2017acuratings.conservative.org/.../07/tennessee_2017_web.pdfhb 688 firearm possession. this bill...

2017

Letter from the Chairman .......................................... 2

ACU & ACUF Board Members .................................. 3

Selecting the Votes .................................................... 3

2017 Winners & Losers .............................................. 4

TN Senate Statistics ................................................... 5

TN Senate Vote Descriptions .................................... 6

TN Senate Scores ...................................................... 8

TN House Statistics ................................................. 10

TN House Vote Descriptions ................................... 11

TN House Scores ..................................................... 14

TABLE OF CONTENTS

RATINGS of TENNESSEERATINGS of TENNESSEE

ACUConservative Conservative.org@ACUFoundation

#ACURatings

2

AMERICAN CONSERVATIVE UNION FOUNDATION’S 2017 Ratings of Tennessee

Dear Fellow Conservative,

The American Conservative Union Foundation is proud to present our ratings of the 2017 meeting of the Tennessee General Assembly. Like our Congressional Ratings, which date back 46 years, these ratings are meant to reflect how elected officials view the role of government in an individual’s life. We begin with our philosophy (conservatism is the political philosophy that sovereignty resides in the person) and then apply our understanding of government (its essential role is to defend life, liberty and property).

Because our ratings are designed to educate the public about how consistently their elected officials adhere to conservatism, we carefully examine the entire docket of legislation introduced in each state every year. We select the most meaningful bills and publish the results after the dust has settled. The ACU Foundation is the only organization to score over 8,000 elected officials each year, including lawmakers from all 50 states and Congress.

The 2016 election dramatically impacted the political landscape of not only Washington but state legislative chambers all across the country. Republicans now have control of both legislative chambers in 32 states, more than double the number they controlled in 2010. With these victories comes an ability to implement policies that restore individual liberty and return us to a limited form of government run by and for “We the People.”

It is our hope that these ratings will serve as a guide showing who can be relied on to fight for conservative principles and restore the role of government to what our nation’s founding fathers envisioned.

Sincerely,

Matt SchlappChairmanAmerican Conservative Union

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN

3


SELECTING THE VOTES

ACU researched and selected a range of bills before the Tennessee General Assembly that determine a member’s adherence to conservative principles. We selected bills that focus on Ronald Reagan’s philosophy of the “three-legged stool”: 1) fiscal and economic: taxes, budgets, regulation, spending, healthcare, and property; 2) social and cultural: 2nd amendment, religion, life, welfare, and education; and 3) government integrity: voting, individual liberty, privacy, and transparency. This wide range of issues are designed to give citizens an accurate assessment that conveys which of Tennessee’s elected leaders best defend the principles of a free society: Life, Liberty and Property.

201 N. Union Street, Suite 370Alexandria, VA 22314(202) 347-9388

Matt Schlapp Chairman

Charlie Gerow First Vice Chairman

Bob Beauprez Treasuer

Amy Frederick Secretary

Ed Yevoli At-Large

Jackie Arends

Larry Beasley

Kimberly Bellissimo

Steve Biegun

Morton C. Blackwell

John Bolton

Jose Cardenas

Ron Christie

Muriel Coleman

Becky Norton Dunlop

John Eddy

Luis Fortuno

Alan M. Gottlieb

Van D. Hipp, Jr.

Dr. M. Zuhdi Jasser

Michael R. Long

Ed McFadden

Carolyn D. Meadows

Priscilla O'Shaughnessy

Ron Robinson

Mike Rose

Ned Ryun

Peter Samuelson

Sabrina Schaeffer

Terry Schilling

Matt Smith

Thomas Winter

ACU BOARD MEMBERS

Matt Schlapp Chairman

Millie Hallow Vice Chairman

Van D. Hipp, Jr. Treasurer

Kimberly Bellissimo Secretary

Jose Cardenas

Jonathan Garthwaite

Charlie Gerow

Colin Hanna

Niger Innes

Adam Laxalt

Willes K. Lee

Mary Matalin

Carolyn D. Meadows

Randy Neugebauer

Thomas Winter

ACUF BOARD MEMBERS

4


2017 WINNERS & LOSERS

SENATE

BAILEYBEAVERSBELLGARDENHIREGRESHAMHAILEJACKSONJOHNSONKELSEY

SENATE

LUNDBERGMASSEYMcNALLYNORRISROBERTSSTEVENSTRACYWATSON

90-100% AWARD FOR CONSERVATIVE EXCELLENCE

HOUSE

HULSEYLOLLAR

SENATE

BOWLINGBRIGGSCROWEHENSLEYKETRONNICELEYOVERBEYYAGER

HOUSE

BROOKS, H.

