Republicans in Tennessee have removed two Democratic lawmakers from state legislatures for their roles in a protest calling for greater gun control. Here’s a look at what could happen next

.What happened?

Republicans voted Thursday to evict two black lawmakers who last week approached the front of the House of Representatives Chamber with a megaphone and joined in a chant after joining protesters calling for

the

approval of arms control measures.

The protests followed the March 27 shooting at Covenant School, a private Christian school in Nashville. Six people were killed, including three 9-year-old children.

GOP leaders argued that the action against Reps. Justin Jones and Justin Pearson were needed to draw a line against lawmakers protesting to disrupt House proceedings.

Rep. Gloria Johnson, who is white, also took part in the protest on the house floor. She survived an attempt to evict her by one vote.

What’s next?

County committees in each of the ousted legislature districts will elect replacements to serve until a special election can be held.

Tennessee’s House evicts two of three Democrats involved in gun control protests

The committees could choose Jones and Pearson and have them return to the Capitol. The ousted lawmakers would also be eligible to run in the special elections to fill the seats.

Under the Tennessee Constitution, lawmakers cannot be expelled twice for the same crime.