NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WMOT/AP)  --  A Tennessee House subcommittee yesterday derailed an effort to extend to contract workers the same protections from sexual harassment enjoyed by fulltime employees.

Nashville Democrat Bob Freeman introduced the bill, saying music industry contract workers have few legal options when harassed on the job. He called on mid-state singer, songwriter Bri Murphy to share her experiences with lawmakers.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (OSBORNE)  --  Republican state lawmakers are divided over a proposal to limit the authority of police oversight boards like the one approved last fall by Nashville voters.

Earlier this month, the Tennessee House passed a measure stripping such boards of subpoena power. During committee debate, Republican Majority Leader William Lamberth insisted giving such boards the ability to compel witness testimony would put police officers at risk.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (OSBORNE)  --  An abortion bill that sailed through the Tennessee House in less than three weeks appears stalled in the State Senate.

House bill 77 would outlaw all abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected. That’s typically at about six weeks into a pregnancy and before many woman even know they're expecting.

During House committee debate Memphis Democrat Barbara Cooper questioned Republican bill sponsor Micah Van Huss about the measure.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (OSBORNE)  --  The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals will this week hear oral arguments in Tennessee’s lawsuit against federal immigration policy.

Two years ago this month state lawmakers filed suit challenging the fed’s right to resettle refugees in Tennessee without state consent. When the state’s Attorney General declined to file the suit, lawmakers found a faith-based Michigan law firm to represent them.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (OSBORNE)  --  Two of Middle Tennessee’s largest music festivals are out with their 2019 lineups.

Topping the CMA Fest bill this year will be Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Pistol Annies, Dierks Bentley, Maren Morris and Little Big Town. The festival begins June 6th.

The Pilgrimage Festival also out with its lineup. Top billing at the Franklin show goes to The Foo Fighters, The Killers, and Keith Urban. Pilgrimage gets underway September 21st.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WMOT/TNS)  --  A state lawmaker says the number of Tennesseans suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease will jump 16 percent in the next five years.

Franklin Rep. Sam Whitson is asking fellow lawmakers to get the state prepared by forming an Azheimer’s Advisory Council.

Testifying before the House Public Health Committee this past week Whitson noted there are currently 120,000 Tennesseans suffering from Alzheimer’s. He says that number will increase to 140,000 by 2024.

Whitson noted that his mother recently died of Alzheimers, making it a personal issue.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (OSBORNE)  --  The State of Tennessee is offering a new tool to protect survivors of domestic abuse, human trafficking, stalking, and rape from further harm.

The Tennessee Safe at Home program shields survivors by making their current address and personal information confidential. The state gives residents who qualify a substitute address that can be used legally for any state or local government business.

The new shield program is being administered by Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett.