Friends,
This is your State Representative Eddie Mannis. We are coming to a close on my first session, and it has been an honor to represent you in Nashville. With things coming to an end soon, we look to pass a responsible state budget and pass legislation that has been worked on since January.
I want to keep you informed, that's why I wanted to send you this newsletter to highlight our major accomplishments to help the great people of District 18. I would like to point out a couple pieces of legislation that I have worked tirelessly on since arriving in Nashville, and also bring attention to a few bills that I co-sponsored and helped my colleagues pass.
My First Bill Passed, House Bill 84
Monday, March 8th, was a historic day in the State of Tennessee. Historic only in the fact that I passed my first bill. House Bill 84 made its way onto the house floor and received unanimous support with a 94-0 vote. I worked hard with the Department of Revenue on this legislation that reforms the time in which the statute of limitations applies to the collection of taxes during bankruptcy. It passed through the Senate on April 5th and is on its way to Governor Lee's desk to be signed into law. PS, I was the first freshman legislator to get a bill passed in the House.
*This is a picture of me presenting HB84. Safe to say I was met with some light hazing while presenting my first piece of legislation. It was hard to keep a straight face when questions like "how do I remove a stain from my muddy hat" were asked.
House Bill 173 Text-to-911 Passes Unanimously in the Senate
I am very proud to be the House sponsor of House Bill 173, the Text-To-911 Bill. House Bill 173 would create a statewide program for people to be able to text 911 for help if they find themselves in a situation where they are unable to dial 911 or are unable to due to a disability. This legislation is incredibly important for our hearing and speaking impaired communities as well as victims of human trafficking. I have been honored to work on this directly with Senator Becky Massey and with the help from former constituents (and current friends) Joshua and Molly Anderson. House Bill 173 has passed unanimously in the Senate and is currently in the House Finance, Ways and Means Committee. My hope is to have this on the Governor's desk by the end of session
House unanimously votes to protect first responders
On Thursday, March 25th, the General Assembly unanimously approved legislation ensuring someone who intentionally murders a first responder will be charged and punished as a terrorist. House Bill 511 adds new language under the current definition of terrorism. It creates new protections for law enforcement, paramedics, firefighters, correctional officers, department of corrections employees, and other emergency medical rescue workers. If convicted, a person would receive life without parole or the death penalty. Once signed into law, House Bill 511 would be among the nation’s strongest legislation protecting first responders. I am proud to cos-sponsor this legislation and I will always stand up for protecting the lives of our first responders across Tennessee.
Criminal Justice Reform
On March 15th, the General Assembly unanimously approved legislation that creates a lifetime protection order of protection for the victims of a murder. It allows these victims to go before a judge and say they do not want to hear from the perpetrator of the crime again. If the perpetrator of the crime contacts the victim after they have requested to never hear from them again, it adds time to their sentence and imposes a small fine. This bill originated from the heartbreaking tale of one of Tennessee's own, Nikki Goeser. I am proud to have signed onto this bill and to stand up for Nikki. I would like to applaud the 112th General Assembly for passing this bill in a timely manner.
Veterans to Receive Credits for Service towards an Occupational License
On April 5th, the State House and sponsor Rep. Jerome Moon (R-Alcoa) passed House Bill 188 on the House Floor. AS many of you know, I have a heart for veterans, and making their lives easier upon returning from protecting our rights was one of my motivations for running for office. I am proud to say that I am a co-sponsor on House Bill 188. It allows members of the United States armed forces (and honorably discharged veterans) who receive certified occupational training as a member of the United States armed forces to be able to obtain a occupational license based off what they did during their time in the military.
I will continue to share with you what's going on in my office and in the 112th General Assembly. More importantly, I want to hear your concerns. If I can ever be of assistance please do not hesitate to contact my office via email at rep.eddie.mannis@capitol.tn.gov or by phone at 615-741-2287. I look forward to hearing from you. And if you are ever in Nashville, I would welcome the opportunity to visit with you and show you around the Capitol.
Best,
Eddie
Rep. Eddie Mannis
#YourVoiceInNashville
