Powers And Niceley Introduce Legislation To Curb Transportation And Harboring Of Illegal Aliens In Tennessee

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The Tennessee Conservative [By Jason Vaughn] –

Two Republican lawmakers have introduced legislation that would help to push back against illegal immigration within the Volunteer state.

State Representative Dennis Powers (R-Jacksboro-District 36) has filed House Bill 1246 (HB1246) and House Bill 1247 (HB1247). 

HB1246 states, “As introduced, removes exemptions from prosecution of the offense of transporting illegal aliens for common carriers and those transporting individuals for religious purposes. – Amends TCA Title 4; Title 7; Title 9; Title 37; Title 39; Title 49; Title 50; Title 55; Title 67; Title 68 and Title 71.” 

Powers filed a similar bill during the last legislative session but it was killed following his testimony in the Senate Judiciary Committee with Senator Todd Gardenhire (R-Chattanooga-District 10), Senator Jon Stevens (R-Huntingdon-District 24) and then Senator Mike Bell voting against.

HB 1247 would make it illegal for the state to house any illegal immigrant on state owned property, except in cases of criminal conviction.

It reads, “As introduced, prohibits an illegal alien from being housed on real property owned by this state or a political subdivision of this state; excepts incarceration and other housing required as a result of a criminal conviction. – Amends TCA Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 8; Title 9; Title 12; Title 39; Title 50; Title 66; Title 68 and Title 71.” 

The companion Senate Bill 1150 (SB1150) and Senate Bill 1151 (SB1151) are sponsored by Senator Frank Niceley (R-Strawberry Plains-District 8).

Niceley stated in an interview with The Tennessee Conservative’s Brandon Lewis that now that it is known that illegal immigrants are being bused through and dropped off at various points throughout the state, maybe the legislature will pay attention to these bills this time around.

Neither bill has been assigned to a committee at this time. 

About the Author: Jason Vaughn, Media Coordinator for The Tennessee Conservative  ~ Jason previously worked for a legacy publishing company based in Crossville, TN in a variety of roles through his career.  Most recently, he served as Deputy Director for their flagship publication. Prior, he was a freelance journalist writing articles that appeared in the Herald Citizen, the Crossville Chronicle and The Oracle among others.  He graduated from Tennessee Technological University with a Bachelor’s in English-Journalism, with minors in Broadcast Journalism and History.  Contact Jason at news@TennesseeConservativeNews.com