Image Credit: Tennessee General Assembly
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
The House session of the fourth day of Bill Lee’s Extraordinary Session lasted for over five hours, focused mainly on the Education Freedom Act, but also encompassing time for the vote on the omnibus illegal immigration bill, HB6001.
After passing the full Senate and clearing the final committees in the House on Wednesday, the bill faced final debate and discussion on the House floor, with all proposed amendments failing to receive the 2/3 majority vote necessary for consideration.
House Democrats proposed several amendments in objection to portions of the bill, like the requirement that non-citizen licenses be differentiated from those of citizens and the felony charges levied against elected officials who support sanctuary city policies.
They also advocated for amendments that would keep law enforcement from applying immigration policies within 1,000 feet of schools or churches.
Representative William Lamberth (R-Dist. 44-Portland) reexplained the bill after the amendment votes, and some back-and-forth ensued as members spoke in support or against the legislation.
During the discussion, Democrat Rep. Gabby Salinas told an emotionally charged personal anecdote, crying throughout, and receiving applause from some in the gallery at its conclusion. Many questions and stories from the Democrats seemed to wrongly presume the bill would affect legal immigrants and would create raids similar to those being carried out on a federal level with the Trump administration’s targeted operations.
Other questions and pushback revolved around the constitutionality and legality of the provision that enforces criminal consequences for elected officials, with several Republican Reps., including Lambert and lawyer Gino Bulso, offering legal clarification and rebuttal which explained that a local official may not vote in support of something that is already illegal, referencing the state’s existing sanctuary city ban.
At least one member of the gallery was removed by a State Trooper at the request of Speaker Cameron Sexton for inappropriate behavior, though there did seem to be some leniency for the audience to clap in support of statements made by lawmakers.
The discussion was finally ended when a member called the question, meaning all debate must cease and the body was required to vote on the issue.
The final vote was 72-22 in favor, officially passing the bill.
As the Senate has also passed the bill it will now head to Governor Lee to sign into law.
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.
