Capitol Roundup: Rep. Reneau Supports Free Speech and Property Rights While Taking Cautious Approach to Medical Innovation

It's been another busy week at the State Capitol, and I wanted to share some important updates on legislation that affects our community. As always, your input guides my work in Nashville, and I'm grateful for your continued engagement.

Expanding Free Speech at Public Meetings

This week, I proudly co-sponsored and voted to pass HB0022, which expands people's rights to speak at public meetings. This important legislation allows citizens to comment on any matter germane to the governing body's jurisdiction. I strongly believe in protecting your First Amendment rights and ensuring your voice is heard in local government decisions.

Standing for Medical Caution and Scientific Scrutiny

Last week, the Right to Try bill (HB0192) was expanded and passed overwhelmingly, but I voted no. While I support Tennessee's existing Right to Try law passed in 2015, HB0192 expanded this legislation to allow mRNA technology which my constituents expressed could be a slippery slope. Citizens already have access to experimental treatment under the supervision of clinical trials. We need further scientific research and clinical trials before expanding access to these experimental treatments.

Fighting Retail Crime

I also strengthened our ability to combat organized retail crime by voting for HB0207. This legislation codifies protection for our local businesses from theft rings that drive up costs for everyone. One example of a new offense codified is when someone knowingly uses an online marketplace or social media platform to coordinate a meeting with someone to sell, barter or trade stolen merchandise for monetary gain. Supporting our small businesses remains a priority.

Protecting Tennessee's Sovereignty

Another significant bill passed this week was HB1227, which deletes all references to the World Health Organization and defaults pandemic declarations to the federal Centers for Disease Control. This legislation helps maintain Tennessee's independence in public health decisions and ensures that health emergencies are handled with appropriate state and local input.

Looking Ahead: Property Rights and Individual Freedoms

Next week will be particularly busy as I'll be presenting four important bills in committee:

• HB1262: Provides pronoun protection for students, supporting parental rights in education.

• HB0850: Prevents searches on private property by administrative agencies without a search warrant, codifying the recent Rainwaters vs. TWRA decision that protects your Fourth Amendment rights.

• HB0130: Expands food cottage laws to give entrepreneurs more freedom to operate home-based food businesses.

• HB0845: Expands guidance to governing bodies on managing public meetings with large crowds, ensuring order while protecting free speech.

Let's Stay Connected

Your feedback shapes my work at the Capitol! I welcome your thoughts on these or any other legislative matters affecting our district. Please don't hesitate to reach out to my office by phone at (615) 741-2746 or by email at Rep.Michele.Reneau@capitol.tn.gov.