Capitol Roundup: Rep. Reneau Supports Safety, Transparency & Property Rights

It's been another productive 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.

Protecting Children and Public Safety

This week, I voted for several important bills focused on child safety and public welfare:

• HB0064: I supported legislation requesting K-12 residential education programs to segregate all restrooms and changing rooms by immutable biological sex, ensuring privacy and safety for all students.

• HB0751: I voted to create an offense for engaging in conduct that places a child in imminent danger of death, injury, or impairment by opioid drugs such as fentanyl and carfentanil. This legislation helps protect our children from the devastating opioid crisis.

• HB0786: I supported creating a Class B misdemeanor offense for criminal impersonation of transportation network company drivers (like Uber), enhancing safety for passengers using these services.

  
  

Expanding Government Transparency

I voted for HB0731, which increases public transparency by providing greater access to previous meetings of the Tennessee One Health Committee that were not initially open to the public. Government accountability through transparency remains one of my core principles.

My bill HB0845 passed subcommittee this week and will move forward to the State and Local Government Committee. This legislation provides expanded guidance to governing bodies on conducting public meetings with large crowds, ensuring both order and free speech are maintained.

Standing Against Predatory Lending

While HB0775 ultimately passed the House, I voted against it. This bill will raise interest rates for industrial loans and thrift companies from 30% to 36%. I believe this increase will place an unfair burden on Tennesseans who are already struggling financially.

Protecting Property Rights

I'm proud to co-sponsor the Tennessee Property Rights Protection Act (HB0444), which provides clear definitions for blighted property to protect homeowners from government overreach.

Transportation Policy Considerations

The Transportation Subcommittee considered a bill (HB0556) requiring driver's license exams be administered exclusively in English. While I initially supported this bill, I learned about the challenges it may create for legally present individuals, including executives from companies like Volkswagen on work visas and legal immigrants seeking productivity. I believe the bill should include provisions for these circumstances. After not receiving clear answers during committee questions about whether exams are untimed for non-native English speakers, I voted "Present Not Voting" while seeking further information to ensure any policy is both practical and fair for all legal residents.

Looking Ahead

Next week promises to be busy as several more bills move through committee. I'll continue to evaluate each piece of legislation based on how it affects the people of District 27 and our shared values of limited government, personal freedom, and fiscal responsibility.

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.