Steve Southerland

This vote is a motion to pass Divion #2 of amendment #2 to a bill related to teacher salary increases. This motion prohibits union dues from being deducted from a paycheck of a school district employee. Instead, employees who wish to be associated with a union will make their due payment directly to their union. This measure will likely weaken union influence and membership. Support is the Limited Government Position as it is not the role of taxpayers and the state to serve as a dues collector for unions. Public sector collective bargaining unnecessarily hikes taxpayer costs while making it harder to reward top-performing employees and dismiss poor-performing employees. All employees should have the "right to work" without being forced to join a labor union.

Strengthening "Right to Work" Protections for Teachers through a Prohibition on Deducting Union Dues from Paychecks.

This bill provides certified medical assistants the ability to provide a greater range of tasks. Some of these tasks include preparing medications to be given by a medical provider, giving rectal medications, and giving vaccines from multi dose packaging. Support is the Limited Government Position as this regulatory reform helps alleviate healthcare staffing shortages and provide patients more timely and attentive care.

Alleviating Healthcare Staffing Shortages by Providing Certified Medical Assistants the Ability to Perform a Greater Range of Tasks.

This bill requires the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to report annually on child and human trafficking in the state, as well as the programs and activities of the bureau's human trafficking unit. Support is the Limited Government Position as the failure of the Federal government to properly secure our nations border has led to a flood of cases of human trafficking. This measure helps ensure the state is taking all actions in its power to combat the tragedy of human trafficking.

Combatting Child and Human Trafficking by Requiring an Annual Report from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

This bill, known as the "Access and Opportunity Act," requires home school and transfer students to be provided the same access as children enrolled in public schools to extracurricular activities, programs and events within school districts. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill strengthens school choice by removing a barrier which may have dissuaded families from choosing to homeschool their children.

Reducing a Barrier to School Choice by Ensuring Home School Students Have Equal Access to Extracurricular Activities.

This bill, known as the "Graduate Physicians Act," establishes a licensure framework allowing recent medical school graduates who have completed the first 2 steps of the United States  Medical Licensing Examination to practice under the supervision of a licensed physician through a "graduate physician collaborative practice arrangement." This is limited to primary care services in a "medically underserved rural area," a "pilot project area established for graduate physicians to practice," or a rural health clinic. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill reduces the staffing shortages at hospitals and improves the ability of patients to receive attentive and timely treatment. However, the bill would be much stronger without the geographic restrictions limiting the program to certain areas.

Reducing Healthcare Staffing Shortages by Allowing Medical School Graduates to Practice Under a Licensed Physician Prior to Obtaining Their Medical License.

This bill prohibits school districts and public charter schools from forcing teachers and employees to undergo "implicit bias" training as a requirement for work or licensure. The bill ensures employees may opt-out of such trainings without facing any disciplinary actions. Support is the Limited Government Position as "implicit bias trainings" primarily serve as a political indoctrination tool and divert teachers away from the classroom and other important trainings. Additionally, these wasteful trainings impose unnecessary costs onto taxpayers, while enriching providers of these services.

Protecting School Teachers and Employees from Politicized "Implicit Bias Training" Mandates by Ensuring they Have the Right to Opt-Out Without Facing Disciplinary Actions.

This bill expands eligibility for the Tennessee Education Savings Account (ESA) Pilot Program by no longer requiring a student to have been priorly enrolled in a Tennessee public school to qualify for the program. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill improves educational outcomes for all students by fostering competition and a market in education, which encourages schools to provide the best education so they can attract parents to enroll their child and receive the associated funding.

Expanding School Choice Under the Tennessee Education Savings Account Pilot Program by No Longer Requiring Prior Enrollment in a Public School to Qualify.

This bill authorizes the state treasurer to purchase and sell gold and other precious metal bullion and coins. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps ensure taxpayers are diversified and protected in the event of extreme inflation or a hyper-inflation scenario. This is especially critical considering the reckless policies of the Federal Reserve such as quantitative easing.

Safeguarding Taxpayers Investments from Run-Away Inflation by Authorizing the State Treasurer to Buy and Sell Gold and Other Precious Metals.

This bill increases the penalty for critical infrastructure vandalism in which the damage is at least $1,000 from a Class E felony (1-6 years in prison) to a Class C felony (3-15 years in prison). The bill also classifies the destruction of a farm as critical infrastructure vandalism. Support is the Limited Government Position as protecting property rights and ensuring public safety serve as essential components of government. This bill is necessary considering the actions being taken by radical environmental and social activists to damage or disrupt critical infrastructure such as pipelines and transportation.

