(NASHVILLE) February 1, 2024 – This week lawmakers worked diligently to file all their legislation with the Senate Clerk’s office ahead of the February 1 deadline. When legislation is formally filed, it receives a bill number and a bill jacket that travels with the bill as it goes through the legislative process. All legislation filed is easily accessible through the legislature’s award-winning website.

Now that all bills for the 2024 session have been filed, legislative work will ramp up as Senators put more legislation on notice with one of the Senate’s nine standing committees.  A committee is the first opportunity in the legislative process for a bill to be voted on by lawmakers. Depending on its content, legislation must pass one, two or sometimes three committees before it is put for a final vote on the Senate floor.  

Next week attention will turn to the 2024 budget. On Monday evening at 6 o’clock central, Governor Lee will unveil his budget priorities in the annual State of the State address, which will take place in a joint session of the General Assembly. 

This week Senators approved several bills in committee and worked towards improving public safety.

Senator Taylor files bill to prohibit local restrictions on routine traffic stops

To fight violent crime in Memphis, State Senator Brent Taylor (R-Memphis) filed Senate Bill 2572 this week to ensure law enforcement can conduct routine traffic stops as part of their efforts to protect public safety. The Memphis City Council passed a resolution last year to prohibit Memphis Police from stopping vehicles for expired tags, broken tail lights, loose bumpers, and similar offenses. Taylor’s legislation would prohibit local governments from restricting law enforcement’s ability to conduct routine traffic stops.

“Crime is on the rise across the country. Violent crime has reached a crisis level in Memphis,”  said Taylor. “Police officers and deputy sheriff’s need to have more tools available to combat rising crime, not fewer. This proposed law will prohibit cities and counties from restricting routine traffic stops and other crime-fighting tactics.”

Routine traffic stops have resulted in major arrests and the apprehension of violent criminals for years.  Whether it’s a random drug trafficker pulled over for running a stop sign or the most well-known case—Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh—routine traffic stops are a proven means of catching violent offenders, drug traffickers, and other dangerous criminals. 

Senators support AG lawsuit defending rights of NCAA student athletes’

On the Senate floor Wednesday lawmakers expressed support for a lawsuit filed by Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti against the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) for violating federal antitrust laws by placing anticompetitive restrictions on the ability of current and future student-athletes to benefit from their name, image and likeness (NIL). 

The AG’s action is consistent with legislation passed by the General Assembly in 2021 to push back against unfair NCAA policies and ensure student-athletes attending Tennessee universities could financially benefit from their NIL. This week, State Senator John Stevens (R-Huntingdon), who co-sponsored the legislation, emphasized that Tennessee law clearly stands on the side of NCAA athletes on this issue. 

“Tennessee law is very clear. The NCAA cannot impair a student athlete’s right to earn a living based upon their name, image or likeness if they have not violated the rules set forth by the NCAA,” said Stevens. “I thank the Attorney General of Tennessee and Virginia. They have filed suit against the NCAA on behalf of not only the student-athletes in the state of Tennessee but those other student-athletes outside the state of Tennessee who chose to come to our universities to maximize not only their educational opportunities but also their financial opportunities.” 

When prospective student-athletes are deciding where to attend college, the NCAA prohibits them from discussing potential NIL opportunities with schools prior to enrolling. These restrictions leave prospective student-athletes unable to consider the full scope of NIL-related services a school might offer.

Senator Richard Briggs (R-Knoxville) also stood on the floor to express support for the lawsuit and the University of Tennessee, which is currently under investigation by the NCAA for violations of their NIL policies. Briggs said that the current NCAA rules are unclear and unfairly punish student-athletes. He hopes the AG lawsuit against the NCAA will result in clear and fair policies for student-athletes.

New security technology eligible for school safety grants following legislation sponsored by Sen. Pody 

This week, State Senator Mark Pody (R-Lebanon) announced important progress in ongoing efforts to improve school safety in the Senate Education Committee. Pody told the committee a new wearable security alert device is now eligible for the school safety grants funded by the General Assembly in 2023. The device would be worn by teachers and would cut down on response times in emergencies to protect teachers and students. At the push of a button, the new technology can alert law enforcement and school administrators to threats while also providing real-time video footage of the classroom or surrounding area. 

After Pody filed legislation this year to make the new security technology eligible for school safety grants, the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) agreed to approve the technology administratively. Now, instead of waiting on the months-long legislative process, the new technology can be available to schools immediately. TDOE will notify school districts across the state that the school safety grant eligibility is expanded to cover this technology. 

“This technology has the potential to save lives, and I am so grateful to the Department of Education for streamlining the process of approving the technology for school safety grant funding,” said Pody. “It will improve the response time of law enforcement and EMS to immediate classroom threats such as discipline issues, medical emergencies or active shooters. It will be like having a Ring doorbell on teachers’ lanyards that alerts the appropriate personnel. When teachers press that button, they know help is coming.”

Though Pody’s legislation had specific requirements for the device, the department approved a more broad application of the school safety grants. 

The funding for the school safety grants is a result of legislation passed by the General Assembly in 2023. Lawmakers approved over $230 million in the budget to place a school resource officer (SRO) at every Tennessee public school, boost physical security at public and private schools, and provide additional mental health resources for Tennesseans. 

