The Great Smoky Mountain Journal

Tuesday, January 01, 2019 03:03 PM

More Than 100 New Tennessee Laws Effective July 1

1. HB0222 Driver Licenses - As enacted, requires a person to establish proof of United States citizenship; lawful permanent resident status; or, in the case of a temporary driver license, a specified period of authorized stay in the United States, if the person, for purposes of obtaining a Tennessee driver license, presents a driver license from another state that issues driver licenses to illegal aliens.

2. HB1939 Firearms and Ammunition - As enacted, allows county commissioner in the actual discharge of the commissioner's duties who has a valid handgun carry permit to carry in buildings in which county commission meetings are held, but not in room in which judicial proceeding in progress; not applicable to member of legislative body of metropolitan government.

3. HB2330 Students - As enacted, prohibits the use of corporal punishment against a student with a disability who has an IEP or a Section 504 plan, with certain exceptions.

4. SB1875 Sentencing - As enacted, enacts "Henry's Law," which requires that a person convicted for second degree murder resulting from unlawful distribution of Schedule I or II drug where victim is a minor be punished from within one range higher than the sentencing range otherwise appropriate for the person. Henry Granju was an 18 year old from East Tennesse, read more here.

5. SB2030 Criminal Offenses - As enacted, enacts the "Tennessee Stolen Valor Act". You can't wear somebody else's medal.

6. SB2015 Local Education Agencies - As enacted, prohibits LEAs from entering into a non-disclosure agreement during, or as a prerequisite to, settlement for any act of sexual misconduct; prohibits employees from assisting others in obtaining employment if the employee knows that the person has engaged in sexual misconduct involving a minor or student.

7. HB2068 Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation - As enacted, imposes suspension or revocation of license for violations in the marketing of alcohol and drug treatment services.

8. SB1787 Criminal Offenses - As enacted, classifies as second degree murder the killing of another by unlawful distribution or unlawful delivery or unlawful dispensation of fentanyl or carfentanil, when those substances alone, or in combination with any scheduled controlled substance, including controlled substance analogs, are the proximate cause of the death of the user.

For a full list of the new laws, click here.