Week of March 19, 2007

Norris Takes on the Governor

Last week, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved SB 1597 by Sen. Mark Norris (R-Collierville).  The bill would prohibit the Governor from confiscating weapons from law-abiding citizens or restricting the ability to purchase guns and ammunition during times of natural disaster or declared emergency.

The bill was scheduled for action by the full Senate on Monday night until Sen. Norris received a letter from Gov. Bredesen’s staff requesting that he “consider halting further action”.  The letter stated that the administration disagrees “with the intent of this legislation and therefore cannot support it.”                           

A similar measure passed the Senate last year but failed in the House.

“The Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms is never more precious than during natural disasters or declared emergencies when self defense can be the key to survival,” Norris said.  “The Hurricane Katrina disaster was a wake-up call that this could happen.”

In New Orleans, governmental confiscation of citizens’ arms sparked outrage in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.  A federal judge later enjoined the city of New Orleans from violating Second Amendment rights after the National Rifle Association (NRA) filed suit.

“New Orleans citizens in lawful possession of weapons to protect their homes and families were forced to surrender those arms,” Norris said.  “We do not want a repeat of that scenario in Tennessee.  The ability to defend one’s home place and family in the absence of adequate law enforcement is essential.”

The bill is scheduled for action by the full Senate on Monday night.

Getting Tough on Sexual Predators

Sen. Mae Beavers (R-Mt. Juliet) and Sen. Diane Black (R-Gallatin) are sponsoring legislation to increase the minimum sentence for a person convicted of child rape.  SB 326 passed the Judiciary Committee this week.  As amended, the bill proposes to set the minimum penalty for rape of a child at 25 years in prison, with the maximum being life in prison.  Currently the penalties are 15 to 60 years in prison.

Also moving through the Judiciary Committee was SB 295 by Sen. Tim Burchett (R-Knoxville).  This bill would require a misdemeanor probation officer to determine if a new probationer is on the sexual offender registry. If the individual is on the registry and remains on probation, the officer would monitor the probationer's compliance with the residential and workplace location restrictions for sexual offenders.

Internet Crimes Against Children

On Wednesday, Sen. Tim Burchett (R-Knoxville) organized a presentation to alert members of the legislature about internet crimes against children.  Actor David Keith began by stressing the importance of cracking down on those that view and share child pornography.  He also informed the members about what the Federal Government is doing. 

Grier Weeks with the National Association to Protect Children emphasized how serious the problem has become.  Tom Evans of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force with the Knoxville Police Department concluded the presentation with what law enforcement is doing to catch those that produce, view, and share these files. 

The Senators that were present vowed to help law enforcement get the tools that they need to catch these criminals.  For more information about the National Association to Protect Children visit www.protect.org.

Tennessee Development District Awards

Every year the Tennessee’s nine development districts honor a member of the legislature from each respective district for their outstanding service to the citizens of Tennessee.  At the 2007 Annual Tennessee Development District Association Luncheon, Senate Republicans received five of the nine awards.
                First Tennessee Development District                             Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey (R-Blountville)
                East Tennessee Development District                            Sen. Raymond Finney (R-Maryville)
                Upper Cumberland Development District                       Sen. Mae Beavers (R-Mt. Juliet)
                South Central Tennessee Development District              Sen. Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville)
                Memphis Area Association of Governments                   Sen. Mark Norris (R-Collierville)

Johnson Passes First Bill

SB 498 sponsored by Sen. Jack Johnson (R-Brentwood) passed the Senate on Monday night.  The bill would redefine criminal offenses related to driving while viewing video broadcasts or installing such video equipment in motor vehicles.  Brought to make the roads safer, it would prohibit drivers of automobiles from watching movies or doing business, such as reading emails, by using a video screen located in the front seat.

Bill to Help Small Business Advances

Sen. Raymond Finney (R-Maryville) won approval for SB 55 in the Senate Commerce, Labor and Agriculture Committee on Tuesday.  The bill proposes to enact the “Regulatory Flexibility Act of 2007” to provide relief for small business in Tennessee.

The bill says that each agency and department shall review “whether a proposed rule or regulation affects small business”.  The bill would also require each agency and department to submit an economic impact statement before adopting any proposed regulation.

“Thirty states have similar laws in place,” Finney said.  “It is estimated that $7.2 billion was saved in 2006 by these states eliminating unnecessary regulations.”

Taxpayer Transparency Act Moves Forward

SB 1066 sponsored by Sen. Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville) was passed out of the Senate State and Local Government Committee on Tuesday.  The bill would enact the “Taxpayer Transparency Act of 2007”.  

“The intent of this legislation is to bring openness to state government,” said Tracy.  “The taxpayers want to know how and where their money is being utilized.”

The bill would require the Department of Finance and Administration to develop a website that would post information regarding state spending.  The information would include the amount of the expenditure and the department or agency making the expenditure.