State Rep. Brian Kelsey

Nashville – Representative Brian Kelsey announced yesterday that he will introduce the “Health Care Choice Act” in an effort to lower health insurance costs and provide choice to Tennesseans. The legislation would allow Tennesseans to purchase health insurance plans from companies in other states, a practice that is currently prohibited.

“Americans want and deserve health care reform but not the government-run health care that is being discussed in Washington. This legislation is health care reform at the state level that will lower heath insurance costs and provide more choices to Tennesseans,” said Representative Kelsey.

The Health Care Choice Act will expand the number of health care plans available for purchase from 127 in Tennessee to potentially more than 5,000 plans nationwide¹.

“The goal is to lower costs by offering more choices,” continued Kelsey. “With this legislation, Tennesseans will have more access to affordable health care insurance.”

Co-sponsor Representative Joey Hensley, MD, the only physician in the General Assembly, stated, “It’s important that people have the option to be able to purchase affordable insurance plans without the limitations of individual state mandates. As a physician I have seen first hand the problems people have obtaining reasonably priced insurance and this would expand the pool from which people have to choose insurance plans. Competition in the market place will lower prices and increase the quality of their choices.”

At least 5 other states have introduced similar legislation, including New Jersey, Colorado, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Washington. A bill introduced on the federal level aims to allow states to enter into an interstate compact to sell health insurance over state lines. The Washington Post recently reported that Tennessee’s own Senator Bob Corker is pursuing legislation on the federal level to allow a new insurance exchange, allowing companies to compete across state lines nationwide.

Co-sponsor Representative Bob Ramsey, a dentist, added, “My constituents are disappointed and frustrated with Washington’s current discussions on healthcare reform. I feel compelled to examine and offer a more efficient and rational solution. I am proud to join my House colleagues in this alternativeBo endeavor.”

“It’s time for state legislatures to weigh in on this national debate and take a stand against government-run health care,” said Kelsey. “I look forward to having this discussion with my colleagues, so that we can work together to make health insurance more affordable for more Tennesseans,” he concluded.

1According to eHealthInsurance.com

• Sanctuary cities
• Recognizing home school & church diplomas
• Guns in restaurants
• Unemployment trust fund
• Tennessee statehood day

Sanctuary Cities immigration measure approved by House of Representatives

House Republicans successfully passed an immigration measure in the House Thursday morning that the caucus has been working on for several years. House Bill 1354 aims to curb illegal immigration by prohibiting local governments from enacting “sanctuary” policies, or policies that make it difficult for law enforcement and other local government employees to comply with federal immigration law.

A map of Sanctuary cites in the United States from the English Language Wikipedia

After the legislation passed with an overwhelming 80-8 vote, House leaders announced that they were pleased with the passage of the bill, which they said was a pre-emptive strike to guard against the adoption of sanctuary policies by cities in the state, and curb policies that protect illegal immigrants.

A “sanctuary city” is a term given to a city in the United States that follows certain practices to protect illegal aliens. Thirty-eight cities in the U.S. have been recognized as sanctuary cities, but many sources have identified over 200 city or county governments nationwide as having practiced such policies.

Home school diplomas to be recognized by state

Republican-sponsored legislation that aims to give home schoolers equal footing with public school students was signed into law by the Governor late last week. Senate Bill 433 requires the state, along with local governments, to recognize home school and church-related diplomas, giving them the same rights and privileges extended to those who earn public school diplomas.

Diploma's like this one are available for $5 online at freeprintablecertificates.net

Having long been advocates for home schoolers, House Republicans felt the move was needed to put home schoolers on equal footing with public school students. The sponsor of the legislation argued throughout the process that earning a home school diploma should not be diminished simply because the mode of teaching is different than that of a traditional public school.

Tennessee General Assembly votes overwhelmingly to override Governor’s veto of restaurant carry bill

Lawmakers were notified late last week that the Governor was planning to veto House Bill 962, which would allow legal carry permit holders to carry firearms into restaurants, provided they did not drink alcohol. The bill had originally passed by over two-thirds in both chambers of the legislature.

The Governor stated in his veto message that “guns and alcohol do not mix.” The House Republican sponsor fired back, responding that the bill prohibited carry permit holders from drinking alcohol and carrying a firearm, much as it was illegal to drink and drive. The sponsor said the legal carry permit holders of this state had proven themselves to be responsible individuals, and the bill was simply an attempt to expand their Second Amendment rights.