Expanding highway access for off-road vehicles to boost local economy

On Thursday, the Senate passed legislation to expand access of off-road vehicles to certain sections of a state highway in Oliver Springs. Senate Bill 1131, sponsored by State Senator Ken Yager (R-Kingston), allows off-road vehicles on permitted sections of TN-330 and TN-62 any day of the year. Currently, off-road vehicles can drive on the permitted sections two weekends a year. The bill would also stimulate economic growth by attracting individuals to the restaurants, grocery stores and gas stations located on the highways. 

“The thriving ATV community serves as a vital industry in Oliver Springs,” said Senator Yager. “This bill not only aims to draw a greater influx of enthusiasts to the town but also seeks to catalyze economic growth and prosperity in the region.”

The bill is now moving through committee in the House of Representatives. 

In Brief…

Natural Disaster Relief Program –  To increase aid to counties affected by natural disasters, this week the Senate State and Local Government Committee advanced Senate Bill 1660, sponsored by Sen. Page Walley (R-Savannah), to create the Natural Disaster Relief Program. The program, which would be administered by the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), authorizes a county to request grants to offset the costs of responding to natural disasters that do not rise to the level of a regional Federally Declared Disaster but are nevertheless devastating to a county. Recently, many Tennessee counties suffered the effects of tornadoes and incurred large costs associated with clean-up and repair. The legislation advances to the Senate Finance Ways and Means Committee. 

Hot slaw is on its way to becoming an official state food

This week slaw was a hot topic in the Senate. On Thursday, senators voted to make hot slaw an official state food and designate Cleveland, Tennessee as the state’s “hot slaw capital.” The legislation, Senate Bill 1573 and Senate Bill 1574, is sponsored by Senator Adam Lowe (R-Calhoun). It awaits action in the House of Representatives before being sent to the Governor for his signature. 

Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation shows significant impact on students’ access to literacy  

On Tuesday, the Senate Finance, Ways and Means committee heard updates from the President and CEO of the Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation about the significant impact of Tennessee’s investment in the program. The foundation, which is celebrating its 20th year of service, began with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in 1996 and has since grown into a statewide foundation aimed at providing children with guidance, resources and support for literacy in the formative years of their learning. 

Over the past two decades, the state has funded $4.5 million to the foundation and has served 70% of the birth-to-five population yearly. In 2020, the foundation focused its attention on K-3rd grade students, rolling out the new program in succession year by year. Six books (fiction and nonfiction), think sheets and parent resources have been sent to every child in every school district as well as teachers and school librarians each summer. In 2023, 1.2 million books were mailed to over 200,000 students and 11,000 teachers. The foundation plans to roll out a Kindergarten program this summer and hopes to continually reach a greater number of students and communities.

Wear Red for Heart Disease 

In honor of National Wear Red Day on Feb. 2, Senate members gathered on the floor Thursday wearing red to bring awareness to women’s heart disease. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming the life of a woman every 80 seconds. As the Senate celebrates Heart Health Month, the American Heart Association will be hosting a free CPR training in the Cordell Hull Building on February 14 to provide education for heart disease and preventative care. 

“Heart disease will claim one out of every three women as a cause of death,” said Senator Briggs, a heart surgeon. “Everyone here has known someone who has been affected by heart disease – this training could literally be a life saver.” 

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(NASHVILLE) – The General Assembly postponed official business and state offices closed last week after record-breaking amounts of snow and ice blanketed the state. Lawmakers returned to Capitol Hill on Monday and submitted hundreds of new bills to be considered during the 2024 legislative session ahead of the Thursday, February 1 deadline to file new bills. 

TDOT praised for rising to the occasion amid record amounts of snow and ice

Last week the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) worked overtime to clear roadways across the state and improve hazardous road conditions caused by snow, ice and subzero temperatures.  Chair of the Senate Transportation and Safety Committee, Becky Massey (R-Knoxville) opened her committee meeting Wednesday by recognizing the great work of TDOT and the Department of Safety to keep citizens safe during the unusual winter weather conditions. 

“On behalf of our committee, I would like to thank all TDOT and Safety employees – from those on the frontline like the highway patrol folks clearing accidents and TDOT workers running snow plows to all of the support personnel that helped on the backend,” Massey said to the departments. “It was a storm of the decades and impacted so many communities. You all worked around the clock to keep our communities safe so that we could traverse around to places like work and medical appointments. We can’t thank you enough for all that you do.”

TDOT Commissioner Butch Eley told the committee TDOT staff worked 16-hour shifts to clear and treat roads. Over the course of a week, TDOT deployed 88,500 tons of salt, 1.5 million tons of brine and 884,200 miles driven to make roads in Tennessee safe to drive. 

“We are very fortunate to have some of the best-maintained roads in the country,” said Eley. “But I will tell you that our most important assets are really not our physical assets but our people, and we’re very proud of that.”

TDOT’s new 10-year transportation project plan

Eley went on to update the committee on the department’s new 10-year project plan announced last month. The $15 billion, fiscally-constrained plan establishes a long-term investment strategy for infrastructure in Tennessee. Much of the funding for these projects is made possible through the $3 billion allocated by the General Assembly last year in the Transportation Modernization Act to address a $26 billion backlog of transportation and congested related needs. 

