Summary of Legislation Introduced by Senator Norris and enacted into law during the first year of the 105th General Assembly
Public Chapter 581 on July 12, 2007
Senate Bill 2
House Bill 1033Taxes, Real Property - Enacts the "Property Tax Freeze Act." - Amends TCA Title 67, Chapter 5, Part 7.
On November 7, 2006 the voters of Tennessee overwhelmingly voted to amend the state constitution to allow a property tax freeze for senior citizens. This bill provides the means for a county or municipality to adopt the tax freeze. The qualifications for eligibility are also outlined in the legislation.
More information on who qualifies for the “freeze” can be found at http://www.tennesseniors.com/
Public Chapter 450 on June 26, 2007
Senate Bill 1593
House Bill 1154
Traffic Safety – Allows municipalities to set speed limits on roads in their jurisdiction after an engineering and traffic study. The engineering and traffic study must comply with the Tennessee Manual on Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). The exceptions are interstate highways and any access-controlled highway on the state road and highway system. - Amends TCA Section 55-8-152 and Section 55-8-153.
Public Chapter 145 on May 23, 2007
Senate Bill 1596
House Bill 1758
Fire Prevention and Investigation – Authorizes counties which implement a county-wide fire district to mandate performance-based criteria as part of any contract for services or interlocal agreement for fire protection services. The performance-based criteria should be designed to ensure timely responses and effective services to the citizens of the county. - Amends TCA Section 5-17-101.
Public Chapter 129 on May 23, 2007
Senate Bill 1597
House Bill 1285
Firearms and Ammunition - Prohibits the Governor or any public official, the state, or any political subdivision of the state, from confiscating weapons from law-abiding citizens or restricting the ability to purchase guns and ammunition during times of natural disaster or declared emergency. - Amends TCA Section 58-2-107.
In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the citizens of New Orleans in lawful possession of weapons to protect their homes and families were forced to surrender those arms. 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. The ability to defend one’s home place and family in the absence of adequate law enforcement is essential. This legislation protects the constitutional rights of Tennessee citizens.
Public Chapter 13 on April 11, 2007
Senate Bill 1598
House Bill 418
Estates - Clarifies that the net estate for purposes of calculating a surviving spouse's elective share does not include assets over which the decedent held a power of appointment; that the gross estate excludes the homestead allowance, exempt property, and year's support allowance; that the elective share is exempt from allocation for estate taxes; and that the elective share must be elected within nine months of the decedent's death. - Amends TCA Title 31, Chapter 4.
Public Chapter 8 on April 4, 2007
Senate Bill 1599
House Bill 417
Probate Law - Makes various refinements to statutes pertaining to probate, estate administration, wills, guardians and conservators, uniform transfers to minors, trusts, life insurance, and taxes such as: requires estate claims to be submitted to the probate clerk within 12 months of the decedent's death; removes requirement that a durable power of attorney or living will be notarized and attested to by two witnesses and has retroactive application; authorizes attending physician or employee of attending physician to be a witness to a living will for a patient; authorizes attorney in fact appointed under a durable power of attorney to obtain medical records; authorizes the transfer of custodial property to a qualified minor without a court order. - Amends TCA Title 30; Title 31; Title 32; Title 34; Title 35; Title 36; Title 56 and Title 67.
Public Chapter 165 on May 23, 2007
Senate Bill 1604
House Bill 491
Highway Patrol - Authorizes the Commissioner of Safety to negotiate a memorandum of understanding with the United States Department of Homeland Security concerning the enforcement of immigration laws, detention and removals in this state. - Amends TCA Title 4.
There have been numerous cases of criminal illegal immigrants committing additional violent crimes in Tennessee. This legislation allows state troopers to be trained by Homeland Security so that they may know proper procedures when they encounter this dangerous element during the normal course of their duties on our highways.
Public Chapter 329 on June 19, 2007
Senate Bill 1612
House Bill 90
Motor Vehicles – Requires that every “for-hire” motor vehicle designed to carry eight or more passengers to undergo an inspection by the Department of Safety. The drivers of these vehicles must also submit to random drug testing and health screenings. Also requires the owner of the vehicle to maintain a minimum insurance policy of one-million dollars that guarantees compensation for injury to people or property resulting in the negligent operation by the driver. - Amends TCA Title 7, Chapter 51 and Title 65.
