Top Tennessee Republicans, including House Speaker Cameron Sexton and Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, have threatened to withhold over $75 million in state sales tax revenue from Memphis if the city proceeds with a November ballot referendum on gun control measures. The measures include requiring handgun permits, banning AR-15 style rifles, and implementing a red flag ordinance. Memphis City Council argues the referendum allows citizens to voice their opinions, despite likely conflicts with state law. Republican leaders label the referendum a political stunt and assert state laws cannot be overridden by local measures. This conflict underscores ongoing tensions between Memphis' local governance and the predominantly Republican state legislature, which has previously clashed over other local reforms.