Tennessee takes pride in being one of the only states with no road debt. The new TDOT plan maintains this status and is consistent with the state’s fundamental principles of responsible fiscal management. Notably, it identifies a funding stream for every 93 projects in the plan to ensure what gets started gets finished.  

Other guiding principles of the plan include to continue fully funding State of Good Repair for road maintenance, balance rural and urban investments, utilize all available state and federal funds, and deploy TMA funds quickly. 

The Department stressed the financial importance of finishing projects quickly. As prices for materials are rapidly rising, the longer a project takes to finish the more expensive it becomes. 

The new plan also includes Tennessee’s first potential Choice Lanes, authorized by the TMA, to serve motorists in some of the most congested urban areas of Tennessee. 

Legislation proposed to help victims of human trafficking rehabilitate

Legislation is moving through the Senate to give victims of human trafficking with HIV a better chance at rehabilitating their lives. On Tuesday, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 0181, sponsored by Senator Page Walley (R-Savannah),  which would allow victims of human trafficking with convictions of aggravated prostitution to have their records expunged. The legislation would also remove the requirement for those victims to be placed on the sex offender registry (SOR). 

Under current Tennessee law, if a person knowingly has HIV and engages in prostitution then the criminal charge is elevated to aggravated prostitution, a Class C felony requiring lifetime registration as a violent sex offender.  

“Our current law places a lot of barriers for women who have been trafficked and many times, through no fault of their own, have contracted HIV and are trying to rebuild their lives,” said Walley. “These laws neglect to consider that when someone is trafficked they face coercion, manipulation, and threats by traffickers and pimps and as they try to rehabilitate their lives.”

Senate Bill 181 would allow a victim of human trafficking who was convicted of aggravated prostitution to petition the court to have their record expunged. It would also remove the requirement for those convicted of aggravated prostitution to be placed on the state SOR and allow those currently on the SOR for aggravated prostitution to be removed. 

“Being classified as a violent sex offender creates many issues for those on the list including access to jobs, housing, and certain rehabilitation programs,” added Walley. “The expungement of these victims’ records whose lives have been devastatingly affected by human trafficking would allow them to seek the care they need, help them to pursue jobs and remove barriers from housing issues they otherwise would face.” 

The bill now moves to the Senate floor to be considered by the full Senate.

Tennessee Promise Program evaluation indicates high success rates for students

Over the past decade, Tennessee high school graduates have had the opportunity to enroll in the Tennessee Promise Program which was first passed by the General Assembly in 2014. This week the Senate Education Committee was briefed on a recent report revealing the tremendous success of the Tennessee Promise Program. The report was issued by Tennessee Comptroller’s Office of Research and Education Accountability. Since its inception, Tennessee Promise has provided over $168 million in financial aid for students to attend Tennessee public higher education institutions tuition-free, and students enrolled in the program are excelling. 

The report highlighted Promise students on average maintain higher achievements in many areas compared to their non-Promise student peers. Promise students excel academically, earn more credits and have higher retention rates compared to non participating students. Overall, the program’s evaluation indicates students receiving the Promise scholarship are empowered and motivated to obtain good grades and complete their postsecondary education.

Participating students can earn a bachelor’s degree, certificate or technical diploma for free at any of Tennessee’s 27 colleges of applied technology (TCATs), 13 community colleges, and HOPE eligible independent or public four-year universities offering an associate’s degree or certificate. Promise students make up over 30 to 47 percent of college enrollees in Tennessee any given year.

“These grants help reach students who have financial barriers that don’t allow them to seek postsecondary education and gives them the chance to pursue their dreams,” said Senate Education Chairman Jon Lundberg. “I am very proud of this program and am honored to be a part of students’ steps toward success.” 

In 2021, the Tennessee General Assembly passed legislation to provide additional assistance to students with financial need to cover “non-essential” costs like books, which can cost up to $1,000 a year. 

Tennessee lawmakers are working hard to ensure the Promise Program continually does the best of its ability to help students in need reach their educational goals. 

In Brief…

Safe haven centers have saved over 128 babies in Tennessee

On Wednesday, Lawmakers heard from the Secret Place to Live for Newborns Organization about their continual efforts to protect children and mothers in Tennessee. The Safe Haven Law was enacted in 2001 due to a 14 year-old mother abandoning her newborn which ultimately resulted in the child’s death and the imprisonment of the mother. This law allows mothers of newborns to surrender unharmed babies to designated facilities within two weeks of birth without fear of being prosecuted or questioned. Tennessee was one of the first states to pass The Safe Haven Law and has since rescued 128 babies, which is a new baby almost every other month since the law has been enacted. There are over 1,500 facilities throughout the state of Tennessee and the organization is using its best efforts to continually update, train, and equip these facilities with resources to maintain safe processes. The organization commended the Tennessee General Assembly for their continued financial support and is proud of all the work that has gone into providing surrendered newborns a safe place. 

Finance Committee hears update on Annual Comprehensive Financial Report 

The Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee was briefed by the Department of Finance and Administration on the state’s award-winning Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for Fiscal Year 2023. The ACFR is Tennessee’s official annual report on financial activity. It is one of the most  important documents for any local or state government to establish financial transparency and credibility with its creditors and oversight agencies. In Fiscal Year 2023, the state’s net position increased by $6.6 billion, bringing the state’s total net position up to $60 billion. This includes $34.1 billion in capital assets, $22.6 billion in unrestricted funds allocated based on state statute, and another $3.3 billion in restricted funds. Tennessee’s ACFR has consistently won the prestigious Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. In 2022 the state’s ACFR won the award for the 43rd year – more than any other state has been awarded the certificate, and the Department believes the 2023 ACFR will also earn the award. 