Public Chapter 253 on June 1, 2007
Senate Bill 1613
House Bill 1294
Planning, Public – If a municipal planning commission also serves as the regional planning commission, than at least one member must reside within the regional area outside of the municipal boundaries served by the regional planning commission. If there are more than five members on the commission, than at least two members must reside outside the municipal boundaries. - Amends TCA Title 13, Chapter 3, Part 1.
Public Chapter 594 on July 19, 2007
Senate Bill 1967
House Bill 1835
Criminal Offenses – Dubbed the “Crooks with Guns” bill, this legislation imposes harsher sentences on criminals using firearms in violent crimes. The legislation includes harsher penalties in respect to repeat offenders using firearms during the commission of violent crimes.
Tennessee ranks second in the nation for the number of violent crimes. These criminals are often repeat offenders. This legislation will stifle their criminal activities by keeping them in prison longer. Current sentencing guidelines stipulate that many violent criminals serve only 30% of their sentences. This mandates a minimum 85% sentence. - Amends TCA Title 39 and Title 40.
Under the conditions of this law, a felon committing a subsequent felony while in the possession of a gun may have anywhere from 3 to 10 years added to the sentence imposed for the underlying felony.
The passage of this legislation represents the largest investment in crime fighting in over twenty years.
Public Chapter 58 on April 30, 2007
Senate Bill 1999
House Bill 1786
Taxes – Adds Shelby County to the list of counties which may sell its tax receivables to public or private parties. - Amends TCA Section 67-5-2012(a)(3)(A) and Section 67-5-2012(e)(4).
Public Chapter 413 on June 19, 2007
Senate Bill 2000
House Bill 1606
Lobbying, Lobbyists – Allows an employer of a lobbyist to verify to the Tennessee Ethics Commission that a copy of the ethics manual has been either downloaded or received by the employer.
Moves the deadline for a lobbyist to register with the Tennessee Ethics Commission from October to January to coincide with the convening of the General Assembly each year. - Amends TCA Title 3, Chapter 6.
Public Chapter 71 on May 3, 2007
Senate Bill 2012
House Bill 2211
Election Laws - Moves the date for the presidential primary from the second Tuesday in February to the first Tuesday in February. - Amends TCA Section 2-13-205 and Section 2-5-205.
Summary of Legislation Co-Sponsored by Senator Norris and enacted into law during the first year of the 105th General Assembly
Public Chapter 210 on June 1, 2007
Senate Bill 11
House Bill 1907
Criminal Procedure – Commonly known as the “Castle Doctrine” this legislation makes it clear that if a law-abiding citizen is in a place they have a right to be, they have no duty to retreat before using force in self-defense. They must have a reasonable belief that they are in danger before using the force. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 11, Part 6.
Public Chapter 45 on April 30, 2007
Senate Bill 57
House Bill 101
Teachers, Principals and School Personnel - Requires two hours of the required five days of annual teachers' in-service training to be devoted to training in suicide prevention. - Amends TCA Title 49, Chapter 5 and Title 49, Chapter 6.
Public Chapter 465 on June 27, 2007
Senate Bill 64
House Bill 8
Sexual Offenders – This legislation requires that all sexual offenders be listed on the sex offender registry. Previously, offenders who committed an offense before 1995 were exempt from registering. This bill removes that exemption.
Also requires an offender who moves to Tennessee to register regardless of the date of their conviction and redefines "conviction." - Amends TCA Title 40, Chapter 39, Part 2.
Public Chapter 506 on June 27, 2007
Senate Bill 66
House Bill 14
Education, Higher - Provides a tuition and fee freeze for students who are in the military reserves or National Guard and are mobilized to active duty. - Amends TCA Title 49, Chapter 7, Part 23.
