Randy Boyd’s latest TV commercial, “Law and Order”
Press release from Randy Boyd campaign
Nashville, Tenn. — Randy Boyd, Republican candidate for Governor, released a new television commercial today highlighting his conservative commitment to supporting law enforcement and cracking down on violent crime, drugs, and gangs.
Harwell campaign and PAC, accused of improper coordination, using same ad company
House Speaker Beth Harwell’s gubernatorial campaign and her political action committee – facing a complaint alleging they have illegally coordinated political activities – have been using the same company for advertising expenditures, reports The Tennessean – citing campaign finance reports.
Approved bill lets TN corporations avoid increased taxation
A bill that largely spares Tennessee corporations from an increase in state business taxes otherwise triggered by President Donald Trump’s 2017 federal tax overhaul is on its way to Gov. Bill Haslam for his signature, reports the Times Free Press.
According to a legislative fiscal note, enactment of the bill (SB2119, as amended) means the state will be giving up potential $112 million in foregone state corporate excise tax revenue over a period of several years beginning in fiscal year 2020-2021. And businesses, of course, will be spared paying that much in added taxes.
Haslam praises legislators for passing most of his agenda (exceptions not noted)
Press release from the governor’s office
NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today thanked members of the 110th General Assembly for keeping Tennessee on pace to lead the nation in jobs, education and efficient and effective government.
Legislators act to deter any future Confederate monument removals
Legislators gave final approval Wednesday to a bill intended to block local governments from future actions like the City of Memphis’ December move to remove Confederate monuments from city parks. The bill prohibits sale or transfer of public property containing a statue without permission of the Tennessee Historical Commission and says local governments violating the new law are barred from receiving state grant funds for five years.
Two proposed TN constitutional amendments die in windup House-Senate squabbling
Two proposed amendments to the Tennessee state Constitution were caught up in the final round of House-versus-Senate maneuvering Wednesday and both died with adjournment. One would have declared that “Almighty God” is the source of all liberty; the other would have laid out procedures for temporarily replacing a governor when he or she becomes incapacitated.
The upshot is that none of dozen or so state constitutional amendments proposed during the 110th General Assembly were approved. (A listing on the legislative website is HERE.)
Legislators authorize utilities funding chambers of commerce (updated and corrected)
Legislation authorizing natural gas utility companies to provide funding to local chambers of commerce was approved by the Senate on Wednesday. The House initially spurned the bill, but then reconsidered and approved it in the waning moments of the 2018 session.
Legislators vote to require TN law enforcement officers to detain illegal immigrants
On mostly party-line votes, the House and Senate gave final approval Wednesday to legislation that requires state and local law enforcement to detain suspected illegal immigrants for deportation at the request of federal officials without requiring warrants and prohibits local governments from adopting “sanctuary city’ policies
Democrats, contending the bill was unnecessary because Tennessee already forbids sanctuary cities, offered amendments to the measure (HB2315) that would have increased penalties for businesses that hire illegal immigrants. Those efforts were killed, also on party line votes, with the House sponsor voicing sympathy for the idea but declaring timing of the proposal inappropriate on the last day of the 2018 session.
110th General Assembly adjourns after a round of House-Senate hostility, more TNReady turmoil
The Tennessee General Assembly’s traditional end-of-session jockeying over last-minute bills boiled over into dramatic brinkmanship Wednesday with a focus on the latest TNReady student testing fiasco, reports the Times Free Press. The 110th General Assembly was finally adjourned late Wednesday night, about 10 days later that legislative leaders had optimistically predicted at the January outset.
Squabbles over ‘poison pill’ and herbal remedy resolved to approve Haslam’s opioid bills
Final legislative approval of Gov. Bill Haslam’s two bills dealing with opioid addiction came Wednesday after the House and Senate resolved squabbles over details that had gained little public attention but touched of heated arguments among lawmakers.
