Image Credit: TN General Assembly
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
Two pieces of legislation, one reiterating that judges must not obstruct lawful immigration enforcement efforts and the other adding additional regulations on foreign entities purchasing land in the state, have progressed in the House and Senate, moving them one step closer to becoming law in Tennessee.
HB1707– Requires judges’ cooperation with federal authorities when enforcing immigration law
Under this bill, if a judge obstructs lawful federal immigration enforcement they can be reported to the Tennessee Board of Judicial Conduct which can investigate the judge for misconduct. If such misconduct is found, it could be grounds for removal from office.
During the House Judiciary Committee meeting on Monday, Democrat Gloria Johnson asked if there are any examples of this type of judiciary rebellion happening in Tennessee and stated that she believes it’s already possible for judges to be referred to the board if misconduct is suspected.
In response, bill sponsor Rep. Rick Scarbrough said that while there are no current examples, the aim of the legislation is to be preventative and proactive so that it can never become an issue. He also reiterated that while judges can be referred, there is no set policy that dictates the process, especially regarding immigration enforcement.
“As a leader and executive with over 25 years in the public policy arena, nothing is more disruptive or embarrassing for any kind of agency than when you find you don’t have a policy to address a situation that has occurred. And when those policies are nonexistent, your practice becomes your policy. Again, this is a proactive measure we’re trying to take advantage of,” Scarbrough said.
After another Democrat question, the committee voted 15-4 along party lines to pass the legislation onto the House Calendar & Rules Committee where it be given a date for a full House vote.
The Senate companion, SB1952, is scheduled for the Senate State and Local Government Committee for today, March 24.
SB2233– Expands prohibitions on land purchases by foreign adversaries
This bill updates Tennessee’s restrictions on foreign adversaries acquiring land by expanding certain definitions and clarifying ownership thresholds.
Current law restricts land purchases by foreign adversaries, but it does not include mineral rights, ground water, or surface water, which this legislation seeks to remedy.
It would also lower the individual ownership threshold foreign entities can hold from 33% to 10% and the aggregate threshold from 50% to 33%, addressing “minority ownership structures that may provide meaningful influence.”
On the Senate floor Monday, there were no questions or discussions on the bill before the body voted 24-4 along party lines in favor of passage. SB2233 will now be sent to the House to wait as the other chamber works on their version of the bill, HB2547.
HB2547 is on the House State & Local Government Committee calendar for today, March 24.
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