Public Chapter 276 on June 6, 2007
Senate Bill 143
House Bill 108
Civil Procedure – Clarifies that the owner of a dog has a duty to keep that dog under control at all times and the owner may be liable to any person injured as a result of the dog not being kept under control whether the injury occur on public or private property. Provides exceptions if the dog was confined, the injury was a result of the dog being harassed or enticed, the dog was protecting the owner, the injured party was trespassing, or the dog was a military or police dog. - Amends TCA Title 44, Chapter 8, Part 4.
Public Chapter 170 on May 23, 2007
Senate Bill 161
House Bill 200
Consumer Protection - Enacts the "Credit Security Act of 2007." - Amends TCA Title 10, Chapter 7, Part 5; Title 39 and Title 47, Chapter 18.
Allows consumers to “freeze” their credit report in order to help prevent identity theft. The consumer may later remove the freeze for a legitimate credit check. Also creates strong penalties against the release of Social Security Numbers by businesses that obtain them for any reason.
Public Chapter 521 on July 12, 2007
Senate Bill 281
House Bill 267
Development Districts - Provides for increased matching state financial assistance to development districts when a local government contributes to a regional development district. - Amends TCA Section 13-14-111.
Public Chapter 488 on June 27, 2007
Senate Bill 332
House Bill 464
Pensions and Retirement Benefits – Revises provisions regarding the supplemental bridge benefit so that the benefit for state public safety officers covered by the mandatory retirement provisions will begin at the later of 55, instead of 60, years of age or the date of the member’s retirements. - Amends TCA Section 8-36-201(a) and 8-36-211.
Public Chapter 48 on April 30, 2007
Senate Bill 494
House Bill 419
Election Laws - Revises statutory language to replace "handicapped voter" with "voter with a disability" or "voters with disabilities." - Amends TCA Title 2.
Public Chapter 376 on June 19, 2007
Senate Bill 570
House Bill 472
Education - With the substantial investment made in the education system this legislative session, the legislature also passed new, tougher accountability standards for school systems, directors of schools, principals, teachers, and teacher training programs.
This legislation outlines what will be expected and the consequences of failing to meet the standards set forth by the Department of Education. - Amends TCA Title 3; Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 8; Title 9; Title 12; Title 16; Title 30; Title 36; Title 39; Title 40; Title 45; Title 47; Title 48; Title 49; Title 55; Title 56; Title 57; Title 61; Title 62; Title 67; Title 68; Title 69; Title 70 and Title 71.
Public Chapter 566 on July 12, 2007
Senate Bill 826
House Bill 1971
General Assembly, Studies - Establishes Tennessee Alzheimer's Disease Task Force. The Tennessee Alzheimer's Disease Task Force is directed to assess the current and future impact of Alzheimer's disease on Tennesseans; to examine the existing industries, services and resources addressing the needs of persons with Alzheimer's, their families, and caregivers; and to develop a strategy to mobilize a state response to this public health crisis. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71.
Public Chapter 2 on March 22, 2007
Senate Bill 1087
House Bill 1009
Holidays and Days of Special Observance - Designates March 10 as "Harriet Tubman Day." - Amends TCA Title 15.
Public Chapter 225 on June 1, 2007
Senate Bill 1196
House Bill 867
DNA and Genetic Testing - Enacts the "Johnia Berry Act of 2007." Requires anyone arrested for commission of a violent felony to provide a DNA sample to the TBI for inclusion in a master database which can be referenced in other investigations. - Amends TCA Title 38, Chapter 6 and Title 40, Chapter 35.
Public Chapter 342 on June 19, 2007
Senate Bill 1223
House Bill 1529
Alcoholic Beverages - Allows issuance of special occasion license to certain 501(c)(3) organizations for selling wine in closed containers for consumption on or off premises; allows donation of wine to such organizations. - Amends TCA Section 57-4-102(30).
Public Chapter 12 on April 11, 2007
Senate Bill 1227
House Bill 1931
Holidays and Days of Special Observance - "Bluegrass Day," fourth Saturday in May, to honor bluegrass music and its many contributions to Tennessee as a day of special observance. - Amends TCA Title 15, Chapter 2.
Public Chapter 595 on July 19, 2007
Senate Bill 1265
House Bill 1877
Litter Control – Substantially strengthens the litter laws in Tennessee. Designed to crack-down on those who blatantly violate the law. Stiffens the penalties for littering and increases the rewards to those who report littering which results in a conviction. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 14, Part 5.
