Legislation That Goes After Capitol Protesters Moves Through Tennessee General Assembly
Source: WPLN - Nashville Public Radio
A bill that would increase the penalties against protesting on state property is moving through the Tennessee General Assembly.
The measure (HB8005/SB8005) is backed by Gov. Bill Lee. But, a provision in it has received pushback even from members of the Republican Party.
Overall the GOP-led legislature is supportive of the measure. Supporters say it is meant to protect law enforcement.
But, in the original bill, the states attorney general would have the power to prosecute cases related to vandalism or injury to a police officer even if the local prosecutor decides not to.
Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson, R-Franklin, told WPLN News they have heard from the district attorneys across the state that had some issues. He expects that provision to be taken out of the bill now.
The Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference, which represents prosecutors, did not respond to a request for comment.
The push by Gov. Lee is rare move since the state attorney general does not tend to overrule local decisions by prosecutors. He told reporters he is not sure whats going to be in the final version of the measure. But, he said a new law is necessary.
We need to protect the peaceful assembly that it is allowed through the First Amendment, Lee said. But, at the same time, protect against lawlessness and the destruction of property.
The bill would also add mandatory minimum sentences for rioting and would change the definition of camping in state law. Thats in response to the ongoing overnight protests in front of the capitol.
Justin Jones, who is a well-known activist in the state and who has been leading the protests, said this will criminalize the right to peacefully assemble.
To have this bill that is targeting directly what is happening here, Jones said. It is kind of like a wave of anti-democracy.
Jones said the measure would have implications on people experiencing homelessness in Tennessee.
Read more: https://wpln.org/post/legislation-that-goes-after-capitol-protesters-moves-through-tennessee-general-assembly/?mc_cid=c8d3225f5e&mc_eid=f342fbb850
turbinetree
(24,695 posts)Docreed2003
(16,858 posts)This is outrageous and appalling....I wouldn't expect anything less for this legislature. I weep for my state. We've been overtaken by ignorant, crazy, trumpers
sarchasm
(1,012 posts)I can't imagine this wouldn't end up in court. ACLU perhaps?
The TN legislature is like a giant repository of racist teabilly white evangelical high school bullies.
Docreed2003
(16,858 posts)This legislature refuses to do away with "Nathan Bedford Forrest Day", refuses to remove Forrest's bust from the capital building, and refused to honor a young black woman killed in Nashville because she might have been using marijuana when she was killed...as if that provides some moral high ground to stand upon.
I'm sick of this shit.
sarchasm
(1,012 posts)...is eerily Sisyphean.
volstork
(5,400 posts)How the mighty have fallen...
maxsolomon
(33,327 posts)White Suburbanites may have BLM signs in their windows, but when it comes to actual change, we get this shit instead.
Nitram
(22,794 posts)Free speech and the Right of Assembly.
RVN VET71
(2,690 posts)The law will only be applied to leftwing protesters not camo-wearing, confederate flag waving, rifle bearing right wing thugs or their hooded allies.