Image Credit: TN General Assembly
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
The House floor session on Monday evening became heated as Representatives considered several immigration-related bills, with Democrats becoming particularly irate over legislation dealing with drivers on Tennessee roads who don’t appropriately speak or read English.
HB2219– Mandates all Tennessee Sheriffs participate in federal 287(g) immigration enforcement program
Sponsored by Rep. Johnny Garrett, HB2219 stipulates that sheriffs must participate in the 287(g) program under one of its three models and provides a statewide procedure for handling detainees awaiting transfer to federal custody.
Sheriff’s departments could choose between the 287(g) program’s Jail Enforcement Model, Warrant Service Officer Model, or Task Force Model which allows certified officers to identify and process removable aliens, place immigration detainers and initiate removal proceedings, and ensure transfer to ICE depending on which model the department enters.
Agencies that do not enter into the agreement could have state funds withheld. The bill would not apply to constables as they are separately authorized officers under Tennessee law, and participation by municipal police departments remains optional.
On the House floor Democrats proposed several amendments as a protest to the bill, none of which passed as they were largely grandstanding opportunities for the opposition. After a few more exchanges with Democrats after the amendments failed, the question was called and the body moved to the vote. HB2219 passed 71-25 and now waits on the Senate to pass their version before it can become Tennessee law.
Senate companion bill SB2223 is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee today, April 21. Should it pass this committee, it will head to the Senate floor for a full vote.
HB1708– Ensures those applying for a Tennessee driver’s license speak & read English
While the Tennessee Department of Safety currently offers license exams in several languages in addition to English including German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish, this legislation would mandate that should applicants fail to meet “sufficient” English standards and take the test one of these alternative languages, they would only be issued an eighteen-month restricted license.
Upon its expiration, the applicant would have to retake the written exam in English without any assistance before being issued an unrestricted license. Additionally, applicants for vehicle registry would be required to provide evidence they are a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or have temporary lawful resident status.
Democrats again proposed amendments intended to pontificate about their perceived injustices of the bill, though one Democrat amendment did make it onto the bill which will require driver services centers “prominently display” a list of local entities or individuals that provide English as a second language programs or instruction to assist those who do not meet the appropriate English requirements of the bill.
In continued objection during discussion, other Democrats claimed the legislation would harm businesses and international relations, stating the Japanese embassy had threatened to pull business relations should the bill pass. Rep. Aftyn Behn offered a zealous and lengthy opposition speech by vowing to make clear exactly who sponsored and supported the legislation.
“We’re done being nice. If you will not listen to the business community, our international partnerships and relationships, executives that are telling this body that this bill is bad for business, then you’ve left me no choice…I will spend every minute between now and October making sure that the Japanese consulate, every single CEO coming to the summit knows exactly what’s transpired in this building and in this body this session. I’m going to put up billboards for every single person who votes for this bill, put up a billboard in Nashville indicating why you voted for it and what you voted for. I’m going to place op-eds in Japanese newspapers describing what has transpired in this body this year…So, this is my promise to you, Representative Capley, I’m going to put your name and your face on a giant billboard downtown Nashville indicating you are the sponsor of this bill and that this is the highlight of your career. You’re welcome,” she vowed.
Capley’s only response was to quip, “Would that be an in-kind contribution? Does anybody know?”
After Republican Susan Lynn spoke in support of the bill, the question was called and the vote was 78-17 with several Democrats surprisingly voting “Yes” on the bill.
The Senate companion, SB1889, is on the Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee agenda for today.
HB1817– Takes commercial drivers off roads if unable to read & speak English sufficiently
Under this legislation, a law enforcement officer would be required to issue an out-of-service order if a commercial driver is found not to be fluent in English. The license would remain suspended and a substitute driver who is proficient in English would take over operation of the vehicle until the original driver takes and passes the written commercial driver license test in English.
Once again, Democrats forcefully attacked the legislation for being discriminatory, racist, and negatively impacting international trade wherein drivers from Canada or Mexico could be pulled off the road for not speaking English. Bill sponsor Lowell Russell reminded the body that even international drivers are legally required to properly understand English to perform trucking runs into the U.S.
The vote was 73-21 along party lines.
And While the Senate has also passed their version, it contains an amendment stripping the accountability mechanisms for employers whose illegal drivers are pulled off the road over concerns about enforceability. The original legislation also charged employers with a Class C misdemeanor and citation punishable by a $500 fine, but that language no longer appears in the amendments of either the House or Senate bills.
The legislation will now head to Gov. Lee for signature into law as the House conformed to the already-passed Senate version.
SB1952– Reiterates that judges in the state must not obstruct lawful immigration enforcement efforts
This bill states that if a judge obstructs 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.
Dem. Sen. Heidi Campbell questioned the definition of “obstruct” but bill sponsor Sen. Paul Rose reiterated that definition already exists in the judicial rules and that this bill merely codifies what is already existing practice under those same judicial rules.
After conforming to the House version of the bill which was passed at the beginning of the month, the Senate voted 27-2 along party lines to also pass the legislation.
SB1952 will now proceed to Gov. Lee’s desk for signature into law.
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.