CALFEE

CARTER

CASADA

CRAWFORD

CURCIO

DANIEL

DUNN

ELDRIDGE

FAISON

FARMER

FORGETY

GOINS

HALFORD

HARWELL

HAWK

HOUSE

HICKS

JOHNSON

KANE

KUMAR

LAMBERTH

LITTLETON

LYNN

MARSH

MATHENY

MATLOCK

MCCORMICK

PODY

POWERS

RAGAN

RAMSEY

REEDY

HOUSE

ROGERS

RUDD

SANDERSON

SARGENT

SEXTON, C.

SHERRELL

SMITH

SWANN

TERRY

TILLIS

TRAVIS

VAN HUSS

WEAVER

WHITE, D.

WHITSON

WILLIAMS

80-89% AWARD FOR CONSERVATIVE ACHIEVEMENT

SENATE

n/a

10% COALITION OF THE RADICAL LEFT

HOUSE

n/a

<=

5


TENNESSEE SENATE STATISTICS

86%OVERALL AVERAGE

LOWEST REPUBLICAN

91%REPUBLICAN AVERAGE

57%DEMOCRAT AVERAGE

HARPER 79%

HIGHEST DEMOCRAT

TENNESSEE SENATE CONSERVATIVE RATINGS

RED = REPUBLICANS BLUE = DEMOCRATS

18

16

14

12

10

8

6

4

2

090-100%

2017 ACU PERCENTAGE

# OF STATE

SENATORS

0-9% 10-19% 30-39% 40-49% 50-59% 60-69% 70-79% 80-89%20-29%

DICKERSON78%

6


1. SB 48 Alcoholic Beverage Sales. This bill permits the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages during a performance at a historic performing arts center. ACU supports the right of organizations to establish their own guidelines for alcohol consumption and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on February 2, 2017 by a vote of 24-3.

2. SB 262 Employer Regulation. This bill prevents a local government from adopting any ordinance that regulates the ability of an employer to set the work schedule for their employees. ACU supports the right of employees and employers to freely negotiate their own contracts and schedules and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 20, 2017 by a vote of 29-3.

3. HB 688 Firearm Possession. This bill allows an individual to possess or carry a loaded or unloaded firearm in a boat or watercraft. ACU supports the founders’ belief in the Second Amendment and believes it applies to maritime law and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on April 3, 2017 by a vote of 30-0.

4. HB 227 Government Assistance Integrity. This bill requires the Tennessee Lottery Corporation to submit a monthly report of those who received prizes of $5,000 or more to the Department of Human Services (DHS) for purposes of welfare program eligibility. In addition, DHS must quarterly run each benefit recipients’ information across 10 databases to check employment information, supplemental security income, death registries and prisoner information. Finally, the bill establishes verification requirements for the bureau of TennCare (Medicaid). ACU believes that all welfare programs should be designed to help people become self-sufficient rather than creating greater dependency and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on April 3, 2017 by a vote of 26-3.

5. SB 921 Firearm Sound Suppressors. This bill, known as the “Tennessee Hearing Protection Act”, allows for the possession, transfer, or sale of firearm sound suppressors. ACU supports the founders’ belief in the Second Amendment and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on April 3, 2017 by a vote of 28-1.

6. SB 997 Enhancing Credit Card Interest Rate Caps. This bill increases the maximum annual interest rate that a bank may charge on a credit card from 21 percent to 30 percent per annum. ACU opposes all price controls which lead to shortages and supported this bill as a step in the right direction. The Senate passed the bill on April 13, 2017 by a vote of 22-6.

7. SB 723 Free Speech. This bill prohibits public colleges and universities from establishing “free speech zones” which limit a student’s freedom of speech to select areas of campus, or disinviting speakers due to the anticipated reaction or opposition by others due to the content of the speech. In addition, the bill prohibits any viewpoint-based discrimination in the distribution of funds to student groups. ACU opposes speech limitation tactics that are traditionally used to prohibit only one type of speech and believes the constitutionally protected right of free speech should not be confined to a restricted area and supported this bill as a step in the right direction. The Senate passed the bill on April 13, 2017 by a vote of 30-0.