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(NASHVILLE) January 11, 2024 – The 2024 legislative session of the 113th General Assembly is up and running, and the halls of the Cordell Hull Building are buzzing as hundreds of new bills are being drafted, announced and filed for consideration. Lawmakers returned to Capitol Hill on Tuesday to gavel in for the first time this year. Education, public safety and the budget will be among the top issues addressed by lawmakers. 

Years of consistent, conservative budgeting will aid lawmakers facing declining revenue

On Tuesday, the Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee heard testimony from experts on the state’s budget and economy. Department of Finance and Administration Commissioner Jim Bryson laid out new budgeting challenges but reassured the committee that Tennessee is well-prepared to address those challenges. Bryson said that while the fundamentals of Tennessee’s economy are still good, revenue collections – which generate 54 percent of the state budget funds  – are growing at a much slower pace for the first time in the last decade. While the slower growth is no surprise after years of record-high revenue, Bryson cautioned lawmakers that it means they will have to be more disciplined when crafting this year’s budget. 

“We have recently experienced unprecedented budget growth north of 10 percent over the last three to four years – in and coming out of the pandemic – which is significantly higher than the historic growth of close to three percent annually,” said Bryson. “In some ways our economy and our budget are coming back to earth.” 

Every November the State Funding Board meets to establish revenue projections for the upcoming fiscal year. In November 2023, the Funding Board lowered the revenue projections for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 from 3.7 percent growth to -0.5 to 0 percent growth and projected revenue growth for the upcoming Fiscal Year 2024-2025 of -0.5 to 0.5 percent.

For almost a decade Tennessee’s record economic growth led to years of higher-than-expected revenue collections for the state. However, revenue collections for the current Fiscal Year 2023-2024 continue to come in below budgeted estimates.  As a result, the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget could potentially have to make up for an estimated $718 million budget shortfall resulting from the disparity in actual versus expected revenue collections in Fiscal Year 22-23 and Fiscal Year 22-24.

Simplifying the franchise tax is on the 2024 agenda 

Lawmakers this year are also preparing to simplify the state’s franchise tax, which is a business tax on net worth. This adjustment will offer tax relief to businesses, modernize the way the tax is calculated and manage newly discovered legal risks. Deputy Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Revenue David Gerregano told the Senate Finance Committee Tuesday that the Tennessee Attorney General has identified significant legal risks with the way the property measure aspect of the state’s franchise tax is calculated. The current property measure of the franchise tax is an alternative minimum tax on property used in Tennessee. Gerregano said the property measure disincentivizes investment in the state and has recently created additional legal challenges. In response, Governor Lee is proposing legislation to change Tennessee’s franchise tax to remove the property measure and authorize the Department of Revenue to issue refunds to taxpayers who have paid the franchise tax based on property located in the state. 

Consistent Conservative Budgeting

Because of consistent conservative budgeting practices, Tennessee is well-positioned to handle this issue. For the past few years, lawmakers have intentionally used recurring revenue to pay for nonrecurring budget expenses. For Fiscal Year 2024 this budgeting practice has freed up $2.6 billion in recurring revenue not committed to any expenses. 

“Although the report on the franchise tax has caught us a little off guard, we have done a really good job at managing the state’s money,” said Senate Finance Committee Chairman Bo Watson (R-Hixson). “I am very confident about our ability to work with the executive branch and address the expected and unexpected budget challenges we face this year. Taxpayers in Tennessee can rest assured we are prepared and will continue our commitment to consistent conservative budgeting, while maintaining Tennessee’s status as one of the lowest taxed states in the nation.”

Tennessee’s economy remains strong 

Despite lower than expected revenue collections and record-high inflation, Tennessee’s economy continues to outperform the national average. In 2022 Tennessee was the 2nd fastest growing state in terms of real GDP, with a real GDP growth rate of 4.3% compared with a national average of 2.1%. 

Overall, the state remains in a strong financial position.  Tennessee has a proud tradition of being a well-managed, fiscally conservative state with the lowest possible tax burden to residents, and that will certainly continue. The AAA-ranked Volunteer State is among the least indebted states in the nation and leads the nation for fiscal stability and low taxes.   

To ensure the state’s financial stability is maintained in an economic downturn, lawmakers have continued to build Tennessee’s Rainy Day Fund, which serves as the state’s savings account. In 2023 the legislature invested $250 million into the Rainy Day Fund, bringing it to over $2 billion, the highest level in state history. 

Senator Art Swann announces retirement

On the opening day of the 2024 legislative session, State Senator Art Swann (R-Maryville) announced his retirement from the Senate. Swann, a retired business owner who represents Blount, Monroe, Polk, and part of Bradley Counties, told his colleagues he will not seek reelection in Senate District 2 this year.

Swann began his political career on the Blount County Commission from 1978 – 1982. After that, he served two terms in the Tennessee House of Representatives, representing Blount County until 1988. In 2010, Swann returned to the House, winning a four-way GOP primary with 39% of the vote. And in 2017 Swann was appointed by the Blount County Commission to represent District 2 in the Tennessee Senate after former State Senator Doug Overbey vacated the seat to become the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Tennessee. 

