Capitol Hill Week: Republican Party perspective

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  (April 29, 2021) - The state budget led a host of important bills that were approved this week as lawmakers prepare to close the 2021 legislative session.  The General Assembly, which is looking to adjourn next week, has completed the vast majority of its business with most of the remaining action pending on bills that were behind the budget due to their cost.

The no-debt budget, which will fund state government for the 2021-2022 fiscal year, continues lawmakers’ efforts to take care of the state’s most vulnerable citizens, ensure public safety, keep promises to state employees and maintain fiscal discipline.  It prioritizes education, health care, and job development, including a record investment in broadband.  This will be of tremendous benefit to our communities in Senate District 15 and I was proud to support its passage.  It will also provide a sales tax holiday on grocery sales, purchases at restaurants and all prepared foods on July 30 – August 5 to complement the relief provided to consumers on purchases of clothing, school supplies and computers.

Another key provision is $5.5 million for the Graduate Medical Education (GME) Program to get more residents into rural hospitals, particularly family practice doctors which are badly needed. These funds will be used as stand-up money to fund these residencies which will support our rural hospitals.  Research shows that 70 percent of the doctors end up practicing where they do their residency.

On public safety, the budget provides funds to enact Truth in Sentencing legislation which ensures certain violent or sexual offenders serve 100 percent of the sentence imposed by a judge or jury.  In addition, it enacts major criminal justice reform legislation aimed at reducing recidivism of inmates in Tennessee’s prisons and jails to reduce crime and make our communities safer.

Human Trafficking / Evidence / Social Media Platforms – In action on key bills, the full Senate passed legislation that I am sponsoring authorizing a law enforcement officer, district attorney or designee, or the attorney general or designee to require the disclosure of wire and electronic communications for evidentiary purposes. Senate Bill 1592 intends to crack down on human trafficking offenses organized through social media platforms.

In human trafficking cases, it is common for defendants to use their cellphones to communicate through social media or chats to negotiate over a price of a victim.  Companies or providers that refuse to comply with the legislation can be punished for contempt of the court.

The legislation now goes to Governor Bill Lee for his signature.

Child Neglect and Endangerment / Exposure to Dangerous Drugs – Another bill which I am sponsoring passed this week to help protect children from exposure to dangerous drugs. Under current law, child neglect and endangerment are defined as Class A misdemeanors. Senate Bill 1591would expand this definition to include the exposure of a child to methamphetamine or any other dangerous drug that is not Schedule VI, which is marijuana or its synthetic equivalents. Additionally, it provides that the offense will be a Class D felony if the exposed child is eight years old or under. Investigators are expected to utilize standard methods of drug testing to determine whether a controlled substance is present in a child’s system.

Right to Work Constitutional Amendment –Tennessee’s Right to Work law, which I am co-sponsoring, is one step closer to being added to the state constitution. On Thursday, the House of Representatives gave final approval to the resolution to add the law protecting Tennessee workers to the Tennessee Constitution. Senate Joint Resolution 2 fulfills the second required passage of this measure by the legislature.

Now, in order to be added to the state constitution, the amendment must be adopted by a majority vote in the 2022 governor’s election.

The First Responder Safety Act -- Legislation creating new protections for law enforcement, paramedics, firefighters, correctional officers, department of corrections employees and other emergency medical rescue workers was approved by the Senate on Thursday. The bill raises the offense of murdering an on-duty first responder for their profession to an act of terrorism if the perpetrator is an adult. Upon conviction, the offender must receive either life without parole or the death penalty. Once signed into law, Senate Bill 841 would be among the nation’s strongest legislation protecting first responders.

In addition, the Senate approved Senate Bill 842 which would expand the possible sentences for a person who commits attempted first-degree murder against a police officer that is in the line of duty. A convicted person may face life without parole at the discretion of the judge.

Both bills have passed the House and Senate and will move to the governor’s desk for his signature.

Thank you very much for the opportunity to serve you in the Tennessee Senate and do not hesitate to contact me if I can help you.    

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