Thirty-six states have some form of restaurant carry, including seven of the eight states that border Tennessee. The General Assembly exhaustively debated the subject, with a supermajority determining that legal carry permit holders were responsible individuals who should be able to protect themselves. With both chambers having overridden the Governor’s veto, the bill will now become law on July 14, 2009.

Legislature votes to save unemployment trust fund from federal intervention

The House voted this week to save Tennessee’s unemployment trust fund from federal intervention, saying that the move was necessary to keep the federal government from completely taking over the nearly insolvent fund. The fund was approaching insolvency this year after the state unemployment rate approached 9.9 percent. With the highest unemployment in decades, the fund began to be drained of its resources.

The legislation that eventually passed the House will ensure that the unemployment trust fund remains solvent, and creates a series of automatic “triggers” that allow unemployment taxes to decrease if the fund’s balance reaches a certain threshold.

The trust fund dropped to about $120 million after the number of unemployed receiving benefits continued to grow. Without action by the legislature, the federal government would step in to shore up the fund, but with significant strings attached, and wrest away control from the state. This week’s move by the legislature will prevent that from happening.

Tennessee celebrated “Statehood Day” June 1st

Tennessee celebrated “Statehood Day” this week, a holiday that marks the anniversary of the state’s official admission into the Union. On June 1, 1796, Tennessee was the 16th state admitted after ratifying the Constitution. In honor of Statehood Day, some Tennessee trivia facts are listed below.

• When Tennessee became a state in 1796, the total population was 77,000.
• Andrew Johnson, who hailed from Greeneville, held every elective office at the local, state, and federal level, including President of the United States. He was elected alderman, mayor, state representative, and state senator in Greeneville. He served as Governor of Tennessee, Military Governor of Tennessee, and was elected to Congress and then to the U.S. Senate. He served as Vice-President of the United States until the assassination of President Lincoln, which elevated him to the Presidency.
• Hattie Caraway (1878-1950) was born in Bakersville, Tennessee (Humphreys County) and became the first woman United States Senator when her husband died and the seat was passed to her. She won re-election several times, before losing a primary and being appointed to the Employees’ Compensation Commission by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
• Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry is the longest continuously running live radio program in the world. It has broadcast every Friday and Saturday night since 1925.
• Coca-Cola was first bottled in 1899 at a plant on Patten Parkway in downtown Chattanooga after two locals purchased the bottling rights to the drink for $1.00.
• Cumberland University, located in Lebanon, lost a football game to Georgia Tech on October 7, 1916, by a score of 222-0. The Georgia Tech coach was George Heisman—the man for whom the Heisman Trophy is named.

The Week Ahead…

**TIMES AND ROOMS SUBJECT TO CHANGE**
*All meetings will be held in Legislative Plaza Room 16 unless otherwise noted*
*Study Sub will meet, TBA*

Monday, June 8, 2009:

• Budget Subcommittee, 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

• Budget Subcommittee, 10:00 a.m.
• Finance, Ways and Means Committee, 11:00 a.m.
• Calendar and Rules, 12:30 p.m.
• Session, House Chambers, 4:00 p.m.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

• Joint Convention, House Chambers, 9:00 a.m.
• Further schedules TBA

Thursday, June 11, 2009

• TBA

The House Democrat Review is a weekly feature that gives Tennesseans an in-depth look at what our Democratic state legislators have been working on this week, and a glimpse into what’s planned for the coming week at our state house.

House Democrats celebrate agriculture day on the Hill,

Event designed to focus attention on the importance of agriculture to Tennessee’s economy

On Tuesday, State Representative Joe Pitts (D-Clarksville), House Agriculture Committee Chairman Stratton Bone (D-Lebanon), and c Ken Givens celebrated Agriculture Day on the Hill.

“Agriculture continues to be such an important part of ours state’s economy,” said Pitts. “As we continue the move towards more green jobs in Tennessee, I believe agriculture will play a significant role.”

Recent statistics released by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture show that over $60 billion (about 18%) of the state’s economy is generated by agriculture and forestry. Agriculture alone accounts for over 210,000 Tennessee jobs, with over 11.4 million Tennessee acres currently being used as farmland.

“Agriculture is making a comeback in a big way, and I believe we need to continue to find ways to encourage and expand opportunities for more agricultural in Tennessee,” said Pitts.

In addition to livestock displays including mules, pigs and sheep, a cow milking contest was held between Representative Dale Ford (R-Jonesborough) and Rep. Mike Turner (D-Old Hickory). Ford edged Turner 110ml to 10ml to claim the coveted Ag Day Milk Pale.