Swann is the vice chair for the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee and a member of the  Health and Welfare Committee. His fellow senators shared the significant role Swann played during his time in the Tennessee General Assembly.

“I have served with Senator Art Swann for more years than I care to mention,” said Lt. Governor Randy McNally. “He has been an excellent representative for his constituents and a great friend. His experience and statesmanship will be greatly missed. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve one more session with him and wish him well in his retirement.”

“Our body’s reputation is enhanced by members like Art Swann – a man with integrity, a man of independence, and a man who speaks his mind,” said Chairman Yager. “I thank Senator Swann for his efforts to make Tennessee a better place to live, work, and raise a family.” 

Education Commissioner updates Senate committee on early literacy improvement 

Over the last decade, the state has invested more than $3.35 billion in public education, and education continues to be a priority for the General Assembly. This week the Senate Education Committee received an update from the new Tennessee Department of Education Commissioner (TDOE) Lyzette Reynolds on the implementation and impact of those investments.   

In 2022, lawmakers strengthened educational opportunities for students by prioritizing the individual needs of every student through the landmark Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement Act. The 2023/2024 school year marks the first year schools were funded using the new funding formula, which invested an additional $1 billion in K-12 education to improve outcomes for all students based on their unique needs. 

Reynolds praised the General Assembly for its swift action during the COVID-19 pandemic to pass legislation that timely delivered critical literacy support to increase opportunities for learning and instruction. The 2021 Literacy Success Act developed guidelines and pathways for struggling students to advance to 4th grade with additional support. Additionally, the Tennessee Learning Loss Remediation and Student Acceleration Act, also passed in 2021, established tutoring, after-school programs and summer learning loss bridge camps focused on foundational reading skills and improving literacy rates. 

Prior to the pandemic, Tennessee struggled to overcome low literacy rates, with only a third of 3rd grade students reading on grade level. The pandemic exacerbated that struggle. 

Following the implementation of these new laws the 3rd grade reading proficiency rate increased from 32 percent in 2021 to 40 percent in 2023. 

“The gains made to improve 3rd grade literacy says a lot about the dedication of Tennessee students, families and teachers,” said Senate Education Chairman Jon Lundberg (R-Bristol). “Though at a 40 percent proficiency rate, there is more work to be done. I am hopeful that in the coming years we will see even higher proficiency rates.”

Education Savings Account Pilot Program

Commissioner Reynolds also provided an update on the status of Tennessee’s successful Education Savings Account (ESA) Pilot Program. ESAs allow eligible students who are zoned to attend a Shelby County district school, a Metro Nashville public school, a Hamilton County public school, or a school that was in the Achievement School District (ASD) as of May 24, 2019, to enroll in a nonpublic school or to support approved education-related expenses. 

Interest in the program is growing since it was first implemented in the summer of 2022. The number of approvable applications increased from 53% for the 22-23 school year, to 75% for the 23-24 school year. Parents of children enrolled in the program have given positive feedback. Based on parent satisfaction survey responses, over 90% are extremely satisfied or very satisfied with the overall experience of the program. 

In the 2024 legislative session, lawmakers will continue to work towards expanding school choice opportunities to meet each student’s individual needs. The General Assembly will consider a proposal from Governor Bill Lee to give Tennessee families more control over how their tax dollars are used for their child’s education.  The Education Freedom Scholarship Act would expand school choice throughout the state and ultimately establish universal school choice. 

Tennessee First in the Nation to Address AI Impact on Music Industry

On Wednesday, Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin) joined Tennessee Governor Bill Lee to announce the Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security (ELVIS) Act, a bill updating Tennessee’s Protection of Personal Rights law to include protections for songwriters, performers, and music industry professionals’ voice from the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI).

Tennessee’s music industry supports more than 61,617 jobs across the state, contributes $5.8 billion to the state’s GDP, and fills over 4,500 music venues.

“While the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence is exciting in many ways it also presents new challenges — especially for singers, songwriters and other music professionals,” said Leader Johnson. “Tennessee is well-known for being home to some of the most talented music artists in the world. It is crucial our laws protect these artists from AI-generated synthetic media which threatens their unique voices and creative content. I appreciate Governor Lee for proposing this first-of-its-kind legislation to protect the music industry in our state. I look forward to working with Leader Lamberth and my colleagues in the Senate on this important issue.” 

Tennessee’s existing law protects name, image and likeness, but it doesn’t specifically address new, personalized generative AI cloning models and services that enable human impersonation and allow users to make unauthorized fake works in the image and voice of others. Artists and musicians at all levels are facing exploitation and the theft of their integrity, identity, and humanity. This threatens the future of Tennessee’s creators, the jobs that they support across the state and country, and the bonds between fans and their favorite bands.

The ELVIS Act would be the first legislation of its kind in the nation to build upon existing state rules protecting against the unauthorized use of someone’s likeness by adding “voice” to the realm it protects.

Speaker Pro Tem Haile hosts Faith and State Panel  

On Wednesday, Senate Speaker Pro Tempore Ferrell Haile (R-Gallatin) moderated a panel on faith and state at the Capitol with religious, legal, and political leaders to discuss the important long-standing relationship between government and religion.

