What's New On The Hill 3/29/2024
This Good Friday, we pause to reflect on the solemn significance of this day and the profound sacrifices made for us. May this time of reflection bring you peace, renewed hope, and a deeper appreciation for the blessings in your life.
Wishing you a joyous and blessed Easter filled with love, hope, and the promise of new beginnings.
From all of us at Harris Frazier Government Relations, we extend our warmest wishes for a meaningful Good Friday and a happy Easter Sunday!
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Estie Harris for being named NashvillePost In Charge 2024: Government and Politics.
This prestigious recognition is a testament to Estie's leadership, dedication, and expertise in the field. She operates with excellence and never stops studying state government, undoubtedly contributing to her well-deserved achievement.
We are incredibly proud to have Estie as a valued member of our team, and we look forward to her continued success in shaping and influencing the landscape of government and politics.
Congratulations, Estie, on this outstanding accomplishment!
ON CAPITOL HILL
On Tuesday, we had the distinct honor of welcoming the esteemed members of the TN Association of Housing & Redevelopment Authorities to Capitol Hill. It was truly a pleasure to host such a dedicated group committed to advancing housing and redevelopment initiatives across our great state. We look forward to continued collaboration!
National Physicians Week
In honor of National Physicians Week, we proudly celebrate the members of our Tennessee state legislature who also serve as dedicated physicians, making a remarkable impact both in their practice and government.
We appreciate Senator Joey Hensley, Senator Richard Briggs, Chairman Bryan Terry, and Chairman Sabi Kumar for their commitment to improving the lives of patients and constituents alike.
Their roles exemplify the intersection of medicine and public service, and we are grateful for their efforts!
Burn Permits Required Through May 15
As we approach wildfire season, it's crucial for all Tennesseans to prioritize fire prevention and safety measures. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Forestry Division reminds residents that burn permits are required through May 15 for all open burning activities where local restrictions do not apply. State Forester Heather Slayton emphasizes the importance of practicing safe burning practices and obtaining permits to ensure residents are informed about safe locations and times for burning. Burn permits are easily accessible online at www.BurnSafeTN.org or via the MyTN mobile app, available seven days a week.
Additionally, permits can be obtained by phone for those with limited internet access. It's essential to follow safety guidelines, such as avoiding burning during windy or dry conditions, notifying neighbors and local fire departments in advance, and ensuring fires are fully extinguished by permit expiration. Remember, fire prevention is everyone's responsibility, and together, we can safeguard our communities and natural resources from the threat of wildland fires.
IN THE NEWS
Democratic View On Top State Senate Issues
CHATTANOOGAN.COM - March 25, 2024
Tennessee bill that would allow some people to take guns in prohibited places fails
The Tennessee Department of Safety and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation opposed the bill, claiming it would allow those with valid handgun permit to carry inside state buildings, jails, or the Department of Children's Services facilities.
LOCAL3NEWS.COM - March 27, 2024
Tennessee House GOP votes to end flu, whooping cough vaccine rules for foster and adoptive families
A Tennessee bill to eliminate flu and whooping cough vaccine requirements for adoptive and foster families caring for babies and medically fragile children is heading to the governor's desk.
TIMESFREEPRESS.COM - March 27, 2024
Tenn. lawmakers change Super Bowl public records bill, could still keep documents closed for years
Tennessee lawmakers have tweaked a bill to allow the public to eventually know how much money officials spend to bring an NFL Super Bowl to Nashville.
TENNESSEELOOKOUT.COM - March 26, 2024
In break from Tennessee Senate, House franchise tax bill would require public disclosure
A new House version of a costly plan to change the Tennessee's franchise tax system would require the state to publicly list the businesses receiving refunds, an effort to inject some transparency into a process muddied by state officials' refusal to release records justifying the overhaul.
TENNESSEAN.COM - March 26, 2024
Tennessee bill allowing concealed carry in all businesses fails in Senate committee
The Tennessee Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday narrowly blocked a controversial proposal that would have allowed concealed carry permit holders to bring guns into businesses without the property owners' consent.
TENNESSEAN.COM- March 27, 2024
Tennessee bill making school threats a felony advances
A bill that would make it a felony to make a threat against a school in Tennessee was presented on the House floor Monday, the same day two Middle Tennessee schools canceled classes due to a threat.
NEWSNATIONNOW.COM - March 27, 2024
Where does gun legislation stand in Tennessee one year after Covenant School shooting?
One year ago, tragedy struck Nashville when an armored shooter entered the halls of The Covenant School and killed three adults and three children.
WKRN.COM - March 27, 2024
Lee's updated TN budget includes more money for tax change but not House voucher bill
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee’s updated budget proposal includes more than $350 million higher than originally pitched for retroactive franchise tax refunds but does not fund any benefits for public schools included in the House version of a controversial statewide school choice program.
TENNESSEAN.COM - March 26, 2024
Tennessee Senate passes tourism secrecy bill but differences with House version remain
One of the state’s largest industries may soon be able to keep records secret from the public, following the Senate passage of a bill on Monday that would change public records laws around tourism documents.
TENNESSEAN.COM - March 26, 2024
Bill averting medical monopolies dies in House subcommittee
Despite escalating emergency room times at Ballad Health hospitals, legislation to stop further medical monopolies suffered a quick death in the House Health Subcommittee Tuesday.
TENNESSEELOOKOUT.COM - March 26, 2024
“Chemtrail” bill set for House circuit described as “nonsense”
Legislation designed to stop the potential release of climate-controlling chemicals into the atmosphere is scheduled to be considered in the House this week, a bill the Senate’s sponsor also relates to “chemtrails,” a conspiracy theory related to the lines of vapor coming from jet planes.
TENNESSEELOOKOUT.COM - March 25, 2024
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee expects a school choice 'revolution,' with parental rights a key 2024 election issue Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee says his state is joining what he views as a "revolution in America right now around school choice," as a $400 million bill to overhaul public school achievement testing and implement universal school choice advances in the state legislature.
FOXNEWS.COM - March 25, 2024