Capitol Reflection
We Are Not Out of the Woods Just Yet! 

Despite a great victory this week when HB 1145 (Casada)/SB 890 (Kelsey) was taken off notice in both the House and Senate, we're still keeping a VERY close eye on any and all legislative happenings at the Capitol. As you might have heard or read, the House enacted a" flow motion " on Wednesday, which means that the legislature is now allowed to move very quickly. For example, wait times to hear certain bills are suspended. This also means that certain committees could open back up! 
If this does happen, we will be sure to let you know if anything crucial to Labor will be heard. Please be sure to check your e-mail and/or our Facebook and Twitter pages next week for any last-minute news or updates while we're at the Capitol! The House and Senate have floor sessions on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, so keep an eye on our website for legislation that we're following.  

On Monday evening, the House will take up HB 1286  by Durham, which appears to deal with blocking public highways and other passageways. It is, however, an outright attack on the public's right to peacefully assemble and VERY similar to a bill brought by Representative Durham last year. Several legislators have also noted the policing power that it would give to ordinary citizens. Its companion bill (SB 798 by Kelsey) will be heard on the Senate floor on Tuesday morning. Please take a few minutes to get in touch with your state representative and senator and ask them to vote "no" on HB 1286/SB 798! This is a dangerous bill that would be a major overreach of power.   
What's on our Radar?

As always, the bills are broken down by the day (Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday) on which they'll be heard. By clicking on the bill number (which will be highlighted like this), you'll be able to access the entire piece of legislation, its current status, and much more. As always, please contact our office if you have any questions or need more information!
Monday, April 13th

Senate Finance, Ways & Means Committee, 1:30 p.m., LP 12
-Senate Bill 606 (HB 647): This piece of legislation deals with longevity payments for executive branch employees.
This bill will also be heard in the House Finance, Ways & Means Subcommittee on Tuesday at 1 p.m. in LP 16.

- Senate Bill 607 (HB 648): This bill makes changes to insurance plans for state, local government, and local education employees. 
This bill will also be heard in the House Finance, Ways & Means Subcommittee on Tuesday at 1 p.m. in LP 16. 

Tuesday, April 14th

House Finance, Ways & Means Subcommittee, 1 p.m., LP 16 
-House Bill 647 (SB 606):  This piece of legislation deals with longevity payments for executive branch employees.

-House Bill 648 (SB 607): This bill makes changes to insurance plans for state, local government, and local education employees. 

-House Bill 24 (SB 127): This piece of legislation establishes the "Go Build Tennessee Act." 

-House Bill 94 (SB 105): This administration bill makes several changes to the Workers' Compensation Law. 

Wednesday, April 15th

Senate Finance, Ways & Means Committee, 1 p.m., LP 12
-Senate Bill 721 (HB 997): This BAD bill enacts the "Tennessee Employee Injury Benefit Alternative." It's also known as the Workers' Compensation "Opt Out" bill. 
This bill has been rolled to the first calendar of 2016 in the House. Please call any of the senators on this committee (click here to access the list), and ask them to vote "no" on SB 721! 

Contact:
Alyssa Hansen, Communications Director
1901 Lindell Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203  |  615.269.7111