April 9, 2007

Welcome to my website!

I am excited to announce two, new links as resources for your benefit. First, the new Senate Republican Caucus website at www.tnsenate.com. I am proud to feature information about my Republican Caucus colleagues and our important work together in the State Senate.

Second, www.Tennesseniors.com is expanding to provide more information of interest to older Tennesseans. I will provide updates not only on our fight to provide property tax relief to seniors but information about our efforts to protect credit histories, long term care, and home and community based care alternatives among other initiatives.

Thanks for visiting. Be sure to sign up for my e-newsletter, Norris News, and come back often. 

www.tnsenate.com

The Senate Republican Caucus unveiled a new website this week.  The site, www.tnsenate.com, offers numerous tools for citizens to keep in touch with the state Senate. Users will find information about proposed legislation, photos, and news from each Senator.  The website also provides important links to the Legislature’s Bill Tracking page and the Senate Video Streaming page.  The Caucus is excited to provide an additional tool for the citizens of this state to keep in touch with the legislature.

Medical Liability Reform

SB 2001 sponsored by Republican Leader Mark Norris (R-Collierville) with fifteen Senate co-sponsors, unanimously passed the Senate on Monday night.  The legislation is designed to reduce the number of frivolous lawsuits filed in Tennessee each year. 

“We’ve been working on this issue for six years,” Norris said.  “The progress we’ve made is significant.  Recent data suggests that 80% of lawsuits filed are dismissed,” Norris said.  “We hope to hold lawyers accountable while safeguarding access to the courts for those who deserve it.”

The legislation is designed to reduce meritless lawsuits by requiring early evaluation and streamlined disclosure of medical records.  Lawyers will be required to submit a “certificate of good faith” stating that qualified experts have reviewed claims and determined they have merit.

SB 2001 also speeds up the disclosure of patient records and enhances lines of communication between the parties to a suit.
              
Employment Eligibility Verification

Two bills cleared the Senate Commerce, Labor and Agriculture Committee on Tuesday that will make Tennessee less attractive to illegal aliens.  SB 1870, sponsored by Sen. Jack Johnson (R-Brentwood), would enact the “Employer Responsibility in Hiring Practices Act”. 

The bill would require employers to use the Employment Eligibility Verification Basic Pilot Program to ensure that new hires are eligible to legally work in the United States.  The program is a web-based system that is operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. 

Under the provisions of the proposed bill, there will be no cost to the employers.  If the employer does not have internet access, they may contact the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development by telephone, mail, or facsimile to verify the employee’s employment eligibility.

“We are the first state in the nation to require that all employers use the Employment Eligibility Verification Program,” said Johnson. “State government must be proactive in providing employers the tools they need to comply with federal immigration laws.”

The bill will now go to the Senate floor for action by the full Senate.

Local Enforcement of Immigration Laws

SB 2318 by Sen. Bill Ketron (R-Murfreesboro) also passed the Commerce Committee Tuesday, which will give local law enforcement agencies the authority to enforce current laws prohibiting the hiring of an illegal aliens for employment. 

Current law states that it is a Class B misdemeanor for any person to knowingly employ or refer for employment anyone who has illegally entered the country.  The Department of Labor and Workforce Development currently has the authority to enforce the law.  This bill gives local law enforcement agencies enforcement authority.

Sales Tax Holiday Approaching

Tennesseans will be allowed to retain more of their hard earned money during two sales tax holidays this year.  The first will take place April 27-29, 2007. 

In recent years, the state has collected more tax revenue than it had planned to spend.  This Republican backed initiative is a small way for the state to provide tax relief to the hardworking citizens of Tennessee.   

During the sales tax holidays, consumers may purchase clothing, recreational equipment, school supplies and computers without paying the state sales tax.

The next sales tax holiday will occur August 3-5, 2007.

Retailers and consumers may find further information, including a retailer's guide, fact sheets on clothing, computers and school supplies, and answers to frequently asked questions on the Department of Revenue website at www.tntaxholiday.com.

Bill to Strengthen Child Pornography Penalties Moves Forward

Sen. Tim Burchett (R-Knoxville) is continuing to advance legislation that will strengthen Tennessee’s laws against sexual predators.  SB 1778 unanimously passed the Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday.

The bill provides that individuals that plead guilty to knowingly possessing child pornography would not be eligible for judicial diversion.

Judicial diversion is a sentencing option that allows a judge to place a defendant that pleads guilty to certain offenses on probation.  If the defendant successfully completes the probationary period, the record of the conviction is expunged.

The bill will now go to the Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee before going to the Senate floor for action by the full Senate.

Regulatory Flexibility Act Passes Senate

SB 55, sponsored by Sen. Raymond Finney (R-Maryville), unanimously passed the Senate on Wednesday. The bill proposes to enact the “Regulatory Flexibility Act of 2007” to provide relief for small business in Tennessee.

“The success of small business is vital to a healthy economy,” said Finney. “We are asking the government to ensure that small businesses are not overburdened by unnecessary regulations and rules.”

The bill says that each agency and department shall review “whether a proposed rule or regulation affects small business”.  The bill would also require each agency and department to submit an economic impact statement before adopting any proposed regulation.

SB 55 would expand and codify a program implemented by Gov. Bredesen through Executive Order No. 38.

“Thirty states have similar laws in place,” Finney said.  “It is estimated that $7.2 billion was saved in 2006 by these states eliminating unnecessary regulations.”