Tagged: tennessee general assembly

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A proposal designed to evict Occupy Nashville protesters is headed to the governor for his consideration.

The legislation passed the House 68-21 Monday evening after lawmakers agreed to a change by the Senate, which approved the bill 20-10 last week.

The measure makes it a crime to camp on any state-owned land that’s not specifically designated for camping.

According to protester Elie Whitely a number of Occupy members are prepared to be arrested once the new measure becomes law. She also says that protesters are exploring options for maintaining some kind of presence on the plaza.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP/WMOT)  --  A proposal aimed at stopping Occupy Nashville protesters from staying overnight on the Capitol complex has passed the House.

The measure sponsored by Republican Rep. Eric Watson of Cleveland was approved 70-26 after a lengthy debate Thursday morning. The companion bill was to be heard on the Senate floor, but the upper chamber adjourned before hearing the legislation.

Many occupy protesters have already left the plaza, but organizers don’t seem especially worried by the legislature’s efforts to dislodge them. Occupy spokesperson Jason Steen says the group is discussing other options.

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WMOT)  --  Occupy Nashville says its planning fresh protests aimed at legislators considering bills that could be used to evict the group from Legislative Plaza.

The Judiciary Committee’s of both the Tennessee House and Senate are scheduled to consider companion measures that would make camping on state property a misdemeanor.

In response, a spokesman for Occupy Nashville says the group will form what it calls a “gauntlet” on the plaza this afternoon, forcing legislators to pass by protesters to enter the capital.

Tomorrow, Occupy Nashville is calling for protesters to attend the committee meetings in both the House and Senate where the bills will be considered

Michael Custer is an Occupy spokesman.  He says,

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP/WMOT) —Gov. Bill Haslam delivered his annual State of the State address to the Tennessee General Assembly last night.

Haslam spent much of the 40 minute speech laying out his budget plans for the upcoming fiscal year. The governor's more than $31 billion proposal relies on rebounding revenues to avoid more drastic cuts the state would have faced otherwise.

Among other proposals, the governor is calling for raises for state employees, more spending on construction on college campuses and tax cuts on food and inheritance.

Haslam says the budget reflects his aim to deliver effective but low-cost services to Tennesseans.

The Tennessee Legislature's new firearms task force may be disbanded following the arrest of its chairman, Collierville Republican Curry Todd, on charges of drunken driving and gun possession.