Representative Joe Pitts honored by the National Association of Social Workers

APSU Prof. Mr. Glenn Carter(Left), State Rep. Joe Pitts (Center) and Paula Foster, Pres. NASW, Tennessee Chapter (Right)

On April 8th, State Representative Joe Pitts (D-Clarksville) was presented the “2009 Public Official of the Year” award by the National Association of Social Workers, (NASW) Tennessee Chapter. President Paula Foster presented the award to Rep. Pitts at their annual Social Work legislative conference held in Nashville, Tennessee.

I am humbled by the honor of being named “2009 Public Official of the Year” by the Tennessee Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, said Pitts”. “Great thanks for the recognition of my efforts in sponsoring the Social Work Licensure Law in 2008″, Pitts said.

Founded in 1955 the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest organization of professional social workers in the world, with more than 155,000 members in 56 chapters. The Tennessee Chapter, with over 1,850 members, is the major professional social work organization in the state.

The House Judiciary Committee once again discussed several pieces of gun legislation, but only one bill was approved by the committee and advanced through the Calendar and Rules Committee to be scheduled for a floor vote. House Bill 959 will exempt the handgun carry permit list from the Open Records Act, but a proposed $2,500 penalty for publishing the list was removed by an amendment. The legislation is expected to be up for a floor vote, possibly next week.

Tennesseans became outraged when the Commercial Appeal, a Memphis-based newspaper, published the handgun carry permit database in an easily searchable format on their website. Republicans criticized the paper, calling the action ‘irresponsible’ and ‘dangerous.’ The House GOP contended that in addition to printing a list that would make it easier for criminals to steal weapons, non-gun owners were also at risk because it would be easy for criminals to use the database to find homes that likely did not have a firearm.

Another bill, House Bill 960, would give cities and counties the authority to allow licensed handgun carry permit holders to carry firearms in local parks. If the communities chose not to “opt in,” firearms would still be prohibited. The
committee discussed several issues regarding the legislation at length, and delayed a vote on the bill until next week. Lawmakers agreed, however, that
allowing for local control was the best route.

Legislation to prohibit firearm “roster” passes

House Bill 46 passed on the House floor Thursday morning with a vote of 88 to

(TDOS) nor an instructor or employee of a department-approved handgun2. The bill seeks to clarify that neither the Tennessee Department of Safety safety course is authorized to require an applicant for a handgun carry permit to furnish or reveal identifying information concerning any handgun the applicant owns, possesses, or uses during the safety course, including the serial number of the weapon.

The House Judiciary Committee once again discussed several pieces of gun legislation, but only one bill was approved by the committee and advanced through the Calendar and Rules Committee to be scheduled for a floor vote. House Bill 959 will exempt the handgun carry permit list from the Open Records Act, but a proposed $2,500 penalty for publishing the list was removed by an amendment. The legislation is expected to be up for a floor vote, possibly next week.

The Republican-sponsored bill was filed in response to an incident late last year, when TDOS sent letters to all firearms instructors requiring them to complete and return a roster of students and to provide information on each student including the name of the firearm owner, the name of the student using the firearm, and the make, model, and serial number of firearms used. Gun advocates argued the request was the first step toward universal gun registration, but TDOS denied this, claiming a clerical error.

A TDOS spokesman testified in the committee that the department had no concerns with the legislation as proposed.

House Republicans pursue conservative measures

House Republican lawmakers are sponsoring several proposals that will begin to make their way through the committee process. Particular bills of interest are:

House Joint Resolution 3 will clarify that the State Constitution currently prohibits the legislature from levying a tax on income. Because it is a constitutional amendment, the resolution must first pass the 106th General Assembly by a simple majority, and pass the 107th General Assembly by a two-thirds majority, before making it to the ballot for voters to decide.
House Republicans will once again be pursuing Education First (House Bill 210), which requires the legislature to first pass an education budget before considering funding the remaining parts of government. Nevada passed the measure with little fanfare after it was approved in a ballot referendum. Nevada has reported that the transition to the funding change was very smooth. House Republicans feel that this legislation will ensure that education receives the funding it deserves, and will make it a priority in the legislative session.