Strengthening Public Safety by Enhancing Penalties for Damage or Disruption of Critical Infrastructure.

This bill establishes a legal definition of "sex" for use in statutes and state code. The bill defines "sex" as a "person's immutable biological sex as determined by anatomy and genetics existing at the time of birth". The bill is in response to questions surrounding consideration of "gender expression" and "gender identity" in cases of anti-discrimination law covering public accommodations and scholastic sports. Support is the Limited Government Position as all individuals - regardless of their sexual identity - should be treated with respect and have the same freedoms, rights and opportunities under the law. Additionally, individuals within the private sector should be free to exercise their Constitutional rights, including freedom of association, freedom of speech and religious freedom. This bill helps ensure individuals can exercise their Constitutional rights while being protected from frivolous litigation.

Reducing Frivolous Litigation Under State Non-Discrimination Law by Clarifying the Definition of "Sex" as One's Biological Sex at Birth.

This bill provides an exception to the prohibition on concealed weapons on school property to allow an adult, who is not a student and is only on the property to vote, to carry a concealed pocket knife. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill slightly expands individual liberties and the ability of individuals to defend themselves.

Strengthening Individual Liberties by Authorizing Adults to Carry Pocket Knives on School Grounds When Visiting the Property to Vote.

This bill establishes a new health insurance mandate which requires all healthcare policies offered in the state to allow any licensed medical laboratory to be a participating provider under the same terms and conditions as any other medical laboratory. Under the bill, insurers also may not prohibit individuals from selecting the participating laboratory of their choice, and must apply the same deductible, coinsurance, or copayment for an employee group to all laboratory services. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this mandate infringes the right to contract and imposes significant additional costs onto insurers by weakening the ability for insurers to negotiate prices with medical laboratories. These costs are then passed onto all consumers through higher health insurance premiums.

Hiking Health Insurance Premiums by Imposing New Coverage Mandates for Medical Laboratory Services.

This bill is designed to weaken the power of labor unions by establishing a new workplace requirement for any company or employer to receive an economic development incentive from the state. Under the bill, employers may not grant recognition rights to a union which basis was established under a "card check" system, and instead requires decisions on unionization be decided by secret ballot. The card check system provides an opportunity for union leadership to pressure employees into union membership. Support is the Limited Government Position as all employees should have the "right to work" without being forced join a labor union. The secret ballot method helps protect employees from harassment by union bosses and generally helps weaken labor union power. While lawmakers should eliminate the Department of Economic Development - which solely promotes cronyism through government central planning - the bill serves as a strong step in the right direction in advancing the "right to work".

Protecting Workers from Intimidation by Union Bosses by Making the "Secret Ballot" a Requirement for Companies to Receive State Economic Development Incentives.

This bill directs the commissioner of agriculture to establish a state meat inspection program in Tennessee. The bill is in response to a shortage of federally inspected slaughterhouses in the state which imposes significant delays and costs across the meat packing industry. The bill requires the state inspection requirements to be at least equal to those imposed by federal meat inspection law. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill reduces business and consumer costs by helping alleviate regulatory burdens.

Reducing Federal Regulatory Barriers in the Meat Packing Industry by Authorizing the Creation of a State Meat Inspection Program to Processing.

This bill establishes multiple new school safety and security measures, such as annual safety drills, requiring all schools' exterior doors remain locked and security hardware requirements for newly built and remodeled schools. Support is the Limited Government Position as rather than disarming law-abiding individuals defenseless through pointless "gun control" mandates, this bill helps effectively protect children and school employees.

Strengthening School Security by Establishing Additional Safety Measures Designed to Protect Students and Teachers.

This bill prohibits localities from imposing bans or additional restrictions on property owners who choose to install battery-charged security fences. Under the bill, localities may not prohibit the installation or usage of battery-charged security fences, require an additional permit or fee to install or use a battery-charged security fence (above an alarm system permit), or impose "installation or operational requirements" that conflict with state requirements. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure protects against local government overreach. While some may argue this bill undermines "local control", our founding fathers only recognized three entities within the U.S. Constitution - federal government, state government, and the individual. It is not the role for any level of government to unduly infringe the rights of individuals, therefore making preemption measures, such as this bill, necessary.

Combatting Government Overreach by Preventing Localities from Prohibiting or Imposing Additional Regulations on Battery-Charged Security Fences.

This bill prohibits state and local governments from adopting United Nations policy recommendations that "deliberately or inadvertently infringe or restrict private property rights without due process." This includes U.N. sustainable development and net-zero emissions programs. Additionally, state and local governments may not fund or contract with any non-governmental organizations enlisted by the UN which advance such agendas. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill protects American private property rights against the politicized agendas of foreign entities which if implemented would have dire consequences on economic and business growth.

Protecting Private Property Rights by Prohibiting Adoption of the United Nations Politicized Climate Change Agenda.

This bill prohibits the use of eminent domain to seize property in Sumner County for "parks, trails, paths, or greenways for walking, running, hiking, bicycling, or equestrian use" unless the land "is parallel to, runs directly along the length of, and extends in the same direction as a highway, road, or street." The bill requires a 2/3 vote by the Sumner County legislature to take effect. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill strengthens property rights and restricts the ability of officials to take property through eminent domain. Eminent domain should only be utilized as a measure of last resort and for cases of significant general societal benefit.

Strengthening Property Rights by Restricting the Use of Eminent Domain to Seize Property in Sumner County.

This bill creates an advisory committee to propose the creation of additional regulations and occupational licensure requirements for individuals providing doula services. The committee is also directed to study providing doula services to welfare recipients under TennCare and recommend reimbursement rates for providers of the service. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as further government mandates and regulations merely restrict competition and drive-up costs for receiving doula services. Additionally, the state's Medicaid welfare program already costs taxpayers over $14 billion annually - or 20% of the entire state budget. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, as, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Advancing Government Overreach through the Creation of a Committee to Propose New Regulations and Licensing Mandates on Doulas.

This bill prohibits the consideration of ESG (environmental, social, and governance) in state investment strategies, including for the state pension system. Investment strategies based on ESG result in reduced financial returns for taxpayers. Support is the Limited Government Position as all public investment actions should be based on producing the maximum return and value for taxpayers, not advancing political or social agendas.

Protecting Taxpayers by Prohibiting ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Considerations in State and Local Investment Strategies.

This bill, known as the "Mature Minor Doctrine Clarification Act," prohibits healthcare providers from administering a vaccination to a minor without parental consent. Support is the Limited Government Position as strong parental rights is a critical element of a free society. It is the role of parents - not government bureaucrats - to evaluate the risks and benefits of providing their child a vaccination.

Strengthening Individual Liberties and Parental Rights by Requiring Parental Consent to Administer Vaccinations to Minors.

This bill prohibits life insurance companies from requesting that policy applicants or existing customers provide genetic data or take a genetic test as a condition of receiving or continuing coverage. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as there may be a role for government to require a disclosure or certain protections for existing policy holders, however, there is certainly no role for government to impose a blanket ban on the consideration of genetic data for future policy offerings. Such government interference in the marketplace limits the ability of insurers to accurately assess and price risk, which ultimately drives up life insurance premiums.

Driving Up Life Insurance Premiums by Prohibiting Insurers from Requesting Genetic Data or Testing as a Condition of Coverage.

This bill increases work search requirements for recipients to remain eligible for unemployment insurance. Under existing law, recipients were required to make contact with 3 employers or access career center services to be eligible for benefits. This bill requires at least 4 "work search activities" each week. In addition to submitting resumes and interviewing for jobs, this can include completing an approved skills assessment, a civil service exam, attending a job fair, or other activities designed to help a recipient gain employment. The bill also requires the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to develop a portal for employers to report recipients who fail to appear for a scheduled job interview and provides that failing to appear for a scheduled job interview makes a recipient ineligible for benefits that week. Support is the Limited Government Position as combatting fraud within the state's unemployment insurance system is critical to maintaining low payroll taxes for businesses which are forced to pay into the system. While unemployment insurance should not be carried out by government - rather, a system should be established whereby individuals and companies can purchase into a program on the private marketplace - lawmakers have a duty to maintain the integrity of the system.

Strengthening the Integrity of the Unemployment Insurance System and Reducing Fraud through Increased Work Search Requirements and a New Employer Reporting Portal.

This bill provides firearms manufacturers and retailers immunity from most civil liability, except in certain cases such as those relating to product defects. The bill is in response to measures being introduced across the nation which hold firearm manufacturers liable for criminal actions taken by consumers of their products. Support is the Limited Government Position as James Madison and our nation's other founding fathers understood that the right to keep and bear arms is a crucial individual liberty and protects the citizenry against a tyrannical government. This measure helps protect the Second Amendment by ensuring firearm manufacturers and retailers are not driven out of business through costly frivolous litigation.

Protecting Firearm Manufacturers and Retailers from Frivolous Litigation by Restricting Civil Litigation.

This bill prohibits any local government from using taxpayer funds to assist a person in obtaining an abortion in another state because the practice would be considered a criminal abortion in Tennessee. Support is the Limited Government Position as it is not the role of government to promote abortion and force payment from taxpayers to advance abortion (many of whom may have strong religious objections).

Prohibiting Local Governments from Utilizing Taxpayer Funds to Assist an Individual in Obtaining a Criminal Abortion in Another State.

This bill allows passengers on certain commercial passenger buses to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages while on board. The bill requires a separate attendant to be on the bus and hold a server permit in order to provide alcohol. is the Limited Government Position as this bill improves long-distance bus travel and expands individual liberties by eliminating an unnecessary restriction on alcoholic beverage consumption.

Strengthening Individual Liberties by Allowing the Sale and Consumption of Alcohol on Commercial Passenger Buses.

This bill provides staff who work within the executive or judicial branch of government with 6 weeks of paid family leave following the birth or adoption of a child. The bill also provides the staff with an additional 6 weeks of unpaid leave, with the 12 weeks being in addition to all other sick, annual, and other leave benefits provided to state employees. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as these generous leave benefits exceed what is provided to most private-sector employees. Additionally, such benefits are unneeded to attract staff to executive and judicial branch roles, as such positions are highly sought after due to the experience, connections and influence that is received - additional benefits that typically propel staff to distinguished careers.

Forcing Taxpayers to Provide Excessive Paid Leave Benefits to Certain State Employees.

This bill further lowers the aviation fuel tax cap, thus reducing the amount of taxes that FedEx and other corporations are required to pay - which helps cover the costs of the state airports which they utilize. In 2015 the legislature established a $21.375 million cap on the amount of aviation fuel taxes a company had to pay, then lowered the cap to $5 million. This bill continues to reduce the cap annually until it reaches only $1 million in 2024. The loss revenue required to cover the airport operational costs will come from the general fund. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the aviation fuel tax serves as a user fee, ensuring that companies which utilize state airports and the associated government services are responsible for a portion of the costs they impose on the state. This cronyism enriches FedEx and other corporations who utilize the airports at the expense of everyday Tennesseans who will now face higher tax burdens to make up for this corporate welfare.

Hiking Tax Burdens on Tennesseans through a Crony Cap on Aviation Fuel Taxes Which Enriches FedEx and Other Airlines.

This bill makes more students eligible for the Tennessee Education Savings Account (ESA) Pilot Program by expanding the program to cover Hamilton County (previously just Shelby and Davidson counties). Under the bill, school districts now only need to have 5 schools (previously 10) which are within the bottom 10% worst performing in the state. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill improves educational outcomes for all students by fostering competition and a market in education, which encourages schools to provide the best education so they can attract parents to enroll their child and receive the associated funding.

Improving Educational Outcomes by Making More Students Eligible for School Choice Under the Tennessee Education Savings Account Pilot Program.

This bill authorizes law enforcement agencies and companies that manufacture license plate readers (LPRs) and other surveillance systems to install the equipment without obtaining the authorization of the Department of Transportation (DOT). The bill is in response to certain restrictions that have been imposed by the DOT. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as while the equipment may not be utilized to issue traffic citations, this measure presents serious civil liberty concerns over the warrantless surveillance and tracking of individuals.

Growing the Surveillance State by Allowing Law Enforcement to Bypass the Department of Transportation and Install License Plate Readers Without DOT Authorization.

This bill requires a sentence of at least 25-40 years for offenders convicted of especially aggravated kidnapping or aggravated rape, and 12-20 years for rape. Support is the Limited Government Position as ensuring public safety serves as an essential component of government. Unfortunately, this bill is especially necessary due to the many so-called criminal justice "reforms" which have led to skyrocketing crime rates and are being advanced in state legislatures by George Soros and other left-leaning Billionaires through their funding of liberal - and even some conservative - advocacy organizations.

Reducing Crime and Strengthening Public Safety by Imposing Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Certain Crimes.

This bill requires localities to classify natural gas, biomass and industrial byproduct technologies as "clean energy" if a locality imposes an ordinance or mandate on a public utility requiring a "clean energy" source. Support is the Limited Government Position as a number of state and local governments across the country have imposed "clean energy" mandates on utility companies which unnecessarily drive up consumer costs in order to advance a politized environmental agenda. While some may argue this bill undermines "local control", our founding fathers only recognized three entities within the U.S. Constitution - federal government, state government, and the individual. It is not the role for any level of government to unduly infringe the rights of individuals, therefore making preemption measures, such as this bill, necessary.

Protecting Tennesseans from Higher Utility Costs by Ensuring Natural Gas is Designated as a "Clean Energy" if a Locality Imposes an Energy Mandate on a Public Utility.

This bill, known as the "Protecting Tennessee Businesses and Workers Act," prevents local governments from imposing any additional labor mandates or regulations on private employers which exceed what is already imposed under state or federal law. Examples include paid leave, healthcare or scheduling mandates. Support is the Limited Government Position as businesses are already significantly financially burdened by a litany of federal and state mandates. While some may argue this bill undermines "local control", our founding fathers only recognized three entities within the U.S. Constitution - federal government, state government, and the individual. It is not the role for any level of government to unduly infringe the rights of individuals and interfere in private contracting arrangements.

Expanding Employment Opportunities by Prohibiting Local Governments from Imposing Wage or Benefit Mandates on Private Employers.

The Lamar amendment #2 to the state employee paid leave bill. This motion blocks the amendment, which provides 6 weeks of paid leave (and 6 weeks of unpaid leave) to roughly 313 state legislative staff. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as these generous leave benefits exceed what is provided to most private-sector employees. Additionally, such benefits are unneeded to attract staff to legislative roles, as such positions are highly sought after due to the experience, connections and influence that is received - additional benefits that typically propel staff to distinguished careers.

Blocking the Expansion of the Costly State Employee Paid Leave Bill to Include State Legislative Staff.

This bill requires anyone who provides "eyelash extension services" in the state to become licensed, pay a fee, undergo examination, and attend a cosmetology school with at least 300 hours of classroom instruction. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the state's draconian Department of Cosmetology - which should be eliminated entirely - represents one of the very worst forms of cronyism and government overreach. This government entity merely exists to restrict competition and enrich cosmetology schools through outrageous occupational licensure requirements for services which present little to no risk to consumers. For example, to merely provide haircuts, an individual must obtain a cosmetology license and complete 1,500 hours of classroom training. In comparison, to become an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in Tennessee an individual must undergo roughly 150 hours of training - which is in line with the national average.

Enriching Cosmetology Schools and Restricting Competition by Forcing Individuals Who Provide "Eyelash Extension Services" to Undergo 300 Hours of Classroom Training, Examination and Licensure.

This bill requires school districts to obtain parental consent in order for a student to receive instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity curriculum. Permission is also required to participate in a "survey, analysis, or evaluation" or join a club or organization. Support is the Limited Government Position as strong parental rights in their child's education is a critical element of a free society. This measure ensures children are not subjected to sensitive topics without the consent of parents.

Strengthening the Integrity of the Public Education System by Prohibiting Discussion of Sensitive Issues Surrounding Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity without Parental Consent.

This bill, the Fiscal Year 2024 Operating Budget, represents a 6.5% increase over the prior year's budget. Some of the major new and increased spending initiatives within the bill include $2.7 billion in higher education subsidies, $350 million for Memphis sports facilities, $200 million for a performing arts center, $340 million in FastTrack economic development, and $288 million for additional government parks and nature areas. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the budget is chock-full of wasteful and unnecessary spending initiatives (as mentioned above) which directly violate limited government principles and far exceed the basic and necessary functions of government. For example, instead of forcing taxpayers to further subsidize things like the career paths of select individuals and woke college campuses, lawmakers could have made the state much more economically competitive by lowering the corporate tax rate. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, as, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending Through a $56.2 Billion Budget (6.5% Increase) with Countless Provisions that Further Grow the Size and Scope of Government.

This bill allows courts to sentence defendants to consecutive sentences (as opposed to concurrent) in certain cases. Examples include if a defendant is convicted of multiple offenses involving more than one victim and if doing so would be "in the interest of justice." Support is the Limited Government Position as protecting property rights and ensuring public safety serve as essential components of government. Unfortunately, this bill is especially necessary due to many so-called criminal justice "reforms" which have led to skyrocketing crime rates and are being advanced in state legislatures by radical-left billionaires through their funding of advocacy organizations on both sides of the political aisle.

Combatting Crime and Improving Public Safety by Providing Judges Greater Authority to Issue Consecutive Sentences for Multiple Offenses.

This bill expands the list of individuals who are authorized to carry a concealed firearm on the campuses of public institutions of higher education. Under the bill, retired law enforcement officers with enhanced concealed carry licenses, have served at least 20 years, and are employed part-time by the university are now authorized to carry a concealed firearm. Support is the Limited Government Position as disarming individuals through pointless "gun control" measures merely make law-abiding citizens targets to criminals who do not abide by the law. And while all law-abiding individuals should be permitted to exercise their Second Amendment rights and defend themselves on university campuses, this bill serves as a step in the right direction.

Strengthening Public Safety by Authorizing Retired Law Enforcement Officers to Carry a Concealed Firearm on University Campuses.

This bill, the "Family Medicine Student Loan Repayment Grant Program" authorizes the Department of Health to cover up to $200,000 of student loan debt for family medicine physicians who agree to practice in a "health shortage area" for at least 5 years following their residency training. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the free market - not central planning by government bureaucrats - is the best mechanism to determine the need and distribution of physician across the state. Taxpayers in urban areas should not be forced to subsidize the amenities of individuals who choose to locate in rural or other portions of the state where doctors are not as accessible.

Growing Government Central Planning by Forcing Taxpayers to Pay Off the Student Loan Debt of Physicians in "Health Resource Shortage Areas".

This bill establishes a new health insurance mandate concerning mammograms which requires insurers to cover additional diagnostic imaging and supplemental breast screening services without any co-pay or cost-sharing by the patient. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as each and every health insurance mandate or price control on co-payments prevents an individual from selecting a plan with just basic or customized coverages to fit their specific needs. As a result, health insurers are forced to only offer costly plans loaded with coverages that most individuals do not need. This can result in lower-income or younger individuals choosing to purchase no insurance plan at all due to the high cost.

Hiking Health Insurance Premiums by Mandating Policies Provide Additional Mammogram Diagnostic and Supplemental Screenings Without any Co-Pay or Deductible.

This bill allows Tennessee wineries to blend their products with distilled spirits and the wines of other manufacturers. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill expands consumer choice and individual liberties while also removing an anti-competitive barrier, thus allowing Tennessee wineries to better compete across the national market.

Expanding Consumer Choice and Competition by Allowing Tennessee Wine Manufacturers to Blend their Products with Distilled Spirits.

This bill allows the commissioner of education to issue a temporary teaching permit to an individual who has met certain coursework and examination requirements. The bill applies to cases where a public school district or charter school is unable to hire a teacher with the necessary license. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill helps reduce teacher shortages by providing licensing flexibility for schools to fill vacant teacher positions.

Reducing Teacher Shortages by Authorizing the Issuance of Temporary Teaching Permits to Educators Who Have Met Certain Coursework Requirements.

This bill requires the comptroller of the treasury to compare registered voter lists with geographic data to ensure voters are assigned to the correct federal, state, and county districts. This must be done every 10 years after each Census reapportionment. Support is the Limited Government Position as ensuring accurate voting districts is critical to ensuring free and fair elections, an essential component of democracy under our nation's constitutional republic.

Strengthening Election Integrity by Requiring Verification of Voter Districts Following Census Reapportionment.

This bill, known as the "Tennessee Higher Education Freedom of Expression and Transparency Act," is designed to further strengthen legislation passed last year which prohibits public colleges and universities from advancing certain political and social agendas. This bill establishes a process for violations of the law to be investigated, while also ensuring students are not forced to affirm to any diversity statement of an institution. Furthermore, the bill strengthens protections against colleges displaying bias or favoritism for or against student groups and speakers based on viewpoints or political ideology. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill helps combat politicalization and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives across the state's institutions of higher education. While this bill may raise concerns over government moderation of speech on campus, taxpayers should not be forced to pay for college and university operational costs in the first place - especially for politicized activities. Such actions have led to the creation of countless worthless degree programs and administration waste which are born at the expense of individuals who chose to enter the trades or business and not pursue a degree.

ILA

Steve Southerland