Capitol Hill Week: Republican Party perspective

State Senator Paul Bailey

 (March 18, 2021) – The General Assembly continued to advance significant legislation this week, including a proposal aiding small businesses which was approved by the committee I chair, the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee.  Senate Bill 474 allows businesses to remain open during a pandemic or other health emergency if they follow guidelines issued by any government to keep their customers and employees safe. 

Also called the  Tennessee Business Fairness Act this legislation puts all businesses on the same playing field in a declared state of emergency, so small businesses are not forced to close while their bigger competitors stay open. We learned a lot over the last year about public health guidelines, essential vs. non-essential businesses, social distancing and more during the pandemic.  We also learned that certain small businesses were impacted much more negatively than others and that certain industries needed greater flexibility.

This legislation addresses those concerns going forward.  First, it would provide greater flexibility for businesses to follow the public safety guidance – state or local – that works best for them, their customers and employees.  Secondly, it would ensure government isn’t in the business of picking winners and losers like Michigan, where big box retailers are thriving while small retailers remain at 50% capacity as of early March.  This is inherently unfair and a main reason for this legislation.

The bill, which now heads to the Senate floor for final consideration, is supported by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). 

In other major action this week, the Senate approved legislation allowing Tennesseans to exercise their constitutional right to carry firearms without a permit, while cracking down on criminals who steal guns or possess them illegally.  Senate Bill 765 will allow law-abiding citizens in Tennessee who are at least 21 years old or are honorably discharged or active in the U.S. Armed Forces, National Guard or Reserves to carry a firearm without a permit in a place where they are lawfully present.  The bill is part of Governor Bill Lee’s legislative package.

Eighteen states already allow law-abiding individuals to carry a concealed handgun without a government-issued permit. 

Under the bill, those who carry without a permit must have no felony convictions, orders of protection in effect, pending charges or convictions for domestic violence or stalking, or have been adjudicated as a mental defective.  In addition, individuals convicted of two DUI offenses within the last ten years or one in the last five years would not be eligible, as well as federal prohibitions which include illegal aliens and fugitives from justice.   It also significantly increases penalties for firearm-related crime to promote public safety, including theft of a firearm.

The bill must now be approved by the House of Representatives before it goes to Governor Bill Lee for his signature.

Finally, I was very pleased that legislation benefitting our National Guardsmen is beginning to advance through the General Assembly with passage in the Senate Education Committee this week.  I have tremendous respect for these brave men and women and look forward to lending my support for its passage. 

Senate Bill 755 expands eligibility for tuition reimbursement for members of the Tennessee National Guard under Tennessee’s Support, Training, and Renewing Opportunity for National Guardsmen (STRONG) Act to a master’s degree and certificate-producing programs. It provides tuition reimbursement for up to 120 hours for a bachelor’s degree, 40 hours for a master’s degree and 24 hours for a vocational or technical program. 

The legislation also provides reimbursement for up to 30 additional hours for any service member enrolled in ROTC or other officer-producing programs while pursuing a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree.  Students enrolled in officer-producing programs are required to take certain courses which can be outside the requirements of their chosen degree. This could lead to ROTC students hitting the credit hour cap before obtaining their degree and losing their eligibility for additional reimbursement. 

The STRONG Act has boosted recruitment of service members in the National Guard since its enactment in 2017.  This legislation aims to retain and renew more service members by offering additional education benefits.

Thank you for allowing me to serve you in our State Senate.  Please feel free to call or contact me when I can be of assistance or if you want to express your views.  My email is sen.paul.bailey@capitol.tn.gov, my phone number is (615) 741-3978, and my address is 425 Rep. John Lewis Way N., Suite 736 Cordell Hull Bldg., Nashville, TN 37243.  I look forward to hearing from you.