Image: Bill Sponsor Senator Bo Watson presents SB2359 on the Senate floor. Image Credit: capitol.tn.gov
The Tennessee Conservative [By Rebecca Scott] –
A bill prohibiting the requirement for immunizations in order to adopt or host a foster child in the state of Tennessee has passed in the Senate.
Senate Bill 2359 (SB2359) “As introduced, prohibits the department of children’s services from requiring an immunization as a condition of adopting or overseeing a child in foster care if an individual or member of an individual’s household objects to immunization on the basis of religious or moral convictions. – Amends TCA Title 4; Title 36; Title 37 and Title 71.”
SB2359, sponsored by Senator Bo Watson (R-Hixson-District 11), passed with 24 “Ayes.” Senator Sara Kyle (D-Memphis-District 30) and Senator London Lamar (D-Memphis- District 33) were the only two senators to vote “No,” with Senator Heidi Campbell (D-Nashville-District 20) present but abstaining from the vote.
The companion bill to SB2359, House Bill 1726 (HB1726), has been placed on the House’s Civil Justice Committee calendar for March 6, 2024. Sponsored by Rep. Ron Gant (R-Piperton-District 94), HB1726 combats current vaccine requirements by allowing moral and religious exemptions for Tennessee families who want to foster or adopt children.
In order to voice your support or opposition to House Bill 1726, contact the members of the House Civil Justice Committee listed below prior to their meeting on March 6.
Tennessee House Civil Justice Committee
Andrew Farmer (R) – Chair – rep.andrew.farmer@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-4419
Darren Jernigan (D) – Vice-Chair – rep.darren.jernigan@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-6959
Rush Bricken (R) – rep.rush.bricken@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-7448
Gino Bulso (R) – rep.gino.bulso@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-6808
Kip Capley (R) – rep.kip.capley@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-2190
Rick Eldridge (R) – rep.rick.eldridge@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-6877
Ron M. Gant (R) – rep.ron.gant@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-6890
Johnny Garrett (R) – rep.johnny.garrett@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-3893
Rusty Grills (R) – rep.rusty.grills@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-0718
Torrey C. Harris (D) – rep.torrey.harris@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-2239
William Lamberth (R) – rep.william.lamberth@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-1980
Mary Littleton (R) – rep.mary.littleton@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-7477
Antonio Parkinson (D) – rep.antonio.parkinson@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-4575
Jason Powell (D) – rep.jason.powell@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-6861
Lowell Russell (R) – rep.lowell.russell@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-3736
Robert Stevens (R) – rep.robert.stevens@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-3830
Chris Todd (R) – rep.chris.todd@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-7475
rep.andrew.farmer@capitol.tn.gov, rep.darren.jernigan@capitol.tn.gov ; rep.rush.bricken@capitol.tn.gov, rep.gino.bulso@capitol.tn.gov, rep.kip.capley@capitol.tn.gov, rep.rick.eldridge@capitol.tn.gov, rep.ron.gant@capitol.tn.gov, rep.johnny.garrett@capitol.tn.gov, rep.rusty.grills@capitol.tn.gov, rep.torrey.harris@capitol.tn.gov, rep.william.lamberth@capitol.tn.gov, rep.mary.littleton@capitol.tn.gov, rep.antonio.parkinson@capitol.tn.gov, rep.jason.powell@capitol.tn.gov, rep.lowell.russell@capitol.tn.gov
Rebecca Scott is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative.
You can reach Rebecca at Rebecca@tennesseeconservativenews.com
