NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Gov. Bill Haslam has released his administration's 42-bill agenda for this year's legislative session.
The Republican governor's legislative agenda is highlighted by proposals to restructure higher education governance; increase sentencing requirements for serious crimes; add reporting requirements for the disposal of human fetal tissue and create eight-year handgun carry permits.
Among the higher education changes proposed by the governor, six public universities in the Tennessee Board of Regents system would be given their own boards.
Haslam announced earlier this month that he would not try to get lawmakers to approve the state's first gas tax increase since 1989, avoiding what would have become a similar showdown with fellow Republicans that he faced with his unsuccessful bid to expand Medicaid in Tennessee last year.