Another education proposal that Republicans believe will improve the state of education in Tennessee is House Bill 2146, which seeks to expand the opportunity for more children to attend public charter schools. During the 2007-2008 school year, Tennessee had a total of 16 public charter schools across the state. Many states have moved in the direction of allowing more charter schools, or relaxing the very stringent parameters that prevent new charter schools from opening. According to the Center for Education Reform, cities such as Phoenix, Arizona and Washington, D.C. have a large number of charter schools and have seen academic improvement across all public schools. Studies suggest that there is a strong correlation between the strength of the charter school laws and the positive results they produce. Unfortunately, Tennessee’s laws rank 31st out of 41 states with charter school laws. House Republicans would like to see more charter schools open around the state, believing they have a direct effect on educational success.

House Bill 18 passed out of the Public Safety Subcommittee and will now face the full House Transportation Committee. The bill creates a new violation of aggressive driving that includes at least three violations in one continuous episode of the following:

• Overtaking on the right
• Overtaking and passing in no passing zones
• Following too closely
• Failing to yield for emergency vehicles
• Failing to yield to pedestrians
• Failure to signal turn
• Speeding
• Stopping, standing, or parking in prohibited places
• Following fire trucks
• Improper use of HOV lanes

House Bill 804 seeks to allow a parent that has been granted court-ordered
visitation with their minor child or children that has been called to active duty
military service, to petition the court for the temporary assignment of that
parent’s visitation rights to a legal or biological relative or relatives. The petition must state the relative that the parent is requesting to maintain contact with the child during the parent’s absence and shall include a proposed visitation schedule with such relative. The bill will likely be presented on the House floor next week.

A presentation in the House Finance, Ways and Means Committee this week revealed where the stimulus money will be directed to repair and replace
bridges around the state. Ten counties are expected to receive funds for repair and replacement, and the Tennessee Department of Transportation says the projects should be underway this summer. The counties slated for the funds are: Carroll, Carter, Cocke, Fentress, Gibson, Giles, Hardeman, Hawkins, Macon, and Monroe.

A new website was unveiled this week to assist citizens and businesses with information regarding the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. At tnrecovery.gov, Tennesseans can find information relating to the stimulus bill and what it provides for Tennessee, what grants are available and how to apply, and what areas the money will cover. Tennessee expects about $4.5 billion to come from the plan, with some of the funds going directly to local governments for various programs and uses.

Sen. Jim Kyle

Kyle, Heron to head caucus

NASHVILLE — Senator Jim Kyle, D-Memphis, and Sen. Roy Herron, D-Dresden, have been elected by members of the Tennessee Senate Democratic Caucus to serve as minority leader and caucus chairman respectively for the 106th General Assembly. Leadership elections were held during a caucus meeting in Nashville last night.

Also, Sen. Doug Jackson, D-Dickson, was re-elected as vice chairman and Sen. Andy Berke, D-Chattanooga, was chosen as secretary/treasurer. All elections were by acclamation.

Kyle said that Senate Democrats look forward to tackling the many challenges facing the General Assembly during the upcoming session.“I’m honored that the caucus elected me to another term as their leader,” he said. “Senate Democrats will continue to lead on the important issues facing Tennessee. We’ll continue to fight to expand access to a quality education, to provide the affordable health care that every Tennessean deserves, and to balance the state budget even in these tough economic times. Senate Democrats are up to the task.”

Sen. Roy Herron

Herron said he is “ready to fight for the changes and the jobs that Tennesseans need so our children and all of us can prosper.” The Dresden Democrat said, “Governor McWherter taught me ‘If you don’t want to work, you ought not to hire out.’ Senate Democrats are ready to work for Tennesseans.”

Outgoing caucus chairman Sen. Joe Haynes, D-Goodlettsville, was thanked by the members for his 12 years of service. Haynes did not seek re-election.

“After 12 years as caucus chairman, I thought it was better to bring new blood and new enthusiasm to the position. It is my belief that Roy Herron is well prepared for the job, and I look forward to working with him to regain control of the Senate for the Democratic Party in Tennessee.” — Sen. Joe Haynes

Kyle has been a member of the Senate since 1983. Herron was elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives in 1986 to fill the seat of his mentor, Governor Ned McWherter. He was elected to the Senate in 1996.

