2009-01-11 More legislation filed

More legislation filed in the Tennessee legislature. Thanks to the updated legislative website the sponsor's names are now hyperlinked to their much more informative web pages. Another nice feature...hover over the bill link in the long list and you'll get the bill sponsor and a hint about what the bill is.

BIG PROBLEM: pointed out by David Oatney---the video archives are AWOL. Not good. I've searched high and low and I can't find the previous session's videos at all. There's no link to the webmaster so no way to easily drop them a note asking when and where they'll return.

From the House:

*HB 0046 by Rep. Joshua Evans (R-Robertson County)

Handgun Permits - As introduced, prohibits department of safety or any department approved handgun safety course employee from requiring applicant for handgun carry permit to furnish any identifying information concerning any handgun the applicant owns or possesses. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13.

Yes. They only need to examine it to ensure it's safe for the training.

*HB 0047 by Rep. Brenda Gilmore D- Nashville

Taxes, Real Property - As introduced, enacts a property tax freeze for homeowners totally and permanently disabled. - Amends TCA Title 67, Chapter 5, Part 7.

*HB 0048 by Rep. Brenda Gilmore D- Nashville

Child Custody and Support - As introduced, allows the court in an order for support and maintenance of the children to set a specific amount to cover uninsured medical expenses and if such amount is not paid by the party within 30 days, the court, other party, state, or IV-D contractor may enforce the payment by any legal action permitted by law. - Amends TCA Title 36, Chapter 5, Part 1.

Don't most divorce documents include a provision for health insurance for dependent children? And doesn't a violation of that decree enable a contempt of court citation?

*HB 0049 by Rep. Brenda Gilmore D- Nashville

Mortgages - As introduced, delays the sale of land to foreclose a loan, mortgage or deed of trust on owner-occupied single family residences for a period of time; requires the parties to enter into good faith negotiations during such period to renegotiate the terms and conditions of the loan. - Amends TCA Title 35, Chapter 5, Part 1.

*HB 0050 by Rep. Brenda Gilmore D- Nashville

Public Health - As introduced, requires the department of health, in coordination with the office of minority health, to develop a plan to respond to the HIV/AIDS crisis in African-American communities throughout Tennessee; authorizes the state treasury to create a special fund designated as the African-American HIV/AIDS Response Fund in which moneys may be deposited, subject to appropriation, to fund implementation of the proposed plan. - Amends TCA Title 68.

I don't see the need for this. Is the health department slighting any segment of the population in this regard? If so, call them on the carpet through the chain of command and let's focus resources where needed. The state legislature doesn't need to create another pocket of money that can only be spent in one area.

*HB 0051 by Rep. Brenda Gilmore D- Nashville

Food and Food Products - As introduced, prohibits in any food service establishment use of trans fats in the preparation of food or food products. - Amends TCA Title 53 and Title 68.

*HB 0052 by Rep. Brenda Gilmore D- Nashville

Public Health - As introduced, requires the department of correction to test all inmates for HIV prior to inmate release. - Amends TCA Title 41, Chapter 21.

*HB 0053 by Rep. Eddie Bass (D-Prospect)

Handgun Permits - As introduced, makes information contained in handgun carry permit applications and renewals, information provided to agencies to investigate applicant, and records maintained relative to the permit application confidential and creates Class E felony of unauthorized publication of permit information or records. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13.

*HB 0054 by Rep. Eric Swafford (R-Pikeville)

Criminal Offenses - As introduced, creates Class A misdemeanor offense of owner or employee of intellectual property seizing property alleged to be counterfeit or imitation but permits seizures by law enforcement officers as currently provided by law. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 14 and Title 47.

*HB 0055 by Rep. Eric Swafford (R-Pikeville)

Nurses, Nursing - As introduced, authorizes the general assembly to appropriate funding for the state school fund to provide for the inclusion of a school nurse in every public school. - Amends TCA Title 49 and Title 68.

I don't agree with the 'every' public school. Let's base it on legitimate need. It's a bit like giving a mouse a cookie. Original intent may be double checking on fevers and skinned knees but mission creep will set in.

*HB 0056 by Rep. Eric Swafford (R-Pikeville)

Tort Liability and Reform - As introduced, provides that a flea market operator is not vicariously liable for damages resulting from flea market vendors' sale of counterfeit merchandise unless operator knew merchandise was counterfeit and failed to report or prevent sale. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 14, Part 1 and Title 47, Chapter 25, Part 5.

Who shops at a flea market and doesn't assume an "as is" purchase? It's the price of getting a bargain--you have to assume a greater risk in purchasing the product.

House Resolution:

*HJR 0007 by Rep. Brenda Gilmore D- Nashville

General Assembly, Statement of Intent or Position - Expresses profound regret for the enslavement and racial segregation of African-Americans.

Haven't we done this already?

From the Senate:

*SB 0011 by Sen. Bill Ketron (R-Murfreesboro)

Driver Licenses - As introduced, requires all written driver license examinations be given in English. - Amends TCA Title 55, Chapter 50, Part 3.

YES! Until our traffic signs are in the applicant's mother tongue...let's ensure they can read the information on those new TDOT electric signs (and every other road sign) and keep the test in English.

*SB 0012 by Sen. Delores Gresham (R-Somerville)

Military - As introduced, authorizes state employees who are in the military to use sick leave rather than annual leave when called to military duties. - Amends TCA Title 8, Chapter 33 and Title 8, Chapter 34.

Gresham reaches out once again to her military compatriots and suggests this small and common sense accommodation to make their life easier in exchange for keeping us safe.