It has certainly been an interesting session so far and we’ve only just begun. Tennessee has its first new Lt. Governor in generations, the Democrats still hold the House and Republications now hold the Senate. Let’s hope everyone plays nice, remembers that it’s not about personalities and parties, but moving the state forward.

To help you keep up with the happenings in the General Assembly we will maintain at least three pages here on the News Blog as well as post breaking news to either this page or our E-News listserve.

  • General Assembly - provides general information about the Tennessee legislature and how to impact it.
  • 2007 Legislation - Beginning on January 29th, we will provide a run down of bills that impact people with disabilities.We can’t include every bill, but we will try to monitor a good cross-section and include links to additional information.
  • Disability Days - Information about how you can join other people in the disability community who are making an impact by visiting your legislators.

Here is a rundown of some early bills that have been filed already:

Absentee Ballots (SB0012, HB0017) - Allows any registered Tennessee voter to vote absentee. By Senator Jackson and Representative Shepard.

Early Voting (SB0018, HB0016)- Extends early voting period for state elections by seven days. SB0018, HB0016. By Senator Jackson and Representative Shepard.

Class Sizes and Students with Disabilities (SB0048) - Requires the state Board of Education to develop a weighted class size formula to take into consideration the additional needs of students with disabilities or who are eligible for special education services by February 2, 2008. Specifies that the weighted standards will take effect in the 2008 - 2009 school year. By Senator Finny, R.

Jason Flatt Act of 2007 (SB0057) - Specifies that an annual in-service training for teachers and principals include two hours of training in suicide prevention. By Senator Black with Bunch, Ramsey, Watson, B., Ketron, Woodson, Burchett, McNally, Tracy, Beavers, Stanley, Johnson, J., Southerland, Finney, R, Kurita, Crowe.

Seatbelts on School Buses (SJR0008) - Directs the Department of Education to study and make recommendations on the use of safety restraints on school buses. By Finney, R.

Prescription Medicine Fair Pricing Act (SB0068, HB0012) - Requires the Commissioner of Finance and Administration to enter into discussions with member states of I-SaveRX and companies that import Canadian/International prescription drugs to the US. Clarifies intention to allow Tennessee residents to purchase prescription drugs through the I-SaveRX program or similar program, or to establish by January 1, 2008, a new TN international prescription drugs cost savings program. By Senator Jackson and Representative Curtiss.

Hearing Screenings for Newborns (SB0074, HB0011) - Requires that every newborn infant be screened for hearing lost prior to discharge from hospital, unless parents object on religious grounds. Specifies that a child born outside a hospital setting be referred to the Department of Health for hearing screening. Requires those who do not pass to be referred to the TN Early Intervention System. Requires certain insurance plans and HMOs to provide coverage for infant screening tests. Failure to complain is a Class C misdemeanor. By Senator Harper and Representative Pruitt.

Drive to a Cure Specialty Plates (SB0043) - Authorizes issuance of “Driving to a Cure” (Pink Ribbon) new specialty earmarked license plates. Allocates funds from their sale to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. By Senator Woodson.

And now for something completely different, just for fun …

Cable Equity Act of 2007 (SB0059) — Allows cable television customers to choose which cable channels they wish to purchase on a per-channel rate. By Senator Kilby.

To learn more about the status of these and other bills visit: http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/bills/currentga/billLookup.asp

Note: Most information posted about bills on the state’s website are only available in PDF format, which typically are inaccessible to people with visual impairments who use screen reading software. If you would like to see this change, then please contact your state legislators.