Politics

Governor Signs Guns-in-Schools and Ignition Interlock Bills

AP/WMOT — Thu, 16 May 2013 17:36:41 +0000

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Governor Bill Haslam has signed two bills that received a lot of attention in the most recent legislative session.

Haslam announced today that he's signed the latest revision to Tennessee's ignition interlock law. It will now apply to more drunken drivers.

Currently, ignition-locking devices, which force drivers to pass breath tests to start vehicles and keep them running, are required for DUI offenders whose blood alcohol level topped 0.15 percent.

AG: Tenn. 'Ag-gag Bill' Constitutionally Suspect

AP/WMOT and ap — Fri, 10 May 2013 17:06:23 +0000

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee’s attorney general says legislation requiring anyone recording images of animal abuse to submit unedited footage or photos to law enforcement within 48 hours is constitutionally suspect.

Another Prominent Tenn. Democrat Bows Out

AP/WMOT — Wed, 08 May 2013 15:51:03 +0000

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP/WMOT) — Longtime state senator Doug Henry will not seek re-election next year.

The Tennessean reports that Henry's political ally attorney Nick Bailey sent an email to Henry's supporters yesterday announcing the 86-year-old Nashville Democrat's decision. Bailey says Henry will serve the remainder of his term.

Henry was the longtime chairman of the powerful Senate Finance Committee until Republicans took control of the upper chamber in 2007 and party spokesman Brandon Puttbrese says his decades of public service are deeply appreciated.

Controversial Renaming of Memphis Parks Moves Ahead

Associated Press — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:55:28 +0000

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — A special committee formed to suggest new names for three Memphis city parks mired in controversy has made a recommendation to the City Council.

The committee yesterday proposed new identities for parks that were formerly named in honor of the Confederacy.

Welfare Penalty for Parents Dead This Session

Associated Press — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 17:37:19 +0000

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A proposal that would dock the welfare payments of Tennessee parents whose children fail in school is dead.

After about a 40-minute debate on the Senate floor Thursday, Republican Sen. Sponsor Stacey Campfield decided to pull the bill so it can be studied over the summer.

Both Republicans and Democrats expressed concern about the legislation, which sought to cut Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits by 30 percent if a child fails to advance to the next grade.

Senator Seeks to Limit Police Drones in Tennessee

AP/WMOT — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 17:39:48 +0000

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP/WMOT) — A bill that will limit the way Tennessee law enforcement agencies can use unmanned drone aircraft is advancing in the state legislature.

Drones are a hot topic both in Congress and on the state levels as the technology has rapidly outpaced regulations on the use of remotely piloted aircraft domestically.

The bill's sponsor, Senator Mae Beavers, says the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, as well as the Nashville and Memphis Police Departments are already using drones.

108th General Assembly Contentious in Spite of GOP Supermajority

AP/WMOT — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 17:27:15 +0000

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The current session of the Tennessee legislature is moving into its final weeks.

With the Tennessee Republican Party holding a super majority in both chambers of the legislature, a fairly low-key session might have been expected. Instead, a number of contentious issues have roiled the 108^th Tennessee General Assembly.

'All or Nothing' on Haslam School Voucher Bill

Associated Press — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 11:25:43 +0000

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris says that lawmakers will either have to approve Gov. Bill Haslam's approach to a school voucher program in Tennessee or face the measure being withdrawn entirely.

Bill Would Seal Handgun Permit Records from Public

Associated Press — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 11:22:58 +0000

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A proposal to seal Tennessee's handgun carry permit records from public scrutiny is headed for a full Senate vote.

The measure sponsored by Republican Sen. Ferrell Haile of Gallatin unanimously passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday and is headed for a vote by the full Senate. The companion bill was approved 84-10 in the House last month.

Senate to Vote on Changes to Workers Comp.

Mike Osborne — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 18:48:04 +0000

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A proposed bill that seeks to change the way injured workers' claims are considered in Tennessee is scheduled for a full Senate vote Monday evening.

The companion bill to the measure, which is part of Republican Gov. Bill Haslam's legislative package, is set to be heard by the House Finance Committee Tuesday.

Opponents of the measure say it would reduce benefits and remove impartiality from the judgment process.