RECAP: A look into recent bills that may impact Tennesseans if passed
JACKSON, Tenn. — One state meeting marks its third month of deciding future senate and house bills that might make it to the governor’s desk.
State leaders have continued with their 114th Tennessee General Assembly. During this assembly, they have shown progress in potential bills that may impact Tennesseans.
Voyeurism Victims Act
Senate Bill 0335 and House Bill 0602 which is known as the “Voyeurism Victims Act” passed in the Senate.
This would make it a criminal offense for a person to “knowingly photograph, or cause to be photographed, an individual without their consent of the individual; if the individual is a minor or without effective consent of the minor’s parent or legal guardian’s.”
See the full bill here.
Undocumented student enrollment
Another considered bill is SB0836 and HB0793, which would, in part “Authorize local education agencies and public charter schools to refuse to enroll students who are unlawfully present in the United States.”
The Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee will meet Tuesday, March 18 to discuss this further. The Senate’s FW&M revenue subcommittee will also meet on Tuesday, March 18.
See the full bill here.
Grocery Tax
They will also discuss a bill known as the “End the Grocery Tax by Closing Corporate Loopholes Act” which, in part, “Eliminates the 4% sales tax on the retail sale of food and food ingredients for human groceries.”
This would not include alcoholic beverages, tobacco, candy, dietary supplements, or prepared food.
See the full bill here.
Reproductive Health
On March 5, SB1010 and HB1220 were scheduled to the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee.
SB1010 would, in part, “Provide individuals of the right to make decisions about the individuals reproductive health care including fundamental right to use or refuse contraceptives or contraceptive supplies.”
On Tuesday, it was failed by the senate commerce and labor committee. This bill is in connection to the SB0187 and HB0027, however, the house bill was failed by the population health subcommittee.
See the full bill here.
These proposed bills have either been sent to the house or subcommittees for more consideration.
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