Tennessee Bill That Could Put Violent Illegal Aliens Behind Bars For Life Passes Senate, Taken Off Notice In House Subcommittee (Update 4.22.23)

***4.22.23 – This article has been updated with a statement from HB1872 sponsor Monty Fritts.***

Image Credit: Tennessee House Finance, Ways & Means Chair Gary Hicks takes HB1872 off notice. Image Credit: capitol.tn.gov

The Tennessee Conservative [By Adelia Kirchner] –

Legislation that would put illegal aliens convicted of violent crimes behind bars for life passed on the Senate floor by a 27-4 vote on Thursday after being taken off notice in the House of Representatives. 

As introduced, Senate Bill 2770 (SB2770) / House Bill 1872 (HB1872), sponsored by Sen. Janice Bowling (R-Tullahoma-District 16) and Rep. Monty Fritts (R-Kingston-District 32) would allow Tennessee courts to enhance criminal penalties up to life in prison without parole for the following:

• Illegal aliens convicted of violent crimes
• Illegal aliens convicted of possession of a firearm or deadly weapon
• Any person convicted of a violent crime on the property of a public or private K-12 school, technical school, or university in Tennessee

This legislation was placed “behind the budget” in the House Finance, Ways and Means Subcommittee back in March but continued to progress forward in the Senate.

Whenever a bill is placed “behind the budget” it usually means there is a significant fiscal impact associated with the bill and/or the bill is not part of the governor’s proposed budget which takes precedence in the appropriations process.

It is always a possibility that a bill placed “behind the budget” can be brought back into consideration later on in the legislative session, but typically the bill will have to be reintroduced the following legislative session.

On Wednesday this week, the House Finance, Ways and Means Subcommittee took any bills still “behind the budget” off notice for this legislative session, including HB1872.

However, the corresponding SB2770 was still amended and voted on in the Senate the following day.

House bill sponsor Monty Fritts issued this statement to The Tennessee Conservative:

“Tennessee is in great financial condition because of our commitment to being fiscally responsible. The placement of an item “behind the budget” allows leadership and the body an opportunity to consider further before committing the citizens of Tennessee to any cost falling outside the planned budget. This is a good thing.

It is also a good thing to have strong leadership that has proven a willingness to address Tennessee’s needs. I applaud Senator Bowling for passing SB 2770, the companion to HB 1872. That demonstrates, in my opinion, a strong resolve to both fiscal responsibility and public safety. I am confident that leadership in the House will reconsider HB 1872 as the Fiscal Note only identifies “Other Fiscal Impact…after FY 30-31”. The pressing nature of the invasion of America, and its impact upon Tennessee, as well as the continued safety of our school children, are of such great importance that additional consideration of this legislation is warranted.  Discussions between my office and House leadership are ongoing to try and advance this legislation.”

During Senate proceedings on Thursday, Sen. Todd Gardenhire proposed an amendment to the legislation.

“Amendment one specifies that the bill applies only to adults that are charged, provided that the offense is a felony and that students or children were present,” he explained. “It also excludes colleges and vocational schools.”

This amendment was adopted and the Senate proceeded to vote without any further discussion. SB2770 passed on the Senate floor by a 27-4 partisan vote.

Republican Senators Bailey, Bowling, Briggs, Crowe, Gardenhire, Haile, Hensley, Jackson, Johnson, Lowe, Lundberg, Massey, Niceley, Pody, Powers, Reeves, Roberts, Rose, Southerland, Stevens, Swann, Taylor, Walley, Watson, White, Yager and Lt. Gov. McNally voted in favor of the legislation as amended. 

Democrat Senators Akbari, Campbell, Oliver and Yarbro voted against it.

It is Sen. Bowling’s understanding that the House of Representatives is dealing with quite a bit as the “end of session” is right around the corner and she hopes the House will still decide to adopt the Senate bill sometime over the next couple of days.

About the Author: Adelia Kirchner is a Tennessee resident and reporter for the Tennessee Conservative. Currently the host of Subtle Rampage Podcast, she has also worked for the South Dakota State Legislature and interned for Senator Bill Hagerty’s Office in Nashville, Tennessee. 

You can reach Adelia at adelia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.