“Today is a historic day in the state of Tennessee. Our candidates earned the votes of Tennesseans, and took nothing for granted. We are extremely grateful to the voters of Tennessee for giving us the chance to lead, and we would like to thank all of the hardworking volunteers for their contribution to this historic moment.” ~~  Jason Mumpower

Leader Mumpower introduced the newly elected members:

• Tony Shipley, District 2
• Ryan Haynes, District 14
• Bob Ramsey, District 20
• Chad Faulkner, District 36
• Terri Lynn Weaver, District 40
• Joe Carr, District 48
• Josh Evans, District 66
• Vance Dennis, District 71
• Curtis Halford, District 79
• Barrett Rich, District 94

“The state faces a difficult year. Republicans remain committed to the small government principles of putting education first, keeping taxes low, and respecting the Second Amendment. We look forward with excitement to this opportunity,” he concluded.

Clarksville-Montgomery County “League Of Voter Empowerment” (L.O.V.E.)

The League’s mission statement says the group “will endorse and vote for the candidates that we believe best support our agenda and we will work to vote out the elected officials that we know do not have the best interest of their constituents in mind.

During the last election season, nine candidates on the ballot endorsed by L.O.V.E. won their races and are still representing their constituency today. The League encourages everyone to cast your their vote on Election Day; “your vote is your voice!”

The League Of Voter Empowerment endorsements are:

• President of the United Sates: Barack Obama
• United States Senate: Robert D. Tuke
• United States House Of Representatives 7th congressional district: Randy G. Morris
• United States House Of Representatives 8th congressional district: John Tanner
• Tennessee Senate 22nd senatorial district: Tim Barnes
• Tennessee House Of Representatives 67th representative district: Joe Pitts
• Tennessee House Of Representatives 78th representative district: David W. Davidson
• City Judge: Charles Smith
• City Council Ward 3: Vincent S. Kruk
• City Council Ward 4: Edward Fowler
• City Council Ward 5: Candy Johnson
• City Council Ward 8: David Cutting
• City Council Ward 9: Joel Wallace
• City Council Ward 12: Jeff Burkhart

The League Of Voter Empowerment does not support the following referendum question:

REFERENDUM: Shall Resolution 08-7-2, which increases the local Motor Vehicle Privilege Tax for Education from Thirty Dollars ($30.00) to Fifty Dollars ($50.00) to be appropriated to the Clarksville Montgomery County School System’s Transportation Fund be approved?

Special guests include Kim McMillan, former Majority Leader, Tennessee House of Representatives; Joe Pitts, Tennessee State Representative (District 67); Wade Mundy, Communications Director, Tennessee State Democratic Party; and Jerry Lee, Tennessee AFL-CIO Union President.

This event is open to the public with a suggested donation of $10 and up. RSVP at the local Clarksville for Obama website.

For additional information, call 931-378-1999.

The 105th General Assembly adjourned “Sine Die” this week, concluding a contentious session in which lawmakers were forced to make difficult decisions regarding the lottery scholarship program and the budget. Ultimately, legislators came together to form compromise legislation that will greatly benefit Tennesseans by allowing more students access to college, passing a budget with no new taxes, and providing seniors with more healthcare options.

Budget passes both chambers at eleventh hour

The 2008-2009 budget was passed late Wednesday night, and is lauded by Republicans as a fiscally responsible one in which reasonable cuts in growth were made. The total budget, which includes federal dollars, for 2008-2009 is $27.5 billion, $245 million less than originally proposed in January. The 2007-2008 total budget was $27.75 billion, $250 million more than this year’s. The state portion of this year’s budget was $13.6 billion, a $200 million decrease from 2007-2008.

April 2008 was the worst month on record for revenue growth in Tennessee, and the third quarter of this fiscal year was the second worst quarter on record. Projections show that the fourth quarter—of which the state is halfway through—could be even worse.

State Employees

The budget that was approved will eliminate 2,011 jobs—roughly 5 percent—in the executive branch through voluntary buy-outs, which is anticipated to have a price tag of approximately $50 million. The one- time money will be taken from departmental reserve accounts, and will save the state about $64 million annually. The Governor has added
approximately 5,000 jobs in his tenure, meaning the cuts make up 42 percent of Bredesen hires.

From the beginning, the Administration was optimistic that those employees who will be targeted for the buy-outs will voluntarily take them. It was reported by the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System last week that many state workers were interested in the buy-out plan, although they wanted to hear more details before committing to anything
concrete.

Education

This year’s budget protects education, and continues to fund the Basic Education Program, the plan by which the state disperses dollars to local school systems at last year’s same percentage of funding. Although there is no increase in the state’s percentage of BEP funds as was anticipated for this year, there is a required increase of $59 million to cover inflationary costs for the school systems.