“We as Christians have a responsibility to forgive and issue mercy,” Haile said. “The state has the responsibility to issue justice and those are two entirely different things.” 

The three panel members were Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, former State Representative and Minister John DeBerry, and Tennessee Minister David Young. The state officials and ministers deliberated about how the church and state have distinct roles in society that at times can work together and at other times be opposed. The panel discussed the importance of the state and church relationship, especially in the legislative body made up of individuals with their own faith and convictions.  

“It is important [the legislators] bring their full identity that they carry into this building for the work they do and that includes very prominently their faith,” said Attorney General Skrmetti. “That is a good thing, that is a sound thing consistent with the story of America and we should celebrate that.” 

The hour-long panel was open to the public and can be viewed here.

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(NASHVILLE) March 31, 2023 – Like all Tennesseans, the Senate is mourning the horrific and senseless attack on Covenant School, a private Christian school in Nashville, that stole the lives of three children and three adults.

In recognition of the victims of the horrific attack, the Senate conducted no business in its Monday floor session. The Reverend Russell Hall of Mt. Olive Church of God in Cleveland, Tennessee led the Senate in a prayer and members were then dismissed to reflect on the tragic events of the day.

School security has been a top priority for the General Assembly this year. Senate Republicans remain committed to efforts to fortify school buildings and increase security measures to prevent tragedies like this in the future. A comprehensive school safety bill was set to be considered by the Senate Education Committee this week, but a vote has been delayed one week to review potential improvements to the proposed legislation.

“This legislation is the most comprehensive school security package that I have seen in my time here in the Senate,” said Education Committee Chair Senator Jon Lundberg (R-Bristol). “In light of what happened at Covenant School we want to take this time to explore any potential improvements we can make to this important legislation. I want to make sure we do all we can to strengthen school security.”

The Education Committee will consider the bill next Wednesday, April 4.

This week, Lt. Gov. Randy McNally wrote a letter to Gov. Lee outlining several ideas for enhancing school safety. Those include securing windows and glass in school buildings as the perpetrator of the Covenant School shooting shot out the glass of the school’s doors to gain entry. Other ideas include magnetic locks on doors, which keep shooters out and allow first responders speedier access in crisis; centralized and modernized camera systems to help police quickly identify a perpetrator’s location; and armed guards at all public and private schools.

Legislation proposes new oversight board to increase accountability for behavior-based sentence reductions for inmates

As part of the General Assembly’s efforts to crack down on crime and keep dangerous criminals off the streets, the Judiciary Committee passed legislation this week to create the Inmate Disciplinary Oversight Board to oversee the award of inmate sentence reduction credits for all correctional facilities in the state. The board would be tasked with reviewing the award, denial, and removal of inmate sentence credits for good institutional behavior or satisfactory program performance.

Currently, prisons across the state have their own disciplinary boards to determine the award of credits for sentence reduction. This bill would ensure that inmates across the state are awarded credits based on consistent standards.

Under Senate Bill 1236, sponsored by Lt. Governor Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge) and Sen. Ed Jackson (R-Jackson), the full-time, autonomous board would be composed of nine members. The governor, speaker of the Senate and speaker of the House would each appoint three members to the board.

The necessity for expanded oversight regarding sentence reduction credits became clear to lawmakers following the high-profile murder of Eliza Fletcher in Memphis last year by a criminal who was released early from a 24-year prison sentence, despite 54 write-ups and no participation in any programs.  If Eliza Fletcher’s murderer had not been released early, he would have been behind bars the day he murdered the Memphis school teacher.

“This board will implement important statewide standards,” said Jackson, “It will ensure inmates who have exhibited good behavior and earned sentence reduction credits will receive them and, at the same time, ensure inmates who have received disciplinary infractions and refused to participate in programming will serve their full sentences.”

The bill now advances to the Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee.

Protecting Tennessee businesses and workers — The State and Local Government Committee this week passed a bill aimed at protecting businesses and workers in Tennessee. Sponsored by Senator Shane Reeves (R-Murfreesboro), Senate Bill 681 would prohibit local governments from imposing requirements on an employer pertaining to hours worked, work scheduled or employee output during work hours.

The bill preempts local governments from imposing additional wage or employee benefit mandates on private employers. It prohibits local governments from requiring a private business to pay an hourly rate above minimum wage as a condition of contracting with the local government or operating within the local government’s jurisdiction. The bill also prohibits a local government from giving preference to vendors, contractors, service providers or other parties doing business with a local government based on wages or the employee benefits they provide.

Under the bill, local governments maintain the right to adopt policies for their own employees.

“Tennessee is an employment-at-will state and this legislation supports the employer/employee relationship that’s so important for our thriving economy,” Reeves said.

Preventing reparations on the local level — Local governments throughout the country are currently exploring “reparations” or payments to individuals who are descendants of slaves.  Shelby County has allocated $5 million to study and administer reparations proposals. To protect taxpayer money from being spent on this divisive issue, the State and Local Government Committee passed Senate Bill 429, sponsored by Sen. Brent Taylor (R-Memphis) which prohibits local governments statewide from using funds to study or disperse reparations.

