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.
Standing Up for Local Schools and Families
This week, I voted in support of HB0932, the School Cell Phone Policy Initiative. This bill would require schools to create policies prohibiting student use of cell phones and other personal communication devices during instructional time while still allowing students to possess these devices on school property.
I believe our local school districts—working together with parents—are best positioned to determine the specifics of these policies for our unique community needs. The bill allows flexibility for districts to create policies that work for them rather than imposing rigid statewide rules. While we all recognize the distraction phones can cause in classrooms, I also understand parents' need to reach their children in emergencies. HB392 supports finding that careful balance while addressing growing concerns about classroom distractions.
Protecting Your Healthcare Freedom
While HB0111 passed overwhelmingly in the legislature, I voted against this bill based on two fundamental principles. First, I promised you less government intervention in your lives. This bill mandates repetitive medical testing, even in situations where treatment is contraindicated. Our medical professionals already have the ability to advise high-risk patients to undergo multiple tests when medically necessary, without government mandates forcing a one-size-fits-all approach.
Second, I have deep concerns about the unintended consequences of this mandate. Treatment for syphilis during the second half of pregnancy carries significant risks, including an increased likelihood of premature labor, fetal distress, and stillbirth—concerns supported by the CDC's own data. Additionally, Hepatitis C treatment cannot be performed during pregnancy without causing birth defects. Protecting unborn children should always be our priority, and we must be mindful of laws that could inadvertently increase the chances of pregnancy complications or loss.
Defending Our Tennessee National Guard
The Defend the Guard Bill (HB0129) has been referred to a summer study session. This important legislation requires that any deployment of our brave Tennessee National Guard members be backed by a formal declaration of war or proper constitutional authority. If you'd like to follow these discussions, you can access them through the Public Service Subcommittee's online portal (scroll down to the bill number and unmute). I encourage you to make your voice heard on this critical issue.
Protecting Your Digital Privacy
In the coming weeks, we'll be evaluating the implications of Digital IDs in Tennessee. While currently proposed as voluntary, I remain vigilant about potential future mandates and privacy concerns. You have my commitment that I will strongly oppose digital vaccine passports, government-controlled digital currencies, and mandatory digital IDs. Preserving your civil liberties against government overreach remains one of my top priorities.
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.
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