Rep. Susan Lynn, Week 12 Recap

  From Rep. Susan Lynn, April 6, 2024- 

Rep. Susan Lynn Open Meetings Act Bill Is Placed Behind the Budget Rep. Lynn informs you that HB2176 has been placed behind the budget. This office will update you as the bill moves through the committee process. Bill Allowing Retired Law Enforcement to Serve as SROs Advances Legislation aimed at helping fill school resource officer (SRO) vacancies in Tennessee was approved by the House chamber this week.  House Bill 2682, sponsored by State Rep. Clay Doggett, R-Pulaski, allows retired law enforcement officers to temporarily return to work without losing retirement benefits if certain conditions are met.

Legislation aimed at helping fill school resource officer (SRO) vacancies in Tennessee was approved by the House chamber this week.  House Bill 2682, sponsored by State Rep. Clay Doggett, R-Pulaski, allows retired law enforcement officers to temporarily return to work without losing retirement benefits if certain conditions are met.  “Allowing these retirees to come back into the workforce to fill these voids hopefully will give opportunity for local departments to find qualified officers going forward after this two-year program,” Doggett said.  Law enforcement officers have to be retired for at least 60 days and can be re-employed for up to a year, with extensions possible.  The General Assembly in 2023 allocated $230 million to enhance school safety, including $30 million for a school resource officer in every public school in the state. The companion version of House Bill 2682 is still advancing through the Senate. If approved, the law would take effect July 1. It would be repealed on June 30, 2026.

General Assembly Improves Voting Accessibility for Blind Tennesseans The General Assembly this week unanimously passed legislation that will improve access to voting for visually impaired Tennesseans.   House Bill 2293, also known as the Print Disability Absentee Voting Act, creates a process for an accessible electronically-delivered ballot to be delivered to voters with print disabilities that affect their ability to read, write and use printed materials.  “Voting shouldn’t be a burden on any citizen with a disability,” said bill sponsor State Rep. Elaine Davis, R-Knoxville. "This legislation preserves election integrity while providing an accessible ballot for blind Tennesseans to securely and privately cast their ballots." The legislation requires the coordinator of elections to create an application for print-disabled Tennesseans to request an electronically-delivered ballot. An application link would also be located on the Tennessee Secretary of State’s website for voters to submit requests. The bill does not allow the use of an electronic or digital signature.  House Bill 2293 will now go to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk to be signed into law.

Tennessee Foster and Adoptive Parent Protection Act Approved The General Assembly approved legislation this week that protects foster parents’ religious and moral beliefs while ensuring the best interest of the child. House Bill 2169, also known as the Tennessee Foster and Adoptive Parent Protection Act, ensures current or prospective adoptive or foster parents in Tennessee will not be required by the Department of Children’s Services (DCS) to support any government policy regarding sexual orientation or gender identity that conflicts with their religious or moral beliefs. The legislation also prevents DCS from denying a parent’s eligibility to foster or adopt a child based on those beliefs. “Tennessee should welcome a diverse range of qualified adoptive and foster parents, including people of faiths and beliefs, and this bill will enforce this idea,” said bill sponsor State Rep. Mary Littleton, R-Dickson. “It is important to always consider the best interest of the child.” The religious or moral beliefs of a foster child or their biological family may also be considered by DCS when determining the most appropriate placement for the child. House Bill 2169 will now head to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk to be signed into law.

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