8. SB 256 Enhancing Small Loan Interest Rate Caps. This bill increases the maximum annual interest rate to 30 percent per annum that a registered industrial loan and thrift company may charge on loans between $100 and $5,000. ACU opposes all price controls which lead to shortages and supported this bill as a step in the right direction. The Senate passed the bill on April 13, 2017 by a vote of 25-0.

9. HB 18 Health Insurance Mandate. This bill establishes onerous regulations that detail how prescription eye drops are refilled by insurance companies. ACU opposes mandates which interfere in the free market and drive up health care costs for everyone and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on April 17, 2017 by a vote of 25-3.

10. SB 473 Weakening Occupational Licensing. This bill prevents the state from imposing any new licensing requirement to a trade or occupation that is not currently licensed, and prohibits any additional requirements from being placed on already licensed professions. The bill provides an exception to occupations such as law enforcement and emergency services. ACU opposes the expansion of occupational licensing requirements, which are primarily designed to restrict competition and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on April 19, 2017 by a vote of 26-2.

11. HB 931 Permits Apparel and Cigar Production in Private Residences. This bill expands the ability of individuals to manufacture numerous items such as clothing, purses, cigars and artificial flowers in their private homes by doing two things. First, it expands the list of locations in a house in which a guest can manufacture such products, and second, it eliminates a number of regulatory and inspection mandates. Currently, a guest assembling one of the above products in the wrong room of a house can be charged with a Class C Misdemeanor. ACU supports the elimination of outdated regulations which reduce entrepreneurship and infringe on individual liberties and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on April 19, 2017 by a vote of 31-0.

TENNESSEE SENATE VOTE DESCRIPTIONS

7


12. SB 651 Consumer Choice. This bill expands the ability for different farm products to be sold at locations across the state. Under the bill, items such as meats and raw milk produced by farmers can be sold with less licensing requirements. ACU believes government should avoid using its power to restrict individual liberties and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on April 20, 2017 by a vote of 32-0.

13. HB 528 Reducing Business Licensure. This bill makes two changes to the state’s business licensing laws. First, it eliminates licensure for independent living facilities, and second, it decreases the inspection frequency for healthcare facilities. ACU supports regulatory reform that reduces costs for consumers and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on April 20, 2017 by a vote of 30-0.

14. SB 1371 Property Rights. This bill prohibits local governments from including land use or zoning requirements when implementing air pollution control regulations that are more stringent than required by the state. The ACU Foundation’s Center for 21st Century Property Rights staunchly defends the property rights of American citizens, which are inherently protected by the U.S. Constitution. Thus, ACU supports this attempt to protect landowners from government overreach and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on April 24, 2017 by a vote of 26-3.

15. HB 1017 Farming Regulations. This bill prevents unelected state bureaucrats from enacting regulations covering “concentrated animal feeding operations” that are more stringent than what federal law requires. Expanding entrepreneurship promotes economic growth, which leads to greater family prosperity, as illustrated by the ACU Foundation’s Family Prosperity Index. ACU supports regulatory reforms that reduce costs and expand business and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on April 24, 2017 by a vote of 28-3.

16. HB 310 School Choice. This bill directs additional funding to the state’s charter schools and strengthens their performance and accountability standards. Educational attainment yields substantial economic returns for families and for states, which is illustrated by the ACU Foundation’s Family Prosperity Index. ACU supports the expansion of school choice and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on April 26, 2017 by a vote of 25-1.

17. SB 1180 Abortion Restrictions. This bill requires a fetus to be tested after 20 weeks (5 months) of pregnancy and prohibits an abortion if the fetus is viable. The bill includes an exception if the life of the mother is at stake. ACU believes abortion is a human tragedy, supports restrictions on the practice and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on May 1, 2017 by a vote of 27-3.

