Tying Up Loose Ends

  If you remember last week's legislative update, you'll recall that we were anxious about what would happen with HB 2229/SB 1707, which would prohibit dues deductions for employees of school districts and state special schools. In case you missed it, we are excited to share the news that the motion to reconsider the bill FAILED in the House Education Administration & Planning Committee! You can watch a video of the proceedings by clicking here. It was a long night, but we could not be more pleased with the results! Unless some last-minute antics are pulled on the House floor, this bill is effectively gone for the year! It's scheduled to be heard on the Senate floor on Monday, but given what happened in the House, it is nearly impossible that it will pass both chambers. Proponents would have to file a completely new bill next year if they want to run the legislation again. We'd like to commend the Tennessee Education Association and all of the groups who fought back against this bill. 

  Some more good news: "our" resolution that we mentioned last week has been signed by both speakers and now goes to Governor Haslam for his signature! Given the current legislative supermajority, we are extremely happy that this passed unanimously and are ready to try to introduce more legislation next year that benefits workers and their families! 

  On a final note, the Senate is scheduled to hear the "budget bills" this week. That means we are getting very, very close to the end of session. Floor calendars and committee calendars can change quickly and with very little warning, so if a piece of legislation comes up that is not listed below, we will do our best to spread the word! Be sure you're following us on Twitter for any crucial updates from the Hill!    
Monday, April 11th

House Floor Session, 4 p.m.

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 Floor Session 4 p.m.

Senate Bill 2424 (HB 2370): A good piece of legislation, this bill increases the penalties for assault against correctional officers.
Note: This bill will also be heard in the House Finance, Ways & Means Subcommittee on Tuesday in LP 29. 

Senate Bill 2469 (HB 2201): 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 House Government Operations Committee on Tuesday in LP 30. 

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. 

Senate Bill 2481 (HB 2512): While originally making several changes to unemployment benefits, this bill quickly turned into another hurdle for pregnant women who have to leave their jobs.
Note: This bill will also be heard in the House Finance, Ways & Means Subcommittee on Tuesday in LP 29.  
Tuesday, April 12th

Senate Finance, Ways & Means Committee, 8:30 a.m. AND Wednesday at 2:30 p.m., LP 12

This committee is scheduled to hear budget bills as well at some point this week.

Senate Bill 2387 (HB 2414): It's been in the news quite a bit this week, but this is the bill that would require public school and public higher education students to use the restrooms and locker rooms that match the gender listed on their birth certificates. Our state is at risk of losing federal education funding if this passes.

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

Senate Bill 2582 (HB 2416): 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. 
Note: This bill has been put behind the budget in both the House and Senate. 

House Finance, Ways & Means Subcommittee, 12 p.m., LP 29

Please see the notes above for details about HB 2512/SB 2481 and HB 2370/SB 2424!

House Bill 1797 (SB 1926): This is a good bill that would require the Fiscal Review Committee to analyze and approve any state service contracts greater than $1 million. This is a subtle dig at the Haslam administration's privatization plans.
Note: This bill will also be heard on the Senate floor on Thursday morning.

House Finance, Ways & Means Committee, 3 p.m., LP 16

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

House Bill 2407 (SB 2093): 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.
Wednesday, April 13th and Thursday, April 14th

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