Tennessee Special Session Updates - August 25, 2023
Summer's Grand Finale: A Championship Triumph for Meagan's Daughter! 🌟🏆
Our hearts swell with pride as we celebrate summer ending with a major accomplishment for Meagan's daughter – her fantastic team won the PGF National Championship 10u in Irvine, California. A great achievement and fantastic way to close out the season! 🎉 🥇⚾
State Senate
Following a week of advancing multiple pieces of legislation, the Senate adjourned its Thursday session without addressing further proposals. The Senate's commitment to reconvene on Monday remains significant, considering the potential scenario where a quorum might not be detected, potentially influencing the actions taken on that day.
Among the hundreds of bills under consideration, covering a wide array of topics including mental health support, public and school safety, and gun reform, the Senate narrowed its focus on a handful of bills, including three bills that the Senate has passed that Governor Bill Lee placed utmost priority on.
The bills are as follows:
SB7085/HB7012 - Provision of Free Gun Locks
This bill mandates the provision of free firearm locks to Tennessee residents upon request. It also includes instruction on safe firearm storage in approved handgun courses. Tax exemptions for firearm safes and safety devices will commence on November 1, 2023.
SB7086/HB7013 - Timely Submission of Criminal Records
This legislation reduces the time for notifying the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) about the final disposition of criminal cases from 30 days to 72 hours. It mandates electronic submission of notifications for circuits, general sessions, and municipal courts, ensuring prompt reporting.
SB7088/HB7041 - Annual Report on State Trafficking by TBI
This bill requires the TBI to submit an annual report on child and human trafficking incidents and trends, including the activities of their trafficking unit. The report must be submitted to the governor and legislative speakers by December 1, starting from the year 2023.
State House
Currently, none of the three bills selected by the Senate have been passed by the House. As the House is scheduled to reconvene on Monday, it's probable that some of the bills approved by the Senate will eventually gain approval in the House along with an additional seven Bills.
Special Session Budget
The House has approved a budget highlighting focus on mental health funding, and the Senate is set to convene on Monday, possibly for deliberation on the House-approved budget. There will likely be substantial disparities between the budget passed by the House and the budget that the Senate advanced out of the Finance committee.
Amendment No. 1 to House Bill No. 7070, acknowledges the potential financial impact of Senate Bill 7085/House Bill 7012 concerning firearm safety, estimating a recurring revenue loss of $1,600,000 if the bill is enacted.
Notably, the amendment directs funds to several significant areas of concern. A sum of $1,100,000 (nonrecurring) is appropriated to the Department of Safety to create and execute a dedicated public safety campaign emphasizing safe firearm storage as mandated by Senate Bill 7085 / House Bill 7012.
Further appropriations include:
$10,000,000 (nonrecurring) to the Department of Education: Designated for school safety grants, this allocation targets public charter schools and schools within local education agencies that lack a full-time school resource officer.
$12,131,000 (nonrecurring) to the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services: This funding aims to provide sign-on and retention bonuses to behavioral health professionals within contracted treatment agencies. A meticulous reporting requirement accompanies this provision.
$3,000,000 (nonrecurring) to the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services: This allocation establishes a public behavioral health scholarship program, promoting the pursuit of behavioral health-related degrees with the condition of subsequent employment within contracted treatment agencies.
$4,000,000 (nonrecurring) to the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services: Appropriated for the Behavioral Health Safety Net Program, this funding supports the provision of essential mental health services.
$50,000,000 (nonrecurring): Earmarked from reverted TennCare funds, this allocation targets licensed community mental health agencies, further aiding the delivery of mental health services and practitioner incentives.
The amendment also caters to broader safety initiatives, such as earmarking $30,000,000 (nonrecurring) for school safety grants to higher education institutions and appropriating $10,000 (nonrecurring) to implement Senate Bill 93/House Bill 26 related to the reporting of juvenile commitments.
Notably, Senate Bill 80 / House Bill 27, Senate Bill 91 / House Bill 32, and Senate Bill 77 / House Bill 34 also receive substantial appropriations, focusing on mental health evaluations, coverage, reimbursements, and stalking offenses respectively.
