Senator Mark Norris -District 32

NASHVILLE --- Legislation amending Tennessee’s Title 58, which currently allows the governor to both confiscate firearms and restrict the sale of ammunition during declared emergencies, is closer to becoming law after a key Senate committee approval.

Senator Mark Norris (R-Collierville) moved Senate Bill 2928 through the Senate State and Local Government Committee Tuesday. The bill would prohibit the governor from confiscating weapons from law-abiding citizens or restricting the ability to purchase guns and ammunition during times of natural disaster or declared emergency. The measure is scheduled before the full Senate on Thursday, March 16.

“The Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms is never more precious than during natural disasters or declared emergencies when self defense can be the key to survival,” Norris said.

Norris, who chairs the Senate Transportation and Safety Committee, has been studying Tennessee’s emergency preparedness since last summer when Hurricane Katrina revealed deficiencies in many state plans, including Tennessee’s.

In New Orleans, governmental confiscation of citizens’ arms sparked outrage in the aftermath of Katrina. A federal judge later enjoined the City of New Orleans from violating Second Amendment rights after the National Rifle Association (NRA) filed suit.

“There is no justification to prohibit law-abiding citizens from possessing firearms during these critical times,” said Darren LaSorte of the NRA. “The experience in New Orleans taught us that citizens deserve a means of defending their families during a crisis.”

Norris said preparation is important, including protecting the option of self defense measures.

“We never know when disaster will strike. Tennessee is vulnerable in many ways, and citizens may have to fend for themselves,” Norris said. “This includes not only personal provisions in the event of a mandatory quarantine, but the ability to defend one’s home place and family in the absence of adequate law enforcement.”

In coming weeks, Norris predicts that increasing concern over an outbreak of Avian Flu will take center stage in Tennessee.

“As media reports become more prevalent on the issue, Administration officials are beginning to take notice,” Norris said. “But overtures are not enough. There are tremendous loopholes in the State plan to be addressed.”

Norris referred to recent efforts by the Bredesen administration to update the State’s 2003 flu plan, which assumes an effective flu vaccine exists. There is currently no known vaccination for avian flu.

“At that time, it will be essential that all law abiding Tennesseans have the ability to defend themselves and maintain order where they live,” Norris said. “No governor should have the power to deny Tennesseans that right.”

NASHVILLE --- SJR1, Senator Mark Norris’ Senior Citizens’ Homestead Exemption legislation is scheduled for hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee next week.

First introduced by Senator Norris in 2004, the bill calls for a referendum on amending the Tennessee Constitution in November 2006 to allow property tax relief for Tennesseans 65 years of age and older.

The Constitution requires that proposed referenda be adopted in two, consecutive General Assemblies to be placed on the ballot in the next Gubernatorial contest. Norris passed the Resolution by overwhelming majorities during the 103rd General Assembly. He must do so again this year by two-thirds in the Senate and House.

“Those on fixed incomes are hit hardest because they do not have extra income to pay the increased tax assessed upon the appreciated value of their home,” Norris said

“I believe Tennesseans deserve the opportunity to vote on this important issue and that our senior citizens should not be forced to choose between paying for property taxes and other necessities such as prescriptions,” Norris said.

The Facts on the Homestead Exemption

As property taxes rise due to appreciating values, senior citizens on fixed incomes need relief

The Homestead Exemption freezes the amount of property tax imposed on a residence when a taxpayer turns 65. Senator Norris passed the legislation to amend the Tennessee Constitution to allow tax relief for seniors.

What happens next? Legislation must be approved by two-thirds in this legislative session. If the Homestead Exemption Bill passes by two-thirds this year, then the referendum for the constitutional amendment will be on the ballot in November 2006. If approved, it could become law as early as January 2007.

Senate Bill 2660, sponsored by Senator Diane Black (R-Gallatin), bans protests within 500 feet of a funeral. The Senate Judiciary Committee approved the bill unanimously on Tuesday. It addresses recent disturbances at funerals around the country and in Tennessee. Protests have particularly targeted military members who served our country in combat. Family members of all deceased persons deserve respect at a solemn ceremony for their loved ones.

Attorney General Opinion 06-043 states the belief that SB2660 is constitutionally defensible because it is not overly vague and because a significant government interest exists. The opinion is posted at http://www.attorneygeneral.state.tn.us/op/2006/OP/OP43.pdf .

On Thursday, the full Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 2472, sponsored by Senator Jamie Woodson (R-Knoxville), to impose a lifetime bar from holding public office on felons who were found guilty of abusing the public trust while holding a state or local elected office. The bar would apply even to those whose voting rights are subsequently restored.

The Ad Hoc Committee for the Special Election Contest for Senate District 29 met Thursday after floor session over the disputed Sept. 15 Special Election in which Ophelia Ford was declared the winner by a 13-vote margin. Since then, 12 votes have been disallowed.

Retired Court of Appeals Judge Ben Cantrell, the committee’s independent counsel, advised mailing letter inquiries to some 40 voters now under challenge because they live outside the Senate district. They will be mailed letters and affidavits regarding their residency status.

Ophelia Ford replaced her brother John Ford as senator after he resigned shortly after his stinging arrest May 26, 2005, as part of the undercover FBI Operation Tennessee Waltz.