Listen Police in Tennessee could soon have to develop written policies banning racial profiling, a move state lawmakers believe will help prevent a Ferguson-style eruption in the state. The state House of Representatives voted unanimously Monday night in favor of the Racial Profiling Prevention Act, sending the measure to Gov. Bill Haslam for review.
Sales Of E-Cigarettes To Minors To Be Banned In Tennessee
Tennessee lawmakers have voted to ban sales of e-cigarettes and other vaping products to anyone under 18. The decision extends the state’s ban on sales of cigarettes to minors. Rep. Joe Towns (D-Memphis) says the measure, Senate Bill 411, will keep teenagers from harming themselves. “It’s a good piece of legislation,” he says. “(We) should […]
What Did Tennessee’s Bible Debate Reveal About Tennessee Lawmakers?
Listen Out of all the issues discussed at the Tennessee capitol this legislative session, the one that brought the most robust, free-flowing floor debate was over a state symbol. WPLN capitol reporter Chas Sisk stopped by to talk about the passions that arose over whether to recognize the Bible as the state book of Tennessee.
Listen: The Guy Whose Job Is To Yell At Tennessee Lawmakers
In the Tennessee General Assembly, the main voices you hear are those of lawmakers, but perhaps the most unusual belongs to someone who’s never been elected. Chief Senate Clerk Russell Humphrey doesn’t just keep the records of what goes on. With his barking baritone, he also sets the pace.
Tennessee Senate Approves In-State Tuition For Undocumented Students
The state Senate has voted to grant in-state tuition to undocumented students in Tennessee. Senators approved the policy change just one year after rejecting the proposal. Stephanie Teatro, co-executive director of the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, says the shift reflects a long campaign by young adults brought to Tennessee as children. “The bottom line […]
Tennessee Lawmakers Send Guns-In-Parks Bill To Governor Haslam
It’s now up to Gov. Bill Haslam to decide whether to allow guns in local parks after state lawmakers approved a final version of the measure Thursday. The proposal, House Bill 995, is meant to open all Tennessee parks to firearms. But unlike previous versions, the final bill does not let gun owners carry “in […]
Lawmakers Approve $120 Million For Tennessee State Museum
Tennessee lawmakers have approved $120 million for a new home for the Tennessee State Museum on the Bicentennial Mall. Some lawmakers had complained the sum was too much to spend on one project. They tried to cut the amount in half, so funds could be diverted to other efforts like road-building. But Lt. Gov. Ron […]
The Bible Won’t Become Tennessee’s State Book — At Least Not Yet
Listen The Bible will not become the state book of Tennessee — at least not this year. The state Senate voted 22-9 to set the proposal aside for the rest of the legislative session, citing an opinion from the Tennessee attorney general that it’s unconstitutional.
Tennessee House Approves Plan To Make Holy Bible State’s Official Book
Listen The Tennessee House of Representatives has narrowly approved a bill that would make the Holy Bible the state’s official book. The measure now heads over to the state Senate, where it could face an equally strenuous debate. House Bill 615 squeaked through the House Wednesday morning with 55 votes, just five more than the […]
Tennessee Lawmakers Decide Not To Allow Guns In Capitol, After All
Listen A group of lawmakers is recommending against allowing guns in the state Capitol. The panel also says guns should be allowed in parks, except when they’re actively being used by school groups. Both ideas came from a conference committee set up to hash out differences over gun-in-parks legislation. The committee recommendations moves lawmakers substantially closer […]
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