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March 16, 2007
Dear Friends, For anyone watching television news and monitoring print media, political disagreements often run the risk of degenerating into “white noise.” People are busy working hard and providing for their families and the news from Legislative Plaza can seem like run-of-the mill buzz. Most are surprised to learn the Governor possesses the authority to seize weapons during a declared emergency or natural disaster. To me, one should be able to defend family and home, especially when law enforcement’s availability is limited. But that is not the law today, and we need to change it. After Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans, guns were seized from law-abiding citizens. This news story details what happened: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-taU9d26wT4 . It is disturbing to watch, but demonstrates why we need to change Tennessee’s law. Last year, I passed my bill through the Senate amending the Governor’s right to seize weapons, but it did not pass through the House. After getting the Administration’s letter, I’m afraid it will suffer the same fate there again this year. I hope that this issue does not dissolve into media “white noise” for Tennesseans. For those of us recognizing the possible consequences, it is perhaps one of the most important issues we’ll deal with this year.
* * * * * Norris Faces Off with Governor on Self Defense Bill NASHVILLE --- The Bredesen Administration has expressed opposition to Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris’ legislation limiting the Governor’s power to confiscate firearms and restrict the sale of ammunition during declared emergencies. Senate Bill 1597 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. Most of the public is unaware that the Governor currently holds this statutory seizure authority. Norris said he received a letter from Mary Freeman, the Governor’s Director of Legislation, requesting he “consider halting further action” on Senate Bill 1597. The letter states they “disagree with the intent of this legislation and therefore cannot support it.” “There is a feeling of déjà vu here,” Norris said. “I expect passage of the measure again in the Senate, but I remain confused as to why the Administration feels threatened. The letter’s tone infers it again faces an uphill battle in the House.” The measure passed the Senate last year but failed in the House. Norris said he simply wants to protect Tennesseans’ basic constitutional rights. “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. “The Hurricane Katrina disaster was a wake-up call that this could happen.” 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. “New Orleans citizens in lawful possession of weapons to protect their homes and families were forced to surrender those arms,” Norris said. “We do not want a repeat of that scenario in Tennessee. The ability to defend one’s home place and family in the absence of adequate law enforcement is essential.” * * * * * Immigration Training for Troopers Legislation Advances NASHVILLE, Tenn. --- Senate Bill 1604, sponsored by Senator Mark Norris (R-Collierville), passed the Senate Transportation and Safety Committee this week and requires Tennessee Highway Patrol officers receive federal training in immigration and customs enforcement. Norris, citing the importance of curbing illegal immigration, said the training supplements troopers’ skills. Since 1996, Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Naturalization Act, later amended by the Homeland Security Act, has given state government the ability to enforce federal immigration law with proper training and supervision by federal authorities. Tennessee has not taken advantage of it, and Norris thinks the Department of Safety’s participation is overdue. “Illegal immigration must be addressed more effectively at all levels of government,” said Norris. “Proper training should actually enhance our law enforcement and homeland security efforts, and it will help protect lawful residents, foreign and domestic, from criminal and terrorist activity.” * * * * * State Election Commission On Monday night, Jimmy Wallace of Madison County and Mark Goins of Campbell County, were elected by the General Assembly to the State Election Commission. They were nominated by the Republican Caucus. Mr. Wallace and Mr. Goins have previously served on the Commission, and the Caucus was honored to support them both for another four year term. Illegal Immigration The Senate understands that one of the most important issues facing Tennessee is illegal immigration. On Wednesday, the Senate voted unanimously to end a program that had made Tennessee a magnet for illegal aliens. In 2004 the driving certificate program was set up to make the roads in Tennessee safer. A certificate of driving was issued if the applicant failed to provide documentation that they were a citizen of the United States, or documentation issued by the United States government establishing that they were a lawful permanent resident. The certificate that was issued clearly stated that it was “for driving purposes only—not valid for identification.” It quickly became apparent that the program made Tennessee a magnet for illegal aliens wanting to get drivers licenses. SB 886 by Sen. Bill Ketron (R-Murfreesboro) legally abolishes the failed driving certificate program. Also on Wednesday, the Senate Transportation Committee, chaired by Sen. Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville), unanimously approved a measure to give the Tennessee Highway Patrol authority to enforce immigration laws. SB 1604 by Sen. Mark Norris (R-Collierville) encourages highway patrol officers to get certification to enforce federal immigration and customs laws while conducting their normal duties. Similar bills were passed last year relative to both subjects, however the legislation died in the House.
Medical Malpractice Reform Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey (R-Blountville), in a speech to small business owners at a National Federation of Independent Business-sponsored event, said the compromise would “actually cut down on what’s really the problem — Republican Legislation Sen. Bo Watson (R-Hixson) passed his first bill in the Senate this week. SB 1144 was the culmination of years of work by Sen. Watson. As amended, the bill would allow a licensed physical therapist to treat a patient without a referral under certain circumstances. Sen. Jack Johnson’s (R-Brentwood) first bill is moving through the Senate as well. SB 498 passed the Senate Transportation Committee this week. The bill redefines criminal offenses related to driving while viewing video broadcasts or installing such video equipment in motor vehicles. It prohibits drivers of automobiles from watching movies or doing business, like reading emails, by using a video screen located in the front seat In the Judiciary Committee, Sen. Dewayne Bunch (R-Cleveland) passed SB 376 requiring law enforcement officers to conduct a test to determine the blood alcohol level of a driver involved in an accident resulting in injury or death if the officer has probable cause to believe the driver committed DUI, vehicular assault, vehicular homicide, or aggravated vehicular homicide. More Big Talk on the Budget While speaking at a photo opportunity on Sunday, Governor Bredesen expressed disappointment with members of the legislature. While touting the enactment of a new government program, the Governor reiterated that he expects the legislature to pass his budget as presented. "I put a budget on the table that makes sense and puts an awful lot of money into local school systems," Bredesen said. "I think they should pass the budget as it sits, and I'm certainly going to fight for that." -Kingsport Times-News Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris (R-Collierville) said relations remain "cordial" with the governor's office, despite some of the increased rhetoric. Norris recently told a Republican group that the governor's budget would not pass if a vote were taken immediately. "The governor will readily admit that it is his responsibility to propose something, and sometimes all governors need to be reminded that it's the Legislature that disposes what he proposes," Norris said. * * * * * |
Senator Norris welcomed representatives from
