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The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
Immigration-related bills continue their march through the Tennessee legislature, with three more passing through their respective House committees on Wednesday, March 18.
HB1709– Prohibits illegal aliens from obtaining professional licenses
Under this proposal, those seeking to obtain professional licensure in the affected areas like nursing, teaching, or contracting, would have to provide proof they are a United States citizen or a qualified alien. If unable to provide such proof, they would be required to show proof that they have applied for “a valid visa that would authorize such person to work in the United States under federal law.”
The House Commerce Committee had no questions or comments on the bill during their Wednesday meeting and passed the bill 17-4 along party lines. HB1709 will go the House Calendar & Rules Committee to be assigned a date for a vote on the House floor.
SB1901, the Senate companion, has been deferred several times, but is still set to be considered by the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee during the session. If you support HB1709, you can use this tool to find contact information for your representative.
HB2549– Requires political agents acting on behalf of foreign adversaries to register with the state
Titled the “Foreign Agent Registration Act”, this bill closes a loophole which currently allows lobbyists who may work for or have an interest in foreign adversaries to represent those foreign entities at a state level without having to disclose whose interests they are serving.
To help close that loophole, the bill requires any individual or organization acting as an agent of a designated foreign adversary in any political activity to register with the Tennessee Ethics Commission and the Attorney General.
The legislation is using the federal definition of “foreign adversary” and includes entities like China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, and the Maduro Regime.
Democrat Gabby Salinas was the only member of the House Public Service Subcommittee to vote “No”, leaving the result 5-1 in favor. The bill will progress to the House State and Local Government Committee at a date yet to be determined, and the Senate State and Local Government Committee is scheduled to hear the companion next week.
HJR0808– Constitutional amendment specifying only U.S. citizens can vote
This joint resolution would reaffirm that only U.S. citizens may vote in all Tennessee elections. Sponsors have reiterated that while they do not currently believe there is an issue with this in the state, the proposed amendment would ensure the Tennessee Constitution could not be circumvented in case some point down the line the legislature or any other governing authorities attempted to circumvent state laws.
The House State & Local Government Committee passed the resolution 18-3 with three Democrats joining 15 Republicans to vote “Yes.” All “No” votes came from Democrats. HJR0808 must still clear the Finance, Ways, & Means Committee before moving to the House floor.
SJR0624, the Senate companion, has already made it to the chamber’s floor and is set for a vote today, March 19.
Before it can appear before voters, a proposed constitutional amendment must pass two consecutive sessions of the General Assembly, the first with a simple majority and the second with a 2/3 majority. It can then only be referred to the ballot during a gubernatorial election year.
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
