Yesterday was the official house bill filing deadline for the Spring 2024 Session of the 113th General Assembly — which means legislators have finalized their legislative agenda for the session and are getting started on turning ideas into law.
I’m incredibly excited to share the legislation I’ll be pushing forward in the coming months and proud to receive bipartisan support on many of these common-sense policies.
My legislative agenda:
Medicaid Expansion: HB2734 would remove the statutory provision that currently prohibits the governor from making a decision on Medicaid expansion, a path that is currently seen as the best chance Tennessee has to join the ranks of states that have already embraced Medicaid Expansion to benefit Tennesseans, our businesses, our law enforcement, our veterans, our hospitals and our economy. Additionally, I am co-sponsoring a similar bill with Rep. Sam Whitson (R- Franklin) to give this legislation its best chance at passage.
See my Op-Ed in the Tennesseean for more information on the need for this policy.
Secure Storage Laws for Firearms : I’m continuing to lead efforts in addressing the alarming issue of guns being stolen from cars (Tennessee is #1 in the country for vehicle gun thefts).
Last session, I introduced HB1233 to place a penalty on leaving a firearm unsecured in a vehicle. Along with continuing this effort, I’m introducing HB1667 to give local governments in Tennessee’s top ten cities the power to enact their own policies related to secure storage.
Free Breakfast & Lunch for Kids: This summer, I dived into how Tennessee can solve the childhood food insecurity issue that is taking place across the state. After many conversations with leaders on this issue, I’m introducing HB1860 which would provide universal free breakfast and lunches for K-12 students in Tennessee’s public schools. I am also working hard behind the scenes with Rep. Kevin Raper and Rep. John Ray Clemmons to make this a reality.
Prevent Bad Actors from Deceptive AI Practices in Political Campaigns : With a heated election year on the horizon, HB2185 aims to regulate and ensure the ethical use of artificial intelligence technology in political campaigns, providing more transparency for voters.
Expansion of PACE , an innovative program already thriving in Chattanooga. This proven model works nationwide to provide better care for senior populations; HB0416 would expand the PACE senior care program statewide to ensure comprehensive and accessible care for our aging population.
Universal Pre-K: As the parent of two school-aged kids, I’m familiar with the importance of early childhood education in providing a foundation for a child’s academic and social development, which is why I introduced HB2186 to make Pre-K universal in Tennessee.
Pay Transparency: HB0417 requires workplaces to post salary ranges on job postings. This legislation has worked nationally to even the playing field for women and minorities, narrowing the pay gap.
Affordable Housing and Transportation: HB0468 would permit Metro Nashville to use short-term rental taxes to fund affordable housing and transportation initiatives. As Chair of the Davidson County Delegation, I’m excited that we can form a positive relationship between the state and metro to address issues our community is passionate about.
You can view and track all of these bills using the General Assembly Website. I’ll also continue to keep you updated monthly with newsletters and throughout session on social media (including a new TikTok account!)
New House Gallery Ticket Policy
Unfortunately, we have a new policy in the House where open seating is only allowed on the left gallery and when it fills up, the public has to sit outside. We have the right gallery reserved and members only get one ticket a day. Please let my office know if you require a ticket in advance and I will do my best to accommodate the request.
New Early Vote Locations:
Voting for the upcoming March Presidential Primary starts Feb. 14th and I want to call attention to two new early voting locations. Due to the flooding at the Bellevue Library, the new temp. location will be the Bellevue Community Center. Additionally, Belle Meade City Hall will no longer be an early voting site (note: it will still be an Election Day site ) and the new permanent early voting location will be Hillwood High School.
As always, reach out if I can be of help or assistance in any matter.
Regards,
Rep. Caleb Hemmer