Image Credit: TN General Assembly
The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –
A carryover bill (SB1048) from last year which sought to prohibit state government from declaring any citizen “non-essential” in times of emergency failed in the Senate State and Local Government Committee on Wednesday in an 8 to 1 vote.
Of the 8 no votes, 6 came from Republicans, Senators Todd Gardenhire (R-Chattanooga-District 10), Tom Hatcher (R-Maryville-District 2), Ed Jackson (R-Jackson-District 25), Adam Lowe (R-Calhoun-District 1), Page Walley (R-Savannah-District 26) and Committee Chair Richard Briggs (R-Knoxville-District 7).
Senator Kerry Roberts (R-Springfield-District 23) voted Yes.
Tennessee Emergency Management Agency Director Patrick Sheehan spoke briefly to the committee in opposition with concerns having to do with how the bill had been written.
Sheehan stated that the legislation could “unintentionally jeopardize the legality of emergency protective orders including shelter-in-place, curfew, and evacuation orders, orders that are essential in protecting lives and property during emergencies.”
In bringing the bill, the sponsors were prompted by Governor Bill Lee’s signing of an executive order during the 2020 pandemic which ordered all businesses deemed non-essential to immediately close.
The companion House Bill (HB0562) sponsored by Representative Monty Fritts (R-Kingston-District 32), had been placed on the House calendar for a full vote today, March 26th.
You can find the contact information for your Tennessee House Representative HERE.
About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
