State Representative Johnny Shaw Legislative Update
Legislative Update March, 28, 2024
The Tennessee General Assembly returned to the state Capitol on Monday afternoon, March 25, 2024, to begin hearing bills in both the House and Senate.
Some highlights of the week include:
- Representative Shaw passed HB441 with bipartisan support which will allow district attorneys investigating a report of abuse, neglect or exploitation made pursuant to the Tennessee Adult Protection Act to seek all remedies under the Act or another criminal provision to investigate but will include confidentiality and a protective order for the person reporting the incident other than for the purpose of criminal prosecution.
- HB1669 also passed with bipartisan support – this will require a child care agency to inform parents at 60 days before permanent closure of the business, this applies to parents of students that are currently enrolled or on a waiting list for entry.
- Representative Shaw and several West Tennessee legislators co-sponsored HB2976 and passed a bill which will create the “West Tennessee Regional Utility Authority”.
- HB 2801 was sent to the Ag Summer Study committee – this bill would exempt livestock and poultry producers who do not vaccinate their animals from any order from the Commissioner of Agriculture or the state veterinarian – much discussion was had about the possibility of infecting other livestock or food products. This bill could negatively impact agriculture financially and potentially make it hard to make sure that dangerous viruses aren’t spread through farm animals.
- HB1739 sponsored by Representative John Ragan of East Tennessee – is a bill that was passed with by the majority party and if signed by Governor Lee will terminate and vacate the current board of trustee’s for Tennessee State University effective June 20, 2024. The new 10-member board will consist of eight (8) appointments by the governor. Amendments were submitted to keep at least three of the current trustees but failed to get the votes required.
- This week Representative Shaw visited with Bolivar Housing Authority Executive Director Mike Miller and Mark Reed with the Jackson Housing Authority to discuss housing concerns as West Tennessee continues to grow. Representatives from the Tennessee Medical Association also lobbied on the hill this week. TCAT students from Dyersburg and Jackson also visited the state Capitol and spoke with the representatives.
State Representative Johnny Shaw – District 80 represents Hardeman, Haywood, and Madison Counties.
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