18. HB 680 Government Cost Controls. This bill repeals the present requirement that marinas, camping grounds, cabins, gifts shops, restaurants and inns within state parks be self-sufficient and cover their own operational expenses. This bill is part of a strategy to end privatization and goes against ACU Foundation’s “Seven Principles of Privatization”. ACU opposes efforts that will burden taxpayers with additional costs and expenses and opposed this bill. The Senate defeated the bill on May 3, 2017 by a vote of 9-17.

19. HB 1338 Expanding Occupational Licensing Regulations. This bill places further licensing requirements on barbers, cosmetologists and manicurists by requiring them to pay for sexual assault and domestic violence awareness training in order to receive or renew their licenses. ACU takes sexual assault seriously, but believes forcing discussions over a haircut is impracticable, and opposes the proliferation of licensing requirements which are primarily designed to restrict competition and opposed this bill. The Senate failed to pass the bill on May 3, 2017 by a vote of 15-10 (17 votes were needed for passage).

20. SB 151 Autonomous Vehicles. This bill further clarifies the right for autonomous vehicles to operate in the state and establishes a regulatory framework for their testing and use. Under the bill, manufactures and technology companies would be required to carry certain insurance and notify the state of the regions where the vehicles are being used. ACU supports the operation of autonomous vehicles and the future benefits the technology may provide and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on May 9, 2017 by a vote of 31-0.

21. HB 508 Firearm Bans. This bill makes it easier for an individual to sue a local government entity if it enacts any ordinance or policy restricting firearm use or ownership. The bill would not interfere with common sense security conditions on government property. ACU supports the founders’ belief in the Second Amendment and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on May 9, 2017 by a vote of 26-6.

22. SB 703 Wine Sales. This bill reduces certain regulations regarding wine distribution. Under the bill a wine wholesaler can deliver wine at any time that is mutually agreeable with a retail establishment, and provide merchandising and shelving assistance. In addition, an employee of a wholesaler no longer needs to obtain a permit unless they are directly involved with the delivery or sale of alcoholic beverages, and a distributor no longer needs to have been a resident of the state for two years in order to become licensed, among other provisions. ACU supports a competitive market in the alcohol industry and supports efforts to reduce costly regulations, and supported this bill as a step in the right direction. The Senate passed the bill on May 10, 2017 by a vote of 30-0.

8


TENNESSEE SENATE VOTE DETAIL

Party District

SB 48

SB 262

HB 688

HB 227

SB 921

SB 997

SB 723

SB 256

HB 18

SB 473

HB 931

SB 651

HB 528

SB 1371

HB 1017

HB 310

SB 1180

HB 680

HB 1338

SB 151

HB 508

SB 703 ACU Votes

Votes Cast

2017 %

2016 %

LIFETIME AVG

BAILEY R 15 + + + + + + + + X + + + + + + + + + X X + + 19 19 100% 85% 93%

BEAVERS R 17 - + + + + + + X - + + + + + + + + + + + X + 18 20 90% 92% 92%

BELL R 9 X + + + + + + + - + + + + + + + + + + + + + 20 21 95% 92% 88%

BOWLING R 16 + + + + + + + + - + + + + + + + + - - + + + 19 22 86% 88% 90%

BRIGGS R 7 + + + + + + + + - + + + + + + + + - - + + + 19 22 86% 81% 86%

CROWE R 3 + + + + + - + + - + + + + + - X + + - + + + 17 21 81% 90% 81%

DICKERSON R 20 X + + X + + + + - X + + + - X + + + - + - + 14 18 78% 57% 73%

GARDENHIRE R 10 + X + + + - + + - + + + + + + + + + + + + + 19 21 90% 88% 86%

GREEN R 22 + + + + + X X X X X X + X + + X X X X + + + 11 11 n/a† 79% 87%

GRESHAM R 26 + + + + + + + + + + + + X + + + + + X + + + 20 20 100% 84% 90%

HAILE R 18 X + + + + + + + - + + + + + + + + + - + + + 19 21 90% 88% 88%

Harper D 19 + + + + + - + + - + + + + + + X X - X + - + 15 19 79% 75% 51%

Harris D 29 X - + - - X X X - + + + + - - + - - - + - + 8 18 44% 35% 35%

HENSLEY R 28 - + + + + - + X - + + + + + + + + + + + + + 18 21 86% 92% 90%

JACKSON R 27 + + + + + + + + - + + + + + + + + X X + + + 19 20 95% 85% 91%

JOHNSON R 23 + + + + + + + + X + + + + + + + + + - + + + 20 21 95% 88% 93%

KELSEY R 31 + + X X X + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + 19 19 100% 88% 88%

