Ban on abortion after six weeks passes House, focus moves to Tenn. Senate

The Tennessee House of Representatives approved a ban on abortion after a heart beat can be detected — roughly six weeks of pregnancy. The legislation still must be heard by the full Tennessee Senate. The legislation, HB0077, sponsored by Rep. James “Micah” Van Huss, R-Gray, District 6, is one of Republican’s most aggressive attempts to restrict…

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New concealed handgun carry permit axes fee, reduces training requirement

A bill that would create a new concealed handgun carry permit process that requires no fee and only a two-hour, online-training certificate will be heard again March 6. Rep. Andy Holt, R-Dresden, District 76, presented HB1264 to House Judiciary Committee members on Feb. 26. The bill passed by voice vote with three Democratic members requesting…

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GOP Bill to ‘Fast Track’ Death Penalty Convictions Moves to Finance Committee

A bill to “fast track” death penalty convictions will be considered on March 6 in a Tennessee House subcommittee. House Bill 0258, sponsored by Rep. Mary Littleton, R-Dickson, District 78, passed the House Judiciary Committee on Feb. 27. The legislation would remove an appeal to the Court of Criminal Appeals in death penalty cases, which…

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