New legislation on the move in Tennessee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — New legislation is being proposed here in Tennessee. We spoke with two Tennessee legislators that give their insight into proposed bills in the State House of Representatives and the State Senate.

Senate Bill 2423 bans red 40 dye, and all petroleum-based synthetic colors. It passed in the Senate Monday. It prohibits an LEA or public charter schools to sell, offer to sell, or provide it to students through the school nutrition program.

“The studies that were done used massive amounts of red dye on mice. They’re not studies that are used on kids, and I’m not saying that these dyes couldn’t cause something, but for me there are so many other things that we need to be concerned with in our schools,” said Rep. Gloria Johnson (D), Tennessee State Representative (District 90).

Senate Bill 0303 would allow locals boards of education and governing bodies to display The Ten Commandments, The Declaration of Independence, The U.S. Constitution, The Constitution of Tennessee, and The Bill of Rights.

“I think we’re just clarifying in state law that our LEA’s have the ability to display that if they want to. It’s a permissive bill that doesn’t require them to if I understand it, but it will certainly clarify that they’re able to do this,” said Rep. Chris Todd (R), Tennessee State Representative (District 73).

Representative Gloria Johnson opposes that bill.

“The idea that you’re going to put the Ten Commandments on the wall at a school right next to the Constitution that says not to put The Ten Commandments on the wall is sending a contradiction to our children,” said Rep. Gloria Johnson.

In health care, Senate Bill 2031 is essentially suing pediatricians who provided gender-affirming care. It’s up for vote in the senate judiciary committee.

“I do not believe that we need to be legislating healthcare. We need to let the doctors decide what treatments young people need,” said Rep. Gloria Johnson.

Representative Johnson tells us about a bill that she finds most concerning.

“The one that just came out on Friday that puts the death penalty on the table if a woman gets an abortion…that’s terrifying that is absolutely terrifying,” said Rep. Johnson.

According to a copy of the amendment to HB570/SB738, the legislation states it intends to have the protections of Tennessee’s criminal law apply equally to pre-born children.

“I believe that we must protect life at all stages however I’m not in favor of criminalizing women that have abortions certainly those that may facilitate those abortions. For us in Tennessee, we’re going to make sure it’s the best place to protect your freedoms, liberties, and your civil rights. We’re going to make sure it’s the best place to raise a family,” said Rep. Todd.

Senate Bill 1731, sponsored by Sen. John Stevens, will expand the state attorney general’s authority to immediately appeal trial court rulings on injunctions, dismissals, and sovereign immunity in cases challenging state law constitutionality.

“There are some Republicans that actually have the foresight to go ‘wait a minute’…if we ever switch party of control, republicans are going to be in hot water with this legislation,” said Rep. Johnson.

Representative Todd tells us he’s currently working on a piece of legislation to replace all Tennessee property tax with a small increase in the sales tax state-wide.