KETRON R 13 + + + + + + + + - + + + + + + + + - - X + X 17 20 85% 82% 87%

Kyle D 30 + - + - + X + X - - + + + X + - - - - + - + 10 19 53% 41% 27%

LUNDBERG R 4 + + + + + + + + - + + + + + + + + + + + + + 21 22 95% n/a 84%

MASSEY R 6 + + + + + + + + - + + + + + + + + X - + + + 19 21 90% 81% 79%

McNALLY R 5 + + + + + + + + - + + + + + + + + + + + + + 21 22 95% 85% 89%

NICELEY R 8 + + + X + - + + - + + + + + + + + - - + + + 17 21 81% 88% 80%

NORRIS R 32 + + + + + + + + - + + + + + + + + X - + + + 19 21 90% 84% 87%

OVERBEY R 2 + + X X X + + + - X + + + X + X + + - + + + 14 16 88% 77% 69%

ROBERTS R 25 + + + + + + + + - + + + + - + + + X + + + + 19 21 90% 92% 94%

SOUTHERLAND R 1 - + + + + + + + X X X X X X X X + - X + + X 10 12 n/a† 92% 88%

STEVENS R 24 + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + X + + + 21 21 100% 96% 94%

“+” Member voted with ACU’s position“-” Member voted against ACU’s position

“X” Member was absent for vote“E” Member was excused for vote

† Legislator did not vote on enough of the selected bills and as a result the 2017 percentage was not rated. 2/3rds of the selected bills must be voted on to receive a score.

TENNESSEE SENATE SCORES

9


TENNESSEE SENATE VOTE DETAIL

Party District

SB 48

SB 262

HB 688

HB 227

SB 921

SB 997

SB 723

SB 256

HB 18

SB 473

HB 931

SB 651

HB 528

SB 1371

HB 1017

HB 310

SB 1180

HB 680

HB 1338

SB 151

HB 508

SB 703 ACU Votes

Votes Cast

2017 %

2016 %

LIFETIME AVG

Tate D 33 + + X + X + + X X X + + + + + X X X X + - + 12 13 n/a† 68% 55%

TRACY R 14 X + + + + + + + - + + + + + + + + + + + + + 20 21 95% 84% 90%

WATSON R 11 X + + + + X X X - + + + + + + + + + + + + X 16 17 94% 88% 90%

YAGER R 12 + + + + + - + + - + + + + + + X + X - + + + 17 20 85% 79% 84%

Yarbro D 21 + - + - X X + X - - + + + X - + - - - + - + 9 18 50% 25% 39%




10


TENNESSEE HOUSE STATISTICS

70%OVERALL AVERAGE

KEISLING72%

LOWEST REPUBLICAN

82%REPUBLICAN AVERAGE

34%DEMOCRAT AVERAGE

DEBERRY71%

HIGHEST DEMOCRAT

TENNESSEE HOUSE CONSERVATIVE RATINGS

RED = REPUBLICANS BLUE = DEMOCRATS

# OF STATEREPS

50

45

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

090-100%

2017 ACU PERCENTAGE

0-9% 10-19% 30-39% 40-49% 50-59% 60-69% 70-79% 80-89%20-29%

11


1. HB 227 Government Assistance Integrity. This bill requires the Tennessee Lottery Corporation to submit a monthly report of those who received prizes of $5,000 or more to the Department of Human Services (DHS) for purposes of welfare program eligibility. In addition, DHS must quarterly run each benefit recipients’ information across 10 databases to check employment information, supplemental security income, death registries and prisoner information. Finally, the bill establishes verification requirements for the bureau of TennCare (Medicaid). ACU believes that all welfare programs should be designed to help people become self-sufficient rather than creating greater dependency and supported this bill. The House passed the bill on February 27, 2017 by a vote of 73-21.

2. HB 688 Firearm Possession. This bill allows an individual to possess or carry a loaded or unloaded firearm in a boat or watercraft. ACU supports the founders’ belief in the Second Amendment and believes it applies to maritime law and supported this bill. The House passed the bill on March 16, 2017 by a vote of 79-12.

