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House Republicans introduce constitutional carry bill




Last week, legislation was presented that would make Tennessee the 19th state in the nation to enact a constitutional right to carry law. House Bill 786 upholds freedoms granted to law-abiding citizens in the U.S. Constitution, while also stiffening penalties for criminals who steal or illegally possess firearms.

The legislation includes several provisions that will make Tennessee communities safer by providing more severe punishments for firearm-related crime. House Bill 786 includes sentencing enhancements for theft of a firearm in a car, increases the minimum sentence for theft of a firearm from 30 to 180 days and increases unlawful possession of a firearm by violent felons and felony drug offenders. It also increases sentences for possession by a felon and unlawfully providing a handgun to a minor or allowing a minor to possess a firearm.

Currently, concealed carry permit holders have the right to carry a handgun, except in restricted areas. Law-abiding citizens without a carry permit may only carry a firearm in certain locations such as their home, car or place of business.

House Bill 786 would extend the constitutional right to carry a handgun without a permit to all law-abiding citizens 21 and older or 18 and older for active members of the military. Restricted areas would include schools, colleges and universities, playgrounds, athletic events, government property signs posted prohibiting carry, places where judicial proceedings take place, parks, campgrounds and greenways. House Bill 786 moved to the Criminal Justice Subcommittee on March 3 for consideration.

Legislation protects roadways, enhances penalties for rioting

Legislation that would protect public roadways from mob violence began to move through the committee process last week in Nashville. House Bill 513 promotes law and order by increasing penalties for those who obstruct a roadway and creates new criminal offenses for those who participate in rioting.

House Bill 513 increases the penalty for obstructing a highway or other passageway to a Class E felony with a mandatory fine of $3,000. Currently, the offense carries a maximum $500 fine. It creates criminal immunity for a driver who unintentionally causes injury or death to a person illegally obstructing a roadway.

House Bill 513 also enhances penalties for violence committed during a riot. The bill defines a riot as a disturbance in a public place or penal institution that involves three or more people who participate in violent behavior, create grave danger, substantial damage to property or serious bodily injury to others, obstruct law enforcement or a government function.

The bill would:

• create a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,500 for a person who throws an object at another with the intent of harming the other person during a riot.

• create a Class E felony punishable by one to six years in prison for a person who throws an object at another and causes bodily injury while participating in a riot.

• create a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,500 for a person who participates in a riot who intentionally intimidates or harasses an individual in public who is not participating in a riot.

House Bill 513 was presented March 3 in the Criminal Justice Committee for a vote.

Legislation targets drag racing in Tennessee

House Bill 22 would increase the penalty for drag racing to a Class A misdemeanor and make it comparable to a driving under the influence charge. Drag racing is an intentional act that puts innocent lives in danger. Besides the increase in force at the moment of impact in a collision, traveling at excessive speed imposes obstacles to the safe operation of a motor vehicle.

They include decreased reaction time to avoid vehicles or pedestrians, inability to safely turn or to retain control through curves, increased risk of skidding off roads, increased rollover risk, etc.

The bill moved forward for consideration March 3 by the Criminal Justice Committee.

House honors US Sen. Lamar Alexander with resolution

The House unanimously passed House Joint Resolution 99 on Feb. 23, to honor U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander for his lifetime of service to Tennessee. Alexander served as governor of Tennessee from 1979-87 and in the U.S. Senate from 2003-21, leaving office in January.

The Maryville native graduated from Vanderbilt University and New York University Law School. Throughout his life of public service, Alexander served as staffer under U.S. Sen. Howard H. Baker Jr. and President Richard Nixon, was president of the University of Tennessee and served as the 45th governor of Tennessee.

While in the Senate, Alexander chaired the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, as well as was elected chairman of the Senate Republican Caucus by his colleagues.

Alexander retired to his home in East Tennessee, where he lives with his wife, Honey, and dog, Rufus. The senator built a legacy in public service that is second to none and will be remembered by Tennesseans as a true statesman.

Visitation at long-term care facilities

The Tennessee Department of Health announced last week state-specific visitation restrictions for long-term care facilities ended effective Feb. 28. Although limited visitation restriction will no longer be in place at the state level, facilities still remain under federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Visitation Guidance.

“The health and safety of vulnerable Tennesseans, especially our long-term care residents, remains our top priority, and our comprehensive and persistent efforts to protect this population from COVID-19 have saved lives,” said Tennessee Health Commissioner Dr. Lisa Piercey. “Now that vaccinations at all long-term care facilities are nearing completion, we are ready to transition to a more sustainable approach of following these best practices for safe operation of long-term care facilities in Tennessee.”

The Department of Health said 100% of Tennessee’s nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities completed both doses of COVID-19 vaccinations, and Tennessee’s assisted care living facilities and residential homes for the aged were projected to be completed last week.

Tennessee commemorates 225 years of statehood

Tennessee will celebrate 225 years of statehood June 1. The House last week marked this milestone by passing a resolution to commemorate the 225th anniversary of the state.

Nicknamed the ‘Volunteer State’ following the War of 1812 and the Mexican War, Tennessee led the way in the areas of leadership, bravery and perseverance. The state is the proud home to three U.S. presidents, Andrew Jackson, James K. Polk and Andrew Johnson.

The resolution boasts of Tennessee’s rich history, acknowledging the economic, social, technological and military contributions Tennessee has made to our nation.

State House Deputy Speaker Curtis Johnson is a member of the House Commerce, House Insurance and House State Government committees, as well as the House Business and Utilities and Public Service subcommittees. Johnson lives in Clarksville and represents Tennessee House District 68, which includes part of Montgomery County. He can be reached at rep.curtis.johnson@capitol.tn.gov or 615-741-4341.

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