Both chambers are going into session later this afternoon. Here’s a sampling of what’s on the calendar for today.
SB0821-This would clarify the transfer of powers in the state constitution. You may remember the confusion a few summers ago, when the governor was temporarily unable to perform his duties thanks to a nasty tick bite. No one wanted to give up their posts to assume the governor’s duties. This has led to two proposed constitutional amendments. The first would provide for the popular election of a Lt. Governor and a Secretary of State. This would be a HUGE change to the way politics is done in this state. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Rosalind Kurita (D-Clarksville), passed the Senate. The big bone of contention in this bill is the popular election of the Secretary of State. Senate Republicans won’t pass the plan without it, House Democrats won’t pass the bill with it. So, SJR0821 provides another way of clearing up the line of succession. This takes from the recommendations of a special committee formed to specifically deal with this issue. Basically, power goes to the Senate Speaker, House Speaker, Secretary of State, Comptroller and then Attorney General in that order.
HB3513–This would add text messaging and fax transmissions to the harassment laws in the state. Text messaging in particular is becoming the new way of bullying in high schools and stalking people. There was actually a case not too long ago in Warren County where a man was in court for violating a protection from abuse order through constant text messaging. Our own Dennis Ferrier did a story about this just about three weeks ago.
Of course I’ll keep you updated on anything else!