Protecting free speech in schools — To protect free speech in schools, the Education Committee this week passed a bill that would prevent compulsory use of certain pronouns. Sponsored by Senator Paul Rose (R-Covington), Senate Bill 466 prevents teachers from being held civilly liable if they choose to use pronouns consistent with the student’s biological sex or the sex listed on the student’s permanent records. The bill extends the same protection to school districts. The bill also states a school or school district cannot bring disciplinary or adverse employment action against a teacher if they choose to use pronouns consistent with the student’s biological sex.

“The freedom of speech protects both the right to speak and the right not to speak,” said Rose. “This bill protects teachers from being compelled to speak against their conscience, worldview or core beliefs.”

Protecting the free exchange of ideas on college campuses — To promote freedom of expression and educational excellence on college campuses, the Education Committee this week advanced the Tennessee Higher Education Freedom of Expression and Transparency Act. Sponsored by Senator Joey Hensley (R-Hohenwald), Senate Bill 817 strengthens the prohibition on higher education institutions from being biased in favor of divisive concepts such as critical race theory. It establishes a transparent system for reporting alleged violations and complaints regarding divisive concept restrictions and requires institutions to report violations to the comptroller’s office. This bill prohibits bias or favoritism in the treatment of student groups and the use of school property. Under the bill, student-invited guest speakers may not be denied solely on race, religion or non-violent political ideology. Finally, the bill requires institutions to ensure employees whose job duties include diversity, equity or inclusion to be devoted to supporting student academic achievement and workforce readiness of all students.

Enhancing transparency and integrity of elections — Sponsored by Senator Art Swann (R-Maryville), Senate Bill 1182 requires candidates for president on the primary ballot to be certified by the state party chair. Currently, that responsibility belongs to the secretary of state. The bill requires the state coordinator of elections to certify to the county election commissions which names will appear on the ballot for each political party.

The bill also requires members of the State Election Commission to disclose if they receive payment for any services related to elections. Failure to timely disclose election services is cause for removal. This provision is intended to prevent conflicts of interest for serving members. The bill was passed by the State and Local Government Committee this week.

The Committee passed another bill this week to ensure voters are both citizens and properly registered. Sponsored by Senator Joey Hensley (R-Hohenwald), Senate Bill 137 requires the coordinator of elections to compare statewide voter registration databases with other state agencies and county records to identify any voters who have changed addresses without notifying their county election commission, and to compare statewide voter registration databases with the Department of Safety.

Clarifying uses for Nashville convention center’s excess revenue — To honor the intent of a 2009 law that allowed for the construction of Music City Center in downtown Nashville, the State and Local Government Committee this week passed a bill that clarifies uses for the convention center’s excess tax revenue. The 2009 law intended for excess revenue to go toward debt service and maintenance of the building, but the city over the years has instead diverted some of the revenue to its general fund. Sponsored by Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin), Senate Bill 648 clarifies excess tax revenue can only be used for prepayment or elimination of debt service as well as on capital and operating expenses of the facility. To ensure oversight on the state level, the bill also adds the state comptroller, state treasurer and the secretary of state as non-voting members of the convention center’s board of directors.

Improving community oversight boards — The State and Local Government Committee this week advanced a bill that seeks to improve community oversight boards by imposing statewide standards that have been proven effective. Sponsored by Senator Mark Pody (R-Lebanon), Senate Bill 591 authorizes municipal governing bodies to create a police advisory review committee upon adoption of an ordinance by a two-thirds vote. The purpose of the committee is to strengthen the relationship between citizens and law enforcement agencies to ensure a timely, fair and objective review of citizens’ complaints while protecting the individual rights of local law enforcement officers. The committee will make recommendations concerning citizen complaints to the head of law enforcement. The committees will consist of seven members appointed by the mayor with approval by the governing body.

Community oversight boards can enhance transparency and accountability of police departments, but there have also been instances of certain boards behaving in ways that have hindered rather than enhanced investigations. This bill ensures community oversight boards operate under the same standards statewide, allowing law enforcement to conduct an accurate, fair and valid crime scene investigation without interference by outside boards.

Helping military veterans and their families – Under the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, children of active duty service members can receive benefits and opportunities to help support them when they transition to a new school or area as a result of their parent’s service to the country. Senate Bill 317, sponsored by Senator Bill Powers (R-Clarksville), extends the benefits and opportunities provided by the compact to children of a member of any reserve component of the armed forces enrolled in grades K-12.

Sponsored by Senator Joey Hensley (R-Hohenwald), Senate Bill 724 allows honorably discharged veterans to obtain a temporary teaching license to fill a vacant position in a school. The permit will only be valid for a short time and must be used to fill a vacant position. Both bills were passed by the Education Committee this week.

Creating an Adult Sexual Assault Response Team – Senator Becky Massey (R-Knoxville) is sponsoring Senate Bill 22 which seeks to create an Adult Sexual Assault Response Team within law enforcement agencies. The team would assist in responding to incidents of sexual assault with adult victims that fall under the agency’s jurisdiction, and team members would need to be experienced in victim advocacy, law enforcement, criminal prosecution, health care services and mental health services. With this proposal, law enforcement agencies will be able to utilize their existing agency resources, and collaborate with community resources to better help sexual assault survivors. The legislation was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee this week and advances to the Senate floor for final approval.

