Image Credit: TN General Assembly
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
Two bills dealing with citizenship requirements for obtaining professional licenses and voting in all Tennessee elections will both receive a full vote on the floor of their respective chambers after passing their final committees in the House and Senate.
SB1901– Prohibits illegal aliens from obtaining professional licenses
Under this proposal, those seeking to obtain professional licensure in the affected areas like nursing, teaching, contracting, or commerce 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.”
There was no discussion on the bill in the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee, and the vote was 8-1 in favor, with the only “No” vote coming from Democrat Raumesh Akbari. SB1901 now moves to the Senate Calendar Committee to set a date for a floor vote.
The House companion, HB1709, has also made it through the committee process and will soon receive a date for a floor vote.
HJR0808– Constitutional amendment specifying only U.S. citizens can vote
This joint resolution reaffirms that only U.S. citizens may vote in all Tennessee elections. Sponsors have continually reiterated that they do not currently believe this to be an issue in the state but are proposing this amendment to ensure the Tennessee Constitution could not be circumvented in case governing authorities attempt to bypass state laws at some point in the future.
In the House Finance, Ways, & Means Committee, there were no questions or comments on the legislation from committee members, and the resolution unanimously passed 29-0 with two Democrats joining all committee Republicans in voting to advance it to the House Calendar and Rules Committee to secure a date for a floor vote.
The companion version of this resolution, SJR0624, has already passed the Senate, meaning it is only one vote away from passing the first of two consecutive legislative sessions required for proposed constitutional amendments.
Before it can appear on voters’ ballots, 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, which would put this resolution on the ballot in 2030 at the earliest.
If you support either piece of legislation mentioned above, use this tool to find contact information for your Representative and Senator.
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.