For higher education, however, the state made a cut of roughly 4.1 percent, or about $56 million. The Tennessee Higher Education Commission is expected to work with the two systems, the Tennessee Board of Regents and University of Tennessee system, to distribute the cuts. Republicans are hopeful that the schools can make cuts wherever possible instead of simply passing the reductions along via tuition increases.

Lottery compromise reached in final hours

One of the most contentious and complicated issues of the year, the sweeping lottery scholarship legislation, passed both chambers this week. After a decision could not be reached by each chamber independently, both the House and Senate appointed a conference committee to examine the options. The conference committee, made up of both Senators and Representatives, presented a “conference report” to the legislative bodies to either be adopted or rejected. Ultimately, the House passed the measure with a vote of 92-2.

The final proposal is slated to give 12,107 students the opportunity to participate in the HOPE scholarship program. Many Republican lawmakers expressed concern, however, over the $27.5 million price tag. Members argued that the proposal stretched the lottery scholarship fund too thin, with the state spending more than the fund could ultimately sustain.

The legislation will allow a student to maintain the HOPE scholarship by keeping a grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 for 60 hours of classes. At the conclusion of 60 hours, in order to continue to receive the HOPE scholarship, the student must achieve a 3.0 GPA for the next semester or 12 hours and for the remainder of the students’ college career. The GPA is no longer based on a cumulative score, butonly based on semester averages. The new legislation also provides a one-time regain provision.

The legislation also provides for the following:

• $10 million to the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) for the purpose of awarding need based grants, impacting 5,000 students;

• The “Helping Heroes” program, which is projected to assist approximately 375 students at $1.5 million over two years;

• A pilot project to provide students enrolled in dual enrollment courses with laptops, to benefit 100 students in each grand division;

• A full HOPE scholarship to two-year institutions with on-campus housing;

• Allowing students to maintain the HOPE scholarship for a full five years;

• Additional funds that become available will fund the Energy Efficient Schools program at $100 million

House unanimously approves “Long-Term Care Community Choices Act”

This year, the General Assembly passed a comprehensive long term care package that aims to use the dollars allotted to the state’s system more effectively by allowing seniors to “age in place.” Some of the key provisions in the legislation include greater access to home-based care, simplifying and streamlining the process, and adding more diversity to the system. Republicans have been championing the cause for several years and were pleased to see the measure
passed.

The “Long Term Care Community Choices Act of 2008” is designed to promote independence, choice, dignity, and quality of life for the elderly and/or people with physical disabilities who need long-term care support and services from the state’s TennCare program. The overhaul will include consumer-directed options that offer more choices regarding the kinds of long-term care services people need, where they are provided, and who will deliver them, with appropriate mechanisms to ensure accountability for taxpayer funds. The changes to the system will be phased in as new applicants are admitted over the next couple of years.

In Brief…

• House Bill 2486 passed the House of Representatives this week 96-0. The bill extends the Class E Felony charge of making false and malicious reports of physical abuse against children. Current law provides the Class E Felony sentence for instances of sexual child abuse; this legislation extends it to all instances of false reports of any child abuse.

• A measure championed by Republicans for several years passed the House of Representatives this week. House Bill 2718 enacts the “Tennessee Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act.” The legislation authorizes various entities to manufacture identification documents so long as the entity’s name is printed upon the face of such ID. The bill includes various

• businesses, schools and other organizations. The special joint committee to study the administration of the death penalty was extended this week in the House of Representatives. House Bill 2733 lengthens the reporting period of the committee from one year from the appointment of all members to October 1, 2009. The measure comes in the wake of a Kentucky court case questioning the method of lethal injection as a violation of the 8 th amendment. Ultimately, the United States Supreme Court held that lethal injection did not constitute “cruel and unusual” punishment.

• House Republicans sponsored and passed legislation this week that make various clarifications to the Open Meetings Laws. House Bill 3637 makes clear that the open meetings requirement does not prohibit discussions or the communications of factual information between individual members of a governing body where the purpose is to educate members on a specific issue.

• House Bill 0164 passed the House of Representatives this Wednesday. The legislation prohibits certain convicted felons from possessing a rifle, shotgun, or any other firearm. Current law only prohibits against the possession of handguns. The bill stipulates the felony must be one using or attempted use of force, violence, or a deadly weapon or the felony is a drug offense.

• A measure to encourage environmentally friendly cars overwhelmingly passed the House of Representatives. House Bill 2794 adds alternative fuel and hybrid electric motor vehicles to the present list of vehicles authorized to drive in the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane.