What's New On The Hill 08/30/2024
HFGR Partner Estie Harris is featured in the Nashville Business Journal this month, highlighting her as a top executive and a woman of influence.
To learn more about Estie's impactful work and leadership in the Nashville community, read the full article here.
Meagan enjoyed welcoming Rep. Helton-Haynes to the Hamilton Family YMCA yesterday to highlight how they serve the district and community.
As we approach Labor Day weekend, we extend our best wishes for a safe and enjoyable holiday. Whether you're spending time with family, enjoying personal hobbies, or simply taking a moment to unwind, we hope your weekend is filled with joy and meaningful moments. This holiday is a time to honor the hard work and dedication that build and strengthen our communities. Happy Labor Day!
Tennessee’s bars and restaurants will soon be required to have more training on sexual assault, date rape drug awareness and human trafficking amid growing concerns over drugging incidents in Nashville.
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) has unveiled a new design for driver licenses and photo ID cards, incorporating enhanced security features. The updated cards prominently display the Tennessee Capitol and Tri-Star flag, along with intricate wave patterns and fine lines that are difficult to reproduce. Built from durable polycarbonate, the cards also include laser-engraved elements and a machine-readable barcode, making them more resistant to counterfeiting and fraud.
The last major redesign occurred in 2011, and while current licenses remain valid until expiration, new cards will be issued for renewals or changes. The redesign applies to all TDOSHS-issued credentials, including REAL IDs and handgun permits. The new licenses are slightly thicker and more durable, and self-service kiosks will be available for quicker transactions. Commissioner Jeff Long emphasized that the new technology enhances security, helping to protect against identity theft.
To learn more about the new license requirements, follow this link.
Tennessee’s Republican legislative leaders, House Speaker Cameron Sexton and Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, have threatened to withhold state sales tax revenue from Memphis and Shelby County if the city moves forward with a ballot referendum on gun-related issues. The referendums, set for November, aim to implement safer gun handling policies, including restrictions on handgun carry without a permit and a "red flag" law. The GOP leadership argues these measures conflict with state law and are politically motivated, warning they could take unprecedented action against local governments that defy state regulations. The situation underscores the ongoing tension between state and local authorities over gun control policies in Tennessee.
Ford Motor Company has announced another delay in the production schedule for its electric trucks at BlueOval City in Tennessee, pushing the start date to 2027. Initially planned for 2025, production was previously delayed to 2026 but has now been extended further as Ford opts for lower-cost battery technology. The company hopes this change will reduce costs and boost profits.
Tennessee will receive $813 million in federal funds to expand broadband access in unserved and underserved areas by 2028. This funding, approved through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s BEAD Program, aims to bridge the digital divide in rural communities where 10% of residents still lack reliable internet.
The state has already invested over $715 million under Governor Bill Lee, but challenges like installation delays and affordability persist. Grant applications for these new funds will open in November, moving Tennessee closer to statewide broadband access.
Tennessee now has nine counties classified as distressed, up from eight last year, with Haywood and Grundy Counties newly added. This includes Haywood County, home to Ford’s Blue Oval City project. The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) designates distressed counties based on unemployment, per capita market income, and poverty rates, placing them among the nation’s 10% most economically challenged.
While Clay County improved and dropped off the list, the overall number of distressed counties in Tennessee has risen. Additionally, the number of at-risk counties in the state increased from 28 to 31 this year. Despite this setback, Governor Bill Lee’s administration remains focused on supporting rural areas, with a commitment to ensuring all Tennesseans benefit from the state’s economic growth.
IN THE NEWS
Trump highlights law and order in Michigan campaign stop
Trump spoke for close to an hour, touching on his administration's history of support for law enforcement and objectives for addressing violent crime in the U.S.
NEWSCHANNEL5.COM - August 20, 2024
Why the Sumner County Clerk’s Office charged veterans when they weren’t supposed to
The Sumner County Clerk’s Office admitted they charged some veterans a tax when they weren’t supposed to.
Chris Shoemaker is a 100% disabled veteran living in Sumner County. He tried to get a disabled license plate a couple of months ago. Shoemaker was charged a $51 wheel tax that he knew all total disabled veterans are exempt from in Tennessee.
WSMV.COM - August 21, 2024Politicians step up attacks on the teaching of scientific theories in US schools
Scientific theory has had a rough time in America’s public schools. Almost 100 years ago, science teacher John Scopes was convicted of violating a Tennessee law that prohibited teaching the theory of evolution. Although his conviction was overturned on a technicality in 1927, laws banning classes on Darwin’s theory stuck around for another 40 years. They were ruled unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1968.
THECONVERSATION.COM - August 21, 2024When do the Tennessee Three speak at the DNC? Meet the Volunteer State lawmakers
Three politicians that came in prominence in the wake of gun control protest in 2023 are set to speak at the 2024 Democratic National Convention this week.
TENNESSEAN.COM - August 20, 2024Editorial: Vague wording in new law could prevent students getting first aid
Because the Tennessee General Assembly failed its responsibility to be thorough in legislation that it approves, parents of every student in a Tennessee public school must provide written consent for treatment in the event their child needs a Band-Aid for a minor cut, ointment for a scraped knee, or an ice pack for a bruise while under school custody.
TIMESNEWS.NET - August 21, 2024Campus Police Partners with FBI, NNSA for City-Wide Terrorism Response ExerciseThe University of Tennessee Health Science Center Campus Police Department, in collaboration with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United States Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), recently conducted a critical tabletop exercise focusing on terrorism involving weapons of mass destruction (WMD).
NEWS.UTHSC.EDU - August 21, 2024The longest zipline in America coming to Pigeon Forge
The newest mountain top adventure to open in Pigeon Forge opened announcing the longest zipline in America will be built. WildSide plans to open in 2025 what it calls “MegaZip” on the new adventure theme park in Pigeon Forge.
WVLT.TV - August 25, 2024TennCare illegally cut health care for thousands of Tennesseans, judge rules
Tennessee's Medicaid program TennCare unlawfully terminated health care coverage for thousands of Tennesseans, a federal judge ruled Monday, marking the conclusion of a four-year-long class-action lawsuit.
TENNESSEAN.COM - August 26, 2024Shelby County Election Commission blocks gun control referendum from November ballot
A back-and-forth on gun laws in Memphis has seemingly ended as the Shelby County Election Commission decided not to allow a gun control referendum on the November ballot.
ACTIONNEWS5.COM - August 28, 2024