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Bill To Keep Autopsy Reports Of Murdered Children Hidden From The Public Passes By Voice Vote In Committee Led By Chairman John Ragan

February 27, 2024

Image Credit: capitol.tn.gov

The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –

A bill to keep autopsy reports of murdered children hidden from the public passed the House Government Operations Committee yesterday afternoon by a voice vote.

House Bill 1695 (HB1695) sponsored by Representative Rebecca Alexander (R-Jonesborough-District 7) now heads to the House floor for a final vote.

Chair John Ragan (R-Oak Ridge-District 33) chose to use a voice vote to hide the voting records of committee members from public scrutiny. We can only assume that Representative Ragan supports HB1695 and is responsible for its passage. As chair of the committee, Ragan could have used a transparent roll call vote but opted for a voice vote to shield committee members and himself from accountability.

The vote was recorded as “Ayes Prevail” and according to the General Assembly website, no member requested to have their vote counted.

In listening to the associated video, no nays were audible during the voice vote.

According to a statement made by Representative Jody Barrett (R-Dickson-District 69) on the Mill Creek View Tennessee Podcast, all that is necessary for a legislator to have their voice vote recorded is to simply give a thumbs up or a thumbs down to the clerk. It is very easy then for legislators to put their vote on the record for transparency with their constituents if they so choose.

The corresponding Senate Bill 2020 (SB2020) sponsored by Senator Shane Reeves (R-Murfreesboro-District 14) was referred the Senate State and Local Government Committee on January 31st but has yet to be scheduled.