they can easily be stolen by thieves.

The second measure asks if Memphis residents believe assault rifles should be banned within city limits, except for those with valid permits and using them only on private property or shooting ranges.

Another question is whether or not the commercial sale of assault rifles should be allowed within city limits.

These provisions would not apply to law enforcement agencies. Prior purchasers would be those who can prove that they have completed an application, passed a background check and have a receipt for their legally purchased assault weapon.

The third and final measure If the referendum passes, concerned citizens could petition for an emergency safety ordinance, which would prohibit a specific person from owning, using or purchasing a firearm if it is proven that they could endanger themselves or others.

Action News 5’s Joyce Peterson will report more on Monday’s threats and city leaders’ response at 10 p.m.

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