On a recent episode of the TBA Legislative Updates podcast, the TBA’s director of public policy and government affairs, Berkley Schwarz, and Adams and Reese attorney and TBA lobbyist, Brad Lampley, review the TBA initiatives, written and proposed by several TBA sections, that were introduced during session this week. The show livestreams on the TBA’s Facebook page every Thursday. Legislative Updates is part of the Tennessee Bar Association Podcast Network and can be found on the TBA's website or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Northeast Tennessee district attorneys have identified four legislative proposals they are asking state lawmakers to support this year to help fight crime, the Kingsport Times News reports. The bills would allow judges to sign search warrants to obtain electronic data stored outside the state; prohibit state prisoners from posting “party images” on social media that could be seen by family members of their victims; reclassify voluntary manslaughter to a Class B felony with an eight to 12-year jail term; and enhance penalties to those committing drug crimes with children in the home. The group also has expressed concern about the governor’s criminal justice reform initiative.

House lawmakers continue to push back against Gov. Bill Lee’s decision to allow resettlement of refugees in the state. Yesterday, a resolution objecting to the decision passed a House subcommittee by voice vote, the Nashville Post reports. Rep. Terri Lynn Weaver, the Lancaster Republican who sponsored the measure said it’s not personal or mean spirited. A number of bills to chastise the governor or overturn his decision are making their way through the state legislature. Lee said in December that he would consent to continued participation in the federal resettlement program.

The TBA joined today with several professional organizations for a “Day on the Hill” to encourage the Tennessee General Assembly to repeal or reduce the Professional Privilege Tax. The group was addressed by several lawmakers, including Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge, and House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossvillle, both of whom are in support of a repeal. Gov. Bill Lee proposed a $200 reduction tax in last week’s State of the State address, while some administration officials and legislative leaders left the door open for further cuts, or to eliminate the tax altogether. The repeal or reduction of the tax remains a top legislative priority for TBA in 2020 and members can still help by contacting their elected officials through TBA Impact. 

Tennessee has spent $221 million from state coffers to assist poor working families rather than using federal funds through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, even though it has more than $730 million in unused TANF funds, the Tennessee Comptroller told legislators last week. News of this arrangement broke at the end of 2019, but the comptroller's testimony was the first official look at the extent of the issue. The comptroller's report also found that the state is spending just 35% of its annual federal grant. The Commercial Appeal has more on the story.

Show your support for legislation that would eliminate the professional privilege tax at the Professional Privilege Tax Lobby Day. The event will take place from 8 a.m. to noon at the Tennessee State Capitol. If you plan to attend, please send a quick email to publicpolicy@tnbar.org. Here's a schedule of events. The only door to the Capitol that is open early will be the first floor entry, west side.

In a rare break from their conservative colleagues, two Republican lawmakers have introduced a bill that would expand Medicaid in the state under the Affordable Care Act, the Commercial Appeal reports. Rep. Ron Travis of Dayton and Sen. Richard Briggs of Knoxville filed the bill today, largely based on former Gov. Bill Haslam’s failed 2015 Medicaid expansion proposal known as Insure Tennessee. Most states have seized the opportunity to expand coverage but Tennessee lawmakers have consistently rejected such efforts. The sponsors said the effort will focus on House passage first.

Legislation that would replace the Nathan Bedford Forrest bust in the state Capitol was postponed yesterday after one lawmaker said he did not think Forrest did anything wrong, the Daily Memphian reports. The 14-4 vote in the Naming, Designating and Private Acts Committee to delay the resolution was split along party lines, with all Republican members voting to delay and Democrats voting to hear the matter. The next time the committee meets will be after the Tennessee Capitol Commission meets later this month on the matter.

Rep. Glen Casada, R-Franklin, today announced his plans to run for re-election, the Tennessean reports. Casada previously served as Speaker of the House, but resigned that post in 2019 after his involvement in a racist and sexist texting scandal. Casada has represented Williamson County’s District 63 since 2001. He faces opposition from Williamson County school board member Brad Fiscus, who will run as an independent for the seat. Those interested in running for the state House have until April to file a petition with the county election commission.

Rep. Bob Freeman, D-Nashville, is formally asking state Attorney General Herbert Slatery to issue a legal opinion on whether state lawmakers can "impair or eliminate the contractual terms" among homeowners "without violating the protections afforded by the Tennessee and U.S. Constitutions." His question references a bill proposed by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Mike Bell, which seeks to wade into a battle between homeowner associations and absentee corporate landlords over short-term rentals. After Bell’s bill stalled last year, he began working on changes but opposition remains, the Times Free Press reports.