Image: Bill Sponsor Rep. Bryan Richey presents bill in subcommittee. Image Credit: capitol.tn.gov
The Tennessee Conservative Staff –
The Tennessee House Criminal Justice Subcommittee moved forward with potential legislation that would increase penalties for the transportation of illegal aliens into the state in their Tuesday meeting.
House Bill 2078 (HB2078), sponsored by Representative Bryan Richey (R-Maryville-District 20), would amend a current Tennessee law by increasing the fine for transporting illegal aliens from $1,000 to $5,000.
The bill was introduced with an amendment that would allow exceptions for the Department of Children’s Services, law enforcement officials, and the Department of Corrections if they are acting in an official capacity. It would also “remove immunity for common carriers”.
Representative Gloria Johnson (D-Knoxville-District 90) asked how carriers such as busses who were transporting individuals to a state other than Tennessee would be handled if they needed to make a stop.
Richey responded that his advice to them would be to just avoid Tennessee.
The amendment was passed, and the floor was opened for questions.
Representatives John Gillespie (R-Memphis-District 97) and Joe Towns, Jr. (D-Memphis-District 84) both asked questions related to what was considered a “common carrier” and how those individuals would know if they were transporting someone who was in the country illegally.
Richey stated that common carriers would be all commercial transportation, and he reiterated that the legislation stated that people were liable if they “knowingly or recklessly” transported illegal aliens.
Chairman Kirk Haston (R-Lobelville-District 72) then announced a roll call vote on the bill. Ayes prevailed and the legislation will be sent to the full Criminal Justice Committee.
Democrat Representatives Johnson and Towns both asked to be recorded as no. Republican representatives Dan Howell (R-Cleveland-District 22) and John Gillespie (R-Memphis-District 97) also asked to be marked as voting against the bill.
Companion Senate Bill 2802 (SB2802) was scheduled to be heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday as well, but action was deferred to their March 19 calendar.
Anyone who wishes to express support or concerns for this legislation should contact committee members using the contact information below prior to that meeting.
Chair Todd Gardenhire (R) – sen.todd.gardenhire@capitol.tn.gov– (615) 741-6682
Sara Kyle (D) – sen.sara.kyle@capitol.tn.gov– (615) 741-4167
London Lamar (D) – sen.london.lamar@capitol.tn.gov– (615) 741-2509
Jon Lundberg (R) – sen.jon.lundberg@capitol.tn.gov– (615) 741-5761
Kerry Roberts (R) – sen.kerry.roberts@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-4499
Paul Rose (R) – sen.paul.rose@capitol.tn.gov– (615) 741-1967
John Stevens (R) – sen.john.stevens@capitol.tn.gov– (615) 741-4576
Brent Taylor (R) – sen.brent.taylor@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-3036
Dawn White (R) – sen.dawn.white@capitol.tn.gov– (615) 741-6853
sen.todd.gardenhire@capitol.tn.gov, sen.sara.kyle@capitol.tn.gov, sen.london.lamar@capitol.tn.gov, sen.jon.lundberg@capitol.tn.gov, sen.kerry.roberts@capitol.tn.gov, sen.paul.rose@capitol.tn.gov, sen.john.stevens@capitol.tn.gov, sen.brent.taylor@capitol.tn.gov, sen.dawn.white@capitol.tn.gov
