Legislation to increase vape regulations and protect consumers advances

To crack down on illicit vape products, the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee passed Senate Bill 763, strengthening the age verification requirements for purchasing vape products and ensuring only FDA-approved or pending approval vape products are sold in Tennessee. The bill aims to protect consumers, especially minors, from harmful, unregulated vape products flooding the market, many of which originate from China. Due to Tennessee’s limited regulations on vape products, manufacturers have been able to bypass tobacco regulations and introduce unsafe products that take advantage of minors.

New regulations for hemp products

The Senate State and Local Government Committee advanced Senate Bill 1413, a measure aimed at tightening regulations on hemp-derived cannabinoid products (HDCP). The bill introduces restrictions on product potency, who can sell these products, and oversight responsibilities. The intent of the legislation is to ensure that hemp products in this state are very carefully regulated to protect the health and welfare of our citizens. All of these substances are intoxicating. They can impair individuals and be harmful to children. The number of counterfeit products for sale is especially concerning.

Constitutional amendment advances to expand judicial discretion to deny bail for certain violent crimes

Republican lawmakers in the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced a proposed constitutional amendment that will expand judges’ discretion to deny bail in cases involving violent crimes when it serves the best interest of public safety.

Currently, Tennessee law limits a judge’s ability to deny bail only to those charged with first-degree murder. If approved by voters, Senate Joint Resolution 919 would give judges the discretion to deny bail for individuals charged with terrorism, second-degree murder, aggravated rape, grave torture, and other violent offenses requiring a convicted offender to serve at least 85% of their sentence under Tennessee’s Truth in Sentencing law. The resolution includes safeguards to ensure due process. Under the measure, judges could only deny bail when the proof is evident or the presumption of guilt is great, and they must document their reasoning in the official record.

In order to ratify a change to the Constitution, a constitutional amendment must pass the General Assembly twice. The first time it must pass with a simply majority voting in favor. The second time it must pass the next elected General Assembly by a two-thirds majority in both legislative chambers. Finally, the amendment must be submitted to the voters in the next gubernational election where it would become part of the state constitution if the majority of those voting for Governor also voted in favor of the amendment.

Constitutional safeguards on emergency management powers

The Senate State and Loval Government Committee passed Senate Bill 27 this week to strengthen constitutional safeguards on the Governor’s use of emergency powers. The legislation prohibits executive orders, proclamations, or rules declared under the Governor’s emergency powers from overriding, suspending or conflict with the Tennessee Constitution. Additionally, it limits the Governor’s ability to suspend laws, orders, rules, or regulations during an emergency to a 45-day period. No matter what, no one can override the Constitution. Even when the Governor can use emergency rules and suspend laws, he has to stay within the bounds of the Constitution.

Property tax relief for disabled veterans

Senate Bill 681 proposes providing more property tax relief for disabled veterans. The bill increases the property value limit used to determine the amount of property tax relief available to disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. Across the state, property values have skyrocketed, making it more difficult for disabled veterans on fixed incomes to pay their property taxes. Raising the limit on property values eligible for tax relief from $175,000 to $250,000 reflects this increase in the fair market value of homes and helps our veterans afford to stay in their homes.

To the Citizens of Senate District 15

It was another busy week on Capitol Hill. As Senate committee calendars fill up, we made significant progress, advancing key legislation focused on consumer safeguards, public safety, and constitutional protections.

As March begins, we will begin seeing many Committees start calling for final calendars, which is a sure sign the end of the legislative year is rapidly approaching. We currently have a projected adjournment date of Thursday, April 17th.

I welcome you to join me in Nashville to view a Senate Committee Hearing or Floor Session and take a tour of our State Capitol. Contact my office Monday through Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm to schedule your visit.

All My Best,

Paul