Taking Small Steps Forward

  As committees start to close down for the year, we've overall been very fortunate given what we're typically up against. However, the fight is not over! There will likely be a few more battles that we still have to face before the legislature adjourns, but we are ready! This is the time during session where things can change at a moment's notice, so please keep a close eye on these last few updates. We've had a few requests to join us for a day at the Capitol before everything wraps up, so please continue to let us know if you're interested in doing so! 

  With the holiday weekend, we will try to keep this update as brief and concise as possible. As always, questions about any of this legislation are welcome. Many bills have been amended to reflect something totally different than the original intent, so be sure to pay attention to those, too!  
Monday, March 28th

Senate Floor Session, 4 p.m.

Senate Bill 1636 (HB 1632): According to this bill, a local government cannot enact zoning regulations that require a certain percentage of existing or newly built homes or apartments to be considered affordable or workforce housing. 

Senate Bill 1707 (HB 2229): This is a very BAD bill that goes after the Tennessee Education Association (TEA). It would ban dues deduction for employees of school districts and state special schools. 
Note: While this bill was voted down in a House committee this week, there is a chance that it could be brought back up for reconsideration the week of April 4th! We will provide more details next week.

Senate Bill 2556 (HB 1552): This piece of legislation deals with seasonal employment practices. 

House Floor Session, 5 p.m.

HJR 585: This is "our" resolution that we filed earlier this session! It encourages employers to give holiday time on Veterans Day for employees who are veterans.
Tuesday, March 29th

House Insurance & Banking Committee, 8:30 a.m., LP 16

SJR 88: This resolution, which already passed in the Senate, asks the federal government to allow the state to "opt out" of TennCare and enact a "catastrophic benefits health insurance program." 

Senate Finance, Ways & Means Committee, 8:30 a.m., LP 12

Senate Bill 2093 (HB 2407): This piece of legislation enacts the "Public-Private Transportation Act of 2016." Some of our affiliates have concerns about this legislation and have provided some great talking points, which you can find here.
Note: This bill will also be heard in the House Government Operations Committee at 10:30 a.m. in LP 30.

House Business & Utilities Committee, 9:30 a.m., LP 16

House Bill 2212 (SB 2450): A good bill, this piece of legislation requires the economic council on women to report on wage gaps between men and women and minorities and non-minorities.

House Government Operations Committee, 10:30 a.m., LP 30

House Bill 1742 (SB 1626): Another good bill, this would establish an online voter registration system that would take effect on July 1, 2017.  

House State Government Committee, 10:30 a.m., LP 29

House Bill 2539 (SB 2280): Yet another good piece of legislation, this seeks to prevent wage discrimination on the basis of sex. 
Note: This bill will also be heard in the Senate State & Local Government Committee at 10:30 a.m. in LP 12.

House Bill 2201 (SB 2469): This bill would enact the "Right to Earn a Living Act" and is not a good piece of legislation. 
Note: This bill will also be heard in the Senate State & Lo cal Government Committee at 10:30 a.m. in LP 12.
 
Senate State & Local Government Committee, 10:30 a.m. AND Wednesday at 2:30 p.m., LP 12

House Bill 779 (SB 749): This is the big "deannexation bill" that would have a major impact on cities that would be affected (Memphis is the most prominent example.)

This piece of legislation says
that county government employees can't serve as a member of the county legislative body.

Senate Bill 1592 (HB 2368): This bill would re-establish the select oversight committee on corrections. 

Senate Bill 1793 (HB 2394): According to this piece of legisla tion, a special election would be required to fill a vacant U.S. Senate seat.
Note: This bill will also be heard in the House Local Government Subcommittee on Wednesday at 1 p.m.

Senate Bill 1860 (HB 1999): This bill says that any person who owes a civil penalty is not eligible to be a candidate for any state or local public office.
Note: This bill will also be heard in the House Local Government Committee at 3 p.m. in LP 16.

Senate Bill 1890 (HB 2187): This piece of legislation makes it a Class 2 offense for a series LLC that contributes to a political campaign committee. 

Senate Bill 2302 (HB 1958): This bill requires each state employee to receive a 2.5% cost of living salary increase at the start of the next pay period after the employee's employment anniversary date.

House Finance Committee, 1 p.m., LP 16

House Bill 1830 (SB 1965): This piece of legislation makes various changes to the "Tennessee Lawful Employment Act." 

House Bill 1720 (SB 1758): This bill requires the bureau of workers' compensation to set a penalty for violations concerning rental and 
assignment of PPO network rights. 

House Bill 1939 (SB 1945): This piece of legislation makes changes to election laws, including when a deficient voter registration may be corrected. 

House Bill 2125 (SB 2101): According to this bill, Rutherford County would be allowed to participate in a pilot project for establishing convenient election day voting centers.

Senate Judiciary Committee, 2:30 p.m., LP 12

SJR 456: This resolution proposes an amendment to the state constitution that would impose term limits of 12 consecutive years in each house for members of the General Assembly. 

Senate Bill 1108 (HB 615): Brought back from last year, this is the bill that would make the Holy Bible the official state book of Tennessee. It failed to pass on the Senate floor in 2015.  
Wednesday, March 30th

There will be both House and Senate floor sessions at 9 a.m. We will keep you informed about any crucial legislation that may appear on those agendas!

House Finance Subcommittee, 11 a.m., LP 29

House Bill 2416 (SB 2582):  Among other things, this is the bill that would decrease the amount of time that a person has to report an injury from 30 days to three days. It is our understanding, however, that a compromise of 15 days has supposedly been reached. 

House Bill 1880 (SB 1449):  This piece of legislation would make it a Class C felony to assault a public servant while that person is performing official duties. 

House Criminal Justice Committee, 1 p.m., LP 31

House Bill 2370 (SB 2424): A good piece of legislation, this bill increases the penalties for assault against correctional officers.
Contact:
Alyssa Hansen, Communications Director
1901 Lindell Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203  |  615.269.7111