The Beginning of the End

  We know, we know. We use that phrase a few times every legislative session, but it's an important milestone! As of this week, a handful of committees have officially closed (subject to the call of the chair, of course), but that's always the first sign that things will be wrapping up before we know it. This is when our days at the Capitol start getting shorter, but the nights start getting longer. Be sure to follow us on Twitter if you're not doing so already by clicking here. We live-tweet various committee discussions and post breaking information on bills that are important to labor. As many of you know, we've been very fortunate this session in terms of avoiding bad legislation thus far, but we can't let our guard down! If passed, a couple of bills below could mean a target on labor's back for next session. 

  As a friendly reminder, if you'll be attending our legislative reception on Tuesday, we'll be getting started around 4:30 p.m. The event will be held at the Sheraton across the street from the Capitol. We plan to end things around 6:30 p.m., but obviously that time may be a little flexible. Please call our office if you have questions about the reception before Tuesday. 

  Once again, we'll quit our rambling and get to the bills that we'll be watching this week. For the first time this session, we'll be getting started on Monday morning in a special corrections subcommittee. With the fast pace that the legislature is moving at right now, please feel free to contact us if you have questions about any bills that are important to you! 

Monday, March 21st

Senate State & Local Government Corrections Subcommittee, 11 a.m., LP 12

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

Senate Bill 2423 (HB 2369): This bill requires the Department of Correction to set work period and pay practices for correctional officers that meet certain standards. 

Senate Floor Session, 1 p.m.

Senate Bill 749 (HB 779): While we have not mentioned it yet this session, this is the big "deannexation bill" that would have a major impact on cities that would be affected (Memphis is the most prominent example.) You can read more about this bill's passage in the House here.

Senate Bill 2440 (HB 2424): This is the piece of legislation that would "ban the box" on the initial application for state employment. It has passed both chambers, but the Senate must approve an amendment that was added on the House floor before it goes to Governor Haslam. 

Senate Health & Welfare Committee, 3:30 p.m., LP 12

Senate Bill 2422 (HB 2545): This bill would put the question of Medicaid expansion (Insure Tennessee) on the ballot in November. Unfortunately, the companion bill has already been sent to summer study in the House. 
Tuesday, March 22nd

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

Senate Bill 2563 (HB 1559): This piece of legislation makes various "clean up" changes to the Workers' Compensation law. It was heard in the Workers' Compensation Advisory Council and came out with a "favorable" recommendation.
Note: This bill will also be heard in the House Finance Committee at 3 p.m. in LP 16. 

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 Transportation Committee at 1:30 p.m. in LP 16. 

House Local Government Committee, 9 a.m., LP 16

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

House Bill 2187 (SB 1890): This piece of legislation makes it a Class 2 offense for a series LLC that contributes to a political campaign committee. 
Note: This bill will also be heard in the Senate State & Local Government Committee at 10:30 a.m. in LP 12. 
 
House Bill 852 (SB 654): According to this bill, a person would no longer have to pay outstanding child support that accumulated while incarcerated to have their voting rights restored. 

House Education Administration & Planning Committee, 10:30 a.m., LP 29

House Bill 2229 (SB 1707): 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: This bill will also be heard in the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday in LP 12. 

Senate State & Local Government Committee, 10:30 a.m., LP 12

Senate Bill 2280 (HB 2539):  This is a good piece of legislation that seeks to prevent wage discrimination on the basis of sex. 
Note: This bill will also be heard in the House State Government Subcommittee on Wednesday in LP 29.  bills_coins.jpg

Senate Bill 2358 (HB 2372):  Another good piece of legislation, this bill makes expansions to the Tennessee Disability Act.
Note: This bill will also be heard in the House State Government Subcommittee on Wednesday in LP 29. 

Senate Bill 466 (HB 985):  This piece of legislation says that county government employees can't serve as a member of the county legislative body.

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. 
Note: This bill will also be heard on the House floor  on Thursday at 9 a.m.

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. 

Senate Bill 1866 (HB 1896):  This piece of legislation allows anyone 65 or older who has never been issued a birth certificate to be issued a photo ID card for voting purposes, as long as that individual presents a document that verifies his or her identity. 

House Government Operations Committee, 12 p.m., LP 30

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 Criminal Justice Subcommittee, 1:30 p.m., LP 31

House Bill 2370 (SB 2424):  A good piece of legislation, this bill increases the penalties for assault against correctional officers.

House Finance Committee, 3 p.m., LP 16

House  Bill 1494 (SB 1656):   Under this piece of legislation, any teacher who is a part of the TCRS program must forfeit his or her retirement benefits if convicted of any misdemeanor sexual offense related to employment.

House Bill 2022 (SB 1953):  This bill authorizes the Department of Transportation to build and run a mass transit system on the side of a state interstate or highway. 

Senate Commerce & Labor Committee, 3:30 p.m., LP 12

Senate Bill 1486 (HB 1637):   This bill would enact the "Tennessee Workers Protection Act," which deals with illegal immigration. 
Note: This bill will also be heard in the House State Government Subcommittee on Wednesday in LP 29. 

Senate Bill 2450 (HB 2212):  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.
Note: This bill will also be heard in the House Business & Utilities Committee on Wednesday in LP 16. 

Senate Bill 2298 (HB 1947):  This bill establishes the "Tennessee Pay Equality Act." Its companion bill was voted down in the House. 

Senate Bill 2319 (HB 2324): One of two minimum wage bills on the calendar, this piece of legislation establishes a state minimum wage of $10.10 per hour. 
Note: The other minimum wage bill is SB 2322/HB 2090.

Senate Bill 2496 (HB 2554):  According to this piece of legislation, businesses that employ illegal immigrants would be subject to increased fines and penalties. 
Wednesday, March 23rd

House Local Government Subcommittee, 9 a.m. AND 1:30 p.m., LP 16

House Bill 1999 (SB 1860): 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 Senate State & Local Government Committee on Tuesday in LP 12. 

House Bill 1842 (SB 1959): This bill calls for at least one secondary early voting site for a county with a population of 130,000 or more. 

House State Government Subcommittee, 9 a.m. AND 12 p.m., LP 29

Please see the notes above for details about HB 1637/SB 1486, HB 2539/SB 2280, and HB 2372/SB 2358. 

House Bill 2536 (SB 2408):  This piece of legislation allows full-time state employees to take a day off from work each year to participate in community service. 

House Bill 1969 (SB 2267):  Similar to the "Tennessee Workers Protection Act," this bill would enact the "Protect Tennessee Citizens and Workers Act."

House Criminal Justice Committee, 10:30 a.m., LP 31

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 performi ng off icial duties. 

House Finance Subcommittee, 10:30 a.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 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 Education Committee, 2 p.m., LP 12

Please see the important note above concerning SB 1707/HB 2229!

Senate Bill 1599 (HB 1481): This bill provides a $5,000 bonus for tenured teachers who receive a performance evaluation that is "above expectations."
Note: This bill will also be heard in the House Education Administration & Planning Committee on Tuesday in LP 29. 
Contact:
Alyssa Hansen, Communications Director
1901 Lindell Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203  |  615.269.7111