IN THE NEWS
Unwinding Report May 2023 Renewals
PDF
Southwest Airlines bringing 1K+ jobs to Tennessee by opening new crew base at Nashville International Airport
Southwest Airlines is furthering its commitment to Music City with the addition of a new crew base at Nashville International Airport, the airline announced Monday.
www.wkrn.com - Aug. 15, 2023
Rep. Justin J. Pearson holds gun violence rally ahead of special session
As the special session nears, Memphis State Representative Justin J. Pearson is hosting events to prioritize child safety over guns, with community leaders and activists joining the cause. The rally emphasized the urgency for gun control, with emotional stories like LaVonda Thorn-Henderson's son Larry, who was fatally shot, driving the demand. City Councilman Dr. Jeff Warren introduced a referendum for stricter gun regulations within city limits, aiming to tackle the prevalent gun violence issue.
www.actionnews5.com - Aug. 19, 2023
We get to shine no matter what': Children's choir sings at TN Capitol ahead of special session
At the Tennessee Capitol, elementary school children led by Ruby Amanfu sang "This Little Light of Mine" to urge lawmakers to prioritize child safety during the upcoming special legislative session on public safety. The event marked the start of gun control-focused rallies this week, following the March mass shooting at Covenant School, while the session's gun-related bills include proposals for safe storage incentives and preventing dangerous individuals from obtaining firearms.
www.tennessean.com - Aug. 20, 2023
We’re in the middle of the road’ | Educators hoping change comes from Special Session
As Tennessee lawmakers gather for a Special Session, teachers find themselves caught between Republican legislators pushing to arm them and Democrats opposing School Resource Officers (SROs). The Professional Educators of Tennessee supports bills proposing stricter background checks for gun purchases and the placement of SROs in all schools, aiming to enhance safety. The union emphasizes the need for thoughtful consideration of teachers' daily work environment and hopes for meaningful change despite divided opinions.
www.wvlt.tv - Aug. 21, 2023
Get something done:' State legislators gather in Nashville for special session
Governor Bill Lee's special legislative session in Tennessee, prompted by a tragic school shooting, addresses issues like mental health resources and school safety plans. However, some legislators are disappointed by the omission of direct gun-related discussions, leading to debates about the scope of the session's effectiveness.
www.fox13memphis.com - Aug. 21, 2023
Bills on guns for Tennessee special session | LIST
As the General Assembly convenes for the special session focused on public safety, legislators from different parties aim to present their proposed firearm and gun safety bills for consideration. Below are the gun-related bills submitted for the special session...
www.wate.com - Aug. 21, 2023
Tennessee youth advocates concerned about bill to criminalize threats of mass violence
During the special legislative session on public safety, Tennessee lawmakers will evaluate a bill proposing a new felony offense for making threats of mass violence. Introduced by Sen. Ferrell Haile, the bill aims to address cases where verbal or written threats precede serious crimes like mass shootings or attacks. While the bill's supporters argue for enhanced security, youth advocates express concerns about its potential impact on children, particularly those with disabilities, suggesting that the broadly defined law might unintentionally involve minors in the adult criminal justice system and infringe upon free speech rights.
www.tennesseelookout.com - Aug. 21, 2023
Tennessee physicians sign petition calling for stricter gun laws
As Tennessee's special session on public safety begins, Nashville witnesses a diverse range of voices advocating for gun reform, including physicians delivering a letter signed by over 1,100 doctors supporting measures like red flag laws and secure storage, while actress Melissa Joan Hart stands with Moms Demand Action for stricter gun laws. In contrast, the DC Project for Women for Gun Rights opposes such laws, favoring stronger mental health services, and the Proud Boys, a far-right extremist group, prompt increased law enforcement presence for safety.
www.krn.com - Aug. 21, 2023
Mental health care bills filed for Tennessee special session | LIST
With proposals ranging from increasing the number of school counselors to allocating state resources for mental health treatment and introducing a student loan repayment grant initiative, legislators in Tennessee have presented a series of bills aimed at tackling the mental health challenges in the state. These are the measures that will be deliberated upon during the upcoming special session of the Tennessee General Assembly focused on public safety.
www.wate.com - Aug. 21, 2023
Juvenile justice reform bills filed for the Tennessee special session
In Tennessee, legislators are convening during Governor Bill Lee's dedicated session on public safety, focusing on a range of issues including mental health, firearm safety, and school security measures. Among the topics to be examined are bills related to juvenile justice, which encompass expanding the scope of offenses for which juveniles could face adult trials and implementing mandatory mental health assessments.
