Capitol Roundup: Rep. Reneau Supports Limited Government and Economic Freedom

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.

Bills That Passed the House Floor

I co-sponsored and supported House Bill 324, which restricts the Governor's emergency management powers, providing important checks and balances during states of emergency.

House Bill 1038 passed, merging the criminal justice information system with a new juvenile case management system. An important amendment to this bill ensures that when a juvenile commits homicide on school grounds resulting in death, their medical reports, psychological evaluations, and other relevant documents will be accessible to public inspection.  

I co-sponsored House Bill 790, which authorizes honorably discharged members of the National Guard to receive veteran designation on their Driver's License with submission of NGH Form 22, properly recognizing their service.

I also co-sponsored House Bill 1112, which makes changes to the geoengineering weather modification bill and enacts penalties. When we have a law, without any penalties, citizens can discover that they have no recourse when a law is broken.  Unfortunately, this legislation failed in the Senate committee despite passing the House.

House Bill 824 narrowly passed with 58 votes, but I voted NO on this bill to extend an additional $0.50 privilege tax on hotel room occupancy in Davidson County. Finance Chairman Williams noted there may be $180 million already in the account, which raises questions about the necessity of this extension.

Important Committee Actions

Transportation Committee (Final Week)

House Bill 69 moved forward, requiring confirmation of U.S. citizenship for voter registration and directing the Department of Safety to issue temporary driver's licenses to lawful permanent, non-citizen residents, rather than standard licenses to aid in determining voter eligibility.

House Bill 749 advanced to create a Class B misdemeanor for operating a motor vehicle with an invalid driver's license and designates out-of-state driver's licenses issued to illegal aliens as invalid in Tennessee.

Updates on My Bills

My pronoun bill (House Bill 1262) has been taken off notice as Representative Cochran has a similar bill. I am now co-sponsoring House Bill 1270 with Rep. Cochran.

House Bill 850 has been rolled to next year to work with departments that have concerns about processes for civil agencies. This important legislation would require administrative agencies to obtain a warrant before entering private land, codifying the Rainwaters v. TWRA decision and applying this standard to all government agencies.

House Bill 130 passed the Agriculture Subcommittee unanimously and moves to Full Committee next week. This bill expands cottage food law to allow homemade items for sale that include poultry and dairy products. This legislation will create greater opportunities for farmers, small producers, and emerging entrepreneurs to expand or start businesses, keeping more food local and strengthening our economy.

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.

It's an honor representing you in Nashville. Together, we can ensure our community's values are reflected in state policy.