3. SB 262 Employer Regulation. This bill prevents a local government from adopting any ordinance that regulates the ability of an employer to set the work schedule for their employees. ACU supports the right of employees and employers to freely negotiate their own contracts and schedules and supported this bill. The House passed the bill on March 27, 2017 by a vote of 67-24.

4. HB 1143 Property Rights. This bill strengthens a current law that prohibits local governments from imposing zoning ordinances that require the construction of affordable housing. Under the bill, zoning or land use planning cannot be used to incentivize or leverage a person to build, sell or rent housing at below market value. The ACU Foundation’s Center for 21st Century Property Rights staunchly defends the property rights of American citizens, which are inherently protected by the U.S. Constitution. ACU supports efforts that protect individuals’ rights to develop and utilize their property and supported this bill. The House passed the bill on March 30, 2017 by a vote of 72-21.

5. SB 256 Enhancing Small Loan Interest Rate Caps. This bill increases the maximum annual interest rate to 30 percent per annum that a registered industrial loan and thrift company may charge on loans between $100 and $5,000. ACU opposes all price controls which lead to shortages and supported this bill as a step in the right direction. The House passed the bill on April 6, 2017 by a vote of 53-29.

6. HB 528 Business Licensure. This bill makes two changes to the state’s business licensing laws. First, it eliminates licensure for independent living facilities, and second, it decreases the inspection frequency for healthcare facilities. ACU supports regulatory reform that reduces costs for consumers and supported this bill. The House passed the bill on April 6, 2017 by a vote of 68-20.

7. HB 18 Health Insurance Mandate. This bill establishes onerous regulations that detail how prescription eye drops are refilled by insurance companies. ACU opposes mandates which interfere in the free market and drive up health care costs for everyone and opposed this bill. The House passed the bill on April 6, 2017 by a vote of 91-0.

8. SB 48 Alcoholic Beverage Sales. This bill permits the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages during a performance at a historic performing arts center. ACU supports the right of organizations to establish their own guidelines for alcohol consumption and supported this bill. The House passed the bill on April 10, 2017 by a vote of 69-17.

9. HB 931 Permits Apparel and Cigar Production in Private Residences. This bill expands the ability of individuals to manufacture numerous items such as clothing, purses, cigars and artificial flowers in their private homes by doing two things. First, it expands the list of locations in a house in which a guest can manufacture such products, and second, it eliminates a number of regulatory and inspection mandates. Currently, a guest assembling one of the above products in the wrong room of a house can be charged with a Class C Misdemeanor. ACU supports the elimination of outdated regulations which reduce entrepreneurship and infringe on individual liberties and supported this bill. The House passed the bill on April 10, 2017 by a vote of 97-0.

10. HB 1017 Farming Regulations. This bill prevents unelected state bureaucrats from enacting regulations covering “concentrated animal feeding operations” that are more stringent than what federal law requires. Expanding entrepreneurship promotes economic growth, which leads to greater family prosperity, as illustrated by the ACU Foundation’s Family Prosperity Index. ACU supports regulatory reforms that reduce costs and expand business and supported this bill. The House passed the bill on April 17, 2017 by a vote of 78-14.

TENNESSEE HOUSE VOTE DESCRIPTIONS

12


11. SB 997 Enhancing Credit Card Interest Rate Caps. This bill increases the maximum annual interest rate that a bank may charge on a credit card from 21 percent to 30 percent per annum. ACU opposes all price controls which lead to shortages and supported this bill as a step in the right direction. The House passed the bill on April 17, 2017 by a vote of 73-12.

12. HB 1338 Expanding Occupational Licensing Regulations. This bill places further licensing requirements on barbers, cosmetologists and manicurists by requiring them to pay for sexual assault and domestic violence awareness training in order to receive or renew their licenses. ACU takes sexual assault seriously, but believes forcing discussions over a haircut is impracticable, and opposes the proliferation of licensing requirements which are primarily designed to restrict competition and opposed this bill. The House passed the bill on April 17, 2017 by a vote of 92-2.