www.wate.com - Aug. 21, 2023
TN lawmakers limit signs, add new punishments for members who speak out of turn during special session
During Tennessee's special legislative session, the state House of Representatives, mainly led by Republicans, approved rules restricting electronic device use for recording or live streaming meetings, banning noise amplification devices, and prohibiting signs or banners. The rules also enforce penalties, ranging from a day's silence to a year-long ban, for members going off-topic during debates. Republicans say the rules maintain order, while Democrats view them as limiting free speech and a response to previous expulsions of disruptive members.
www.wkrn.com - Aug. 21, 2023
Several gun safety bills voted down at special session
At the outset, a comprehensive collection of more than 50 bills encompassing issues related to guns and mental health were up for discussion, yet as the deliberations progressed during the committee meetings on Tuesday, only a select few of these bills managed to overcome scrutiny and move forward in the legislative process.
www.wflx.com - Aug. 22, 2023
Bill allowing more guns in Tennessee schools moves forward in special session
A firearm bill allowing law enforcement and certain permit holders to carry guns on school grounds advanced in Tennessee's special session on public safety. The bill faced debate and criticism, with supporters emphasizing school safety and critics expressing concerns about potential confusion for law enforcement, but it was approved by the House Civil Justice Subcommittee and moves to the full committee.
www.wkrn.com - Aug. 22, 2023
Special session live updates: After marathon hearing, divide emerges between House, Senate
n the special session, a divide between House and Senate priorities emerged as the House considered numerous bills while the Senate only passed three out of 55. Contentious topics like arming teachers and allowing guns on school grounds sparked emotional debates, leading to clashes between protesters and counter-protesters.
www.tennessean.com - Aug. 22, 2023
Signs return to Tennessee statehouse during special session addressing school shooting
In Tennessee's special session responding to a school shooting, a judge ruled to allow signs back into House hearings after state troopers removed individuals with pro-gun control signs. Chaos erupted during a committee debate on a bill allowing guns in schools as a Republican tried to end debate and Democrats protested, resulting in a lawsuit against the sign ban that was later ruled against.
www.wflx.com - Aug. 23, 2023
Bill allowing military, cops to carry guns at schools fails in TN special session
In a four-hour committee meeting, the Tennessee House education administration rejected a bill allowing law enforcement and the military to carry guns on school campuses. The vote was tied at nine "yes" and nine "no" votes, with four Republicans breaking party lines to vote against it. While it won't advance to the House Finance Committee, variations of the bill might resurface in the regular session in January.
www.fox13memphis.com - Aug. 23, 2023
Senate passes bills, sets talks with House for adjournment
During a special session, the Tennessee Senate passed four bills, including a $30 million spending measure, but faced a standoff with the House over more bills to pass and adjournment. Senate and House leaders negotiated while tensions rose, focusing on bills about trying juveniles as adults for gun offences and exceptions to minor autopsies in public records laws. The Senate approved gun storage incentives, human trafficking reporting, and background check improvement bills, but uncertainty remained about the session's conclusion.
www.tennesseelookout.com - Aug. 23, 2023
TN special session updates: House ends work for week, will return Monday; Gov. Lee comments
The Tennessee special legislative session on public safety, mental health, and guns has reached an impasse between the Senate and House. The Senate has passed four bills and wants to adjourn, while the House has passed numerous bills and demands Senate consideration of them all. Senate committee chairs are hesitant to reopen committees for more bills, setting up a stalemate. Demonstrators express frustration, and clergy voices criticize the inaction. The session is likely to extend into a second week, with tension over gun laws and safety measures remaining unresolved.
www.tennessean.com - Aug. 24, 2023
Covenant parents ‘deeply disappointed’ with lack of action during special session
Parents of survivors from the Covenant School shooting in Tennessee are frustrated by the Senate's adjournment until Monday during the special session, expressing determination to pass meaningful legislation despite the impasse. Covenant Families for Better Tomorrow members are committed to continued participation and advocacy, driven by the impact of the tragedy and their resolve for lasting change.
www.wkrn.com - Aug. 24, 2023