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Faison report
It was a busy week on Legislative Plaza in Nashville last week. State Representative Jeremy Faison said Tennessee businesses will be eligible to receive more pandemic assistance through a bill that will exempt relief funds from state taxes. Another bill ensures that medical information reflecting the status of a person’s COVID 19 vaccination cannot be required by any state entities in Tennessee. The legislation prohibits a governmental agency from mandating a private business to require “vaccine passports”. The bill also removes authority from county boards of health to enforce and adopt rules and regulations aimed at stopping the spread of a disease. Now health departments will serve only as an advisory board to the county mayor. The House passed legislation that will expand telehealth options for behavioral health services. The ability to provide therapy services over the telephone was proven to be beneficial throughout the coronavirus pandemic for patients and providers alike. Two major criminal justice reform bills recommended by the Tennessee Criminal Justice Reinvestment Task Force are being considered. Tennessee’s high incarceration rates are fueled by non-violent drug and property offenses which have increased the state’s prison growth by more than 50 percent since 2009. The legislation provides for a Recovery Court System for those charged with misdemeanor assaults. The Alternatives to Incarceration bill modifies guidelines for probation and the Community Corrections program. The bill also establishes a jail reimbursement program for local jails that house state offenders.
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Return to Today's News Stories - Front PageThursday, April 29, 2021
US 411 Project News
Mill Creek Wildfire Update
More Bad News For Smokies' Fans
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
Mill Creek Wildfire doubles in size
Goodbye Smokies?
Keep Cocke County Beautiful
Cocke Co. High School Remote Learning today!
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
The fireflies are coming!
Burnout Operations on MillCreek wildfire today
Gas prices drop
Tennessee keeps all US House seats
Monday, April 26, 2021
Boat accident victim ID'd
Traffic stop yields drug arrest
Cocke County Wildfires
Friday, April 23, 2021
Leaving WNPC
Mathis announces candidacy
Newport drug roundup
Cruise Against Cancer
Jobless numbers
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