13. SB 1371 Property Rights. This bill prohibits local governments from including land use or zoning requirements when implementing air pollution control regulations that are more stringent than required by the state. The ACU Foundation’s Center for 21st Century Property Rights staunchly defends the property rights of American citizens, which are inherently protected by the U.S. Constitution. Thus, ACU supports this attempt to protect landowners from government overreach and supported this bill. The House passed the bill on April 17, 2017 by a vote of 69-23.

14. HB 534 Transportation Funding. The Hawk amendment provides an alternative plan to hiking the state gas tax by dedicating 90 percent of vehicular sales taxes to fund transportation projects. Higher tax burdens suppress economic growth, which reduces family prosperity, as illustrated by the ACU Foundation’s Family Prosperity Index. ACU supports efforts that ensure infrastructure projects are properly funded without tax increases and supported this amendment. The House defeated the amendment on April 19, 2017 by a vote of 38-58.

15. HB 310 School Choice. This bill directs additional funding to the state’s charter schools and strengthens their performance and accountability standards. Educational attainment yields substantial economic returns for families and for states, which is illustrated by the ACU Foundation’s Family Prosperity Index. ACU supports the expansion of school choice and supported this bill. The House passed the bill on April 20, 2017 by a vote of 78-8.

16. HB 680 Government Cost Controls. This bill repeals the present requirement that marinas, camping grounds, cabins, gifts shops, restaurants and inns within state parks be self-sufficient and cover their own operational expenses. This bill is part of a strategy to end privatization and goes against ACU Foundation’s “Seven Principles of Privatization”. ACU opposes efforts that will burden taxpayers with additional costs and expenses and opposed this bill. The House passed the bill on April 24, 2017 by a vote of 87-0.

17. SB 651 Consumer Choice. This bill expands the ability for different farm products to be sold at locations across the state. Under the bill, items such as meats and raw milk produced by farmers can be sold with less licensing requirements. ACU believes government should avoid using its power to restrict individual liberties and supported this bill. The House passed the bill on April 24, 2017 by a vote of 87-1.

18. HB 975 Government Employee Termination. The Fitzhugh amendment to a government contracting bill prevents any “appointing authority” or college that signs a contract with a private party from firing or reducing the hours of certain government employees as a result of the contract. ACU believes government should be more efficient with taxpayer resources and should fully utilize the option of private contracting which will reduce the number of government workers and costs and opposed this amendment. The House voted to the kill the amendment on May 1, 2017 by a vote of 47-44 (A “YES” vote supported ACU’s position).

19. SB 473 Weakening Occupational Licensing. This bill prevents the state from imposing any new licensing requirement to a trade or occupation that is not currently licensed, and prohibits any additional requirements from being placed on already licensed professions. The bill provides an exception to occupations such as law enforcement and emergency services. ACU opposes the expansion of occupational licensing requirements which are primarily designed to restrict competition and supported this bill. The House passed the bill on May 1, 2017 by a vote of 69-17.

20. SB 723 Free Speech. This bill prohibits public colleges and universities from establishing “free speech zones” which limit a student’s freedom of speech to select areas of campus, or disinviting speakers due to the anticipated reaction or opposition by others due to the content of the speech. In addition, the bill prohibits any viewpoint-based discrimination in the distribution of funds to student groups. ACU opposes speech limitation tactics that are traditionally used to prohibit only one type of speech and believes the constitutionally protected right of free speech should not be confined to a restricted area and supported this bill as a step in the right direction. The House passed the bill on May 1, 2017 by a vote of 85-7.

13


21. SB 921 Firearm Sound Suppressors. This bill, known as the “Tennessee Hearing Protection Act”, allows for the possession, transfer, or sale of firearm sound suppressors. ACU supports the founders’ belief in the Second Amendment and supported this bill. The House passed the bill on May 1, 2017 by a vote of 74-18.

22. SB 1180 Abortion Restrictions. This bill requires a fetus to be tested after 20 weeks (5 months) of pregnancy and prohibits an abortion if the fetus is viable. The bill includes an exception if the life of the mother is at stake. ACU believes abortion is a human tragedy, supports restrictions on the practice and supported this bill. The House passed the bill on May 3, 2017 by a vote of 69-18.

23. SB 151 Autonomous Vehicles. This bill further clarifies the right for autonomous vehicles to operate in the state and establishes a regulatory framework for their testing and use. Under the bill, manufactures and technology companies would be required to carry certain insurance and notify the state of the regions where the