In a bold move that could have significant implications, Tennessee's Republican legislative leaders have issued a threat to create a new state law that would withhold state sales tax from Memphis and Shelby County. This unprecedented action comes as a response to the city's plans to hold a ballot referendum focused on gun-related issues.

House Speaker Cameron Sexton and Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, both Republicans, jointly released a statement on Monday, warning of the hefty financial penalty. The threat is part of an ongoing power struggle between the GOP and Memphis and Shelby County leaders regarding criminal justice policy.

At the heart of the conflict are three upcoming referendums in Memphis that city leaders claim are not aimed at restricting gun ownership, but rather at implementing safer gun handling policies. However, these ballot measures conflict with state law, particularly as Republicans have been working to loosen gun access measures in recent years. Moreover, they clash with a new law that blocks local governments from enacting "red flag" laws to prevent individuals deemed dangerous from owning or purchasing firearms.

The legislative leadership expressed their displeasure with the Memphis City Council and Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy for what they perceive as continued attempts to circumvent state law with local measures. In their statement, Sexton emphasized the need to protect the rights and liberties of all Tennesseans.

While House Speaker Sexton hopes that the city leaders "will change course immediately," Memphis Mayor Paul Young acknowledged that guns play a significant role in the theft and violent crime issues within the city. He also stressed the importance of respecting state laws and the Tennessee Constitution. Mayor Young expressed the city's willingness to work alongside the state to find solutions that promote peace and reduce gun violence in the community.

It should be noted that the Memphis gun-related measures have not yet been officially placed on the ballot. The Shelby County Election Commission is currently in the process of processing these measures.

This latest move by the Republican leadership is not the first time they have intervened in matters affecting Democratic-leaning cities in Tennessee. The GOP lawmakers have previously passed legislation that targeted the size of Nashville's Metro Council and influenced appointments to various boards in Music City.

As for the upcoming referendums in Memphis, one aims to prohibit carrying handguns within the city without a permit, as well as banning unpermitted handguns from being carried or stored in vehicles. Another question seeks to ban the carrying of assault rifles within Memphis, except for those with valid handgun permits on privately owned property or shooting ranges. The commercial sale of assault rifles would also be prohibited, with exceptions for law enforcement and armed forces. The third question proposes the implementation of a "red flag" law, allowing the blocking of firearm purchases if there is probable cause that the purchase poses a significant risk of personal injury or death.

The specifics of how the Tennessee General Assembly could withhold sales tax from one of the state's largest local governments remains unclear. However, the joint statement from House Speaker Sexton and Lt. Gov. McNally underlined that if a city refuses to abide by state laws, they should not expect to reap the benefits of state successes.

Lt. Gov. McNally reminded Shelby County that they are bound by the explicit constitutional guardrails that outline the roles and responsibilities of state and local governments.

The threat made by the Republican leaders has drawn criticism from Democrats who argue that the people of Memphis, like those in other large cities across the state, are desperate for solutions to reduce gun violence. They believe that instead of imposing punitive measures, there should be a collaborative effort between the state and the city to ensure the safety and well-being of all Tennesseans.

As the campaign season gains momentum, this debate over gun reform in Tennessee emerges as a crucial talking point. Additionally, the upcoming election in November will feature Republican Rep. John Gillespie from Memphis facing Democrat Jesse Huseth.

In this complex and politically charged environment, the fate of the Memphis gun-related referendums hangs in the balance, awaiting further legal processing and potential confrontations between state and local governments.