Public Chapter 574 on July 12, 2007
Senate Bill 1503
House Bill 1613
Hospitals and Health Care Facilities - Enacts the "Tennessee Trauma Center Funding Law of 2007." Sets up the trauma care advisory committee and requires the committee to report to the appropriate committees of the General Assembly regarding traumatic injuries in Tennessee. Also creates a trauma reserve fund. - Amends TCA Title 55 and Title 68.
Public Chapter 503 on June 27, 2007
Senate Bill 1638
House Bill 1132
Consumer Protection - Classifies the making of certain representations regarding radar detectors and jamming devices as a violation of the Consumer Protection Act. - Amends TCA Title 47, Chapter 18.
Public Chapter 194 on May 23, 2007
Senate Bill 1968
House Bill 1827
Driver Licenses – Eliminates the issuance of certificates of driving. This legislation allows the issuance of a temporary driver license to persons whose presence in the United States has been authorized by the federal government. The temporary license would be valid only during the period of time the applicant is authorized to stay in the United States, but would be issued for a period of not less than one year nor more than five years. The applicant must present proof acceptable to the Department of Safety relative to the applicant’s identity, Tennessee residency, and authorized period of stay in the United States. - Amends TCA Title 4 and Title 55.
Public Chapter 452 on June 26, 2007
Senate Bill 2007
House Bill 1995
Nuisances - Authorizes certain parties to sue owners of buildings in Davidson or Shelby counties that are deemed public nuisances for lack of compliance with building codes. Authorizes courts to appoint receivers to abate public nuisances when owner will not do so. - Amends TCA Title 13, Chapter 6 and Title 29, Chapter 1, Part 1.
Public Chapter 587 on July 12, 2007
Senate Bill 2048
House Bill 1991
Sexual Offenders - Requires persons who contract to provide services to local board of education or child care programs to conduct criminal background checks of employees who come in direct contact with school children or enter school grounds while children are present to ensure that such employees are not sex offenders. - Amends TCA Section 49-5-413.
Public Chapter 593 on July 19, 2007
Senate Bill 2084
House Bill 1587
Taxes, Sales - Makes technical changes to Convention Center and Tourism Development Financing Act. This legislation would make it possible for the City of Memphis to use tourism development zone tax increment financing to redevelop public property including the Liberty Bowl and Coliseum.
The amendment expands the definition of "qualified public use facility" to include facilities for sports events and schools and to provide that municipal leases may be considered "qualified associated development" which qualifies as a local investment of public funds under this chapter.
It expands the number of counties eligible to have more than one tourism development zone to include Shelby County in addition to Metro Davidson.
- Amends TCA Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 8; Title 9; Title 12; Title 16; Title 30; Title 36; Title 39; Title 40; Title 45; Title 47; Title 48; Title 55; Title 56; Title 57; Title 61; Title 62; Title 67; Title 68; Title 69; Title 70 and Title 71.
Public Chapter 369 on June 19, 2007
Senate Bill 2177
House Bill 2293
Education - Revises various provisions regarding the BEP, including requiring state to provide 75 percent of the funds generated for instructional positions within the classroom component and setting to dollar value of the BEP instructional positions component at $38,000 for fiscal year 2007-2008. - Amends TCA Title 49, Chapter 3.
Public Chapter 416 on June 19, 2007
Senate Bill 2191
House Bill 2248
Elderly Persons - Revises what constitutes the offense of abusing, neglecting, or exploiting an adult; changes criminal classification from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony. - Amends TCA Title 71, Chapter 6, Part 1.
Public Chapter 501 on June 27, 2007
Senate Bill 2235
House Bill 2314
Sentencing - Sets the minimum period of incarceration for rape of a child at 25 years instead of 15 years; specifies that provisions for person on community supervision applying for release after 15 years would not apply to persons convicted of rape of a child; authorizes board of probation and parole to require as a condition of supervision that person convicted of rape of a child be enrolled in a satellite-based monitoring program. - Amends TCA Section 39-13-522.
104th General Assembly
103rd General Assembly
102nd General Assembly