Abrial’s Law, the Keeping Children Safe from Family Violence Act – In the United States, 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 7 boys will experience child sex abuse by people they know, and many children are placed into the custody of dangerous adults. Senate Bill 722, sponsored by Senator Becky Massey (R-Knoxville) will require court personnel to participate in training on child sex abuse and domestic violence. The training will help prevent dangerous parents from abusing the family court system. The bill moves to the Senate floor for final consideration.

Requiring well-baby routines for neglected children – Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a condition in which babies are born addicted to drugs, a result from the mother using drugs while pregnant. The baby is usually born with significant deficits and may struggle for their entire lives with effects. Senate Bill 655, sponsored by Senator Ed Jackson (R-Jackson), will require parents, guardians, or custodians of a child diagnosed with NAS to submit documentation to DCS of a well-baby routine examination by a licensed physician. This documentation will only apply to children less than the age of three and will help the Department of Children’s Services DCS better protect and care for children diagnosed with NAS. The bill was passed in the Judiciary Committee and now advances to the Senate floor for final approval.

Ensuring safe physical custody environments – Senate Bill 656, sponsored by Ed Jackson (R-Jackson), advanced out of the Judiciary Committee this week. The bill will require that before unsupervised visitation or physical custody is granted to a parent or guardian, the Department of Children’s Services (DCS) must provide documentation of at least two observed home visits to the courts before any custody or supervision is granted. This rule will only apply to those families in which the child was removed as a result of dependency and neglect. The bill will advance to the Senate floor for final approval.

Lowering burdens for small businesses recognizing asset depreciation – To remove time consuming tax filing requirements on small businesses, the Senate approved legislation to streamline the process for certifying the depreciation value of personal property for tax returns. Senate Bill 384 sponsored by Jon Lundberg (R-Bristol) raises the minimum depreciated value of tangible personal property from $1,000 to either $2,000 or less, or $10,000 or less but greater than $2,000 that the taxpayer may certify in lieu of detailing acquisition cost on the reporting schedule. This change will save 53% of small businesses time cataloging all personal property values, which often takes significant time but results in an incredibly small amount of money.

Improving Ease of Access for Food Trucks- Current law states that food truck businesses must obtain a permit in each county in which they want to operate. Because there is not a statewide recognized fire permit, a food truck may have to get multiple fire permits each year if they do business in multiple counties. Senate Bill 907, sponsored by Senator Frank Niceley, would require the state fire marshal to create a statewide fire permit to allow food trucks to operate in multiple counties throughout the year without having to obtain multiple fire permits. The bill advanced out of the Senate State and Local Government committee and moves to the Finance, Ways and Means Committee.

Establishing new grounds for parental rights proceedings – Currently, there are 15 grounds that can be cited as a legal reason to begin proceedings to terminate parental rights. One is a sentence to a correctional facility of 10 or more years for a parent whose child is younger than eight years old at the time of the sentence. Senate Bill 537, sponsored by Sen. Ferrell Haile (R-Gallatin), adds a ground for termination of parental rights if a parent receives a sentence of 6 or more years in a correctional facility in addition to meeting at least one other ground for termination of parental rights. The bill passed the Judiciary Committee this week and advances to the Senate Floor for final approval.

Increasing background checks for professional bail agents – Senate Bill 1153, sponsored by Senator Frank Niceley (R-Strawberry Plains), would require professional bail agents and bounty hunters to have an annual criminal history background check from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. The bill requires agents and bounty hunters to take an annual education class, and requires a criminal background check prior to taking the class. The bill passed the Judiciary Committee this week and advances to the Finance, Ways and Means Committee.

Increasing penalties for desecrating a house of worship – The Judiciary Committee passed legislation this week to expand the Class E felony offense for desecrating a house of worship. Senate Bill 848, sponsored by Senator Bo Watson (R-Hixson), adds “knowingly or recklessly” to the current Class E felony offense to “intentionally desecrate” a house of worship.

Ensuring deputy jailers can choose where they live — Sponsored by Senator Paul Rose (R-Covington), Senate Bill 923 prohibits local governments from applying residency restrictions to jailers or correctional officers employed by local governments. The bill ensures those occupations have the freedom to choose where they live, building off of a similar bill the General Assembly passed last year that pertains to law enforcement officers.

Streamlining higher education projects — The State and Local Committee this week advanced a bill that would modernize the State Building Commission’s process for higher education projects. Sponsored by Lt. Gov. Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge), Senate Bill 1459 would streamline processes surrounding construction, renovation and maintenance of certain public higher education facilities. The legislation would create greater efficiency while maintaining transparency, and also cuts red tape for projects not funded by state appropriations.

Securing insurance for low-income housing — A bill that would help low-income housing entities secure insurance while lowering state expenditures was advanced by the State and Local Government Committee this week. Sponsored by Senator Page Walley (R-Savannah), Senate Bill 1085 would allow low-income housing entities to enter into agreements with each other and establish their own self-insurance pool rather than purchase insurance off the open market. The bill next goes to the Finance, Ways and Means Committee.

New State Symbols – The Senate this week passed two pieces of legislation designating new state symbols. Senate Bill 511, sponsored by Senator Ferrell Haile (R-Gallatin), will designate “The Tennessee in Me” by Debbie Mathis Watts as an official state song. House Joint Resolution 23, sponsored by Senator Adam Lowe (R-Calhoun), designated Pumpkin Pie as a symbol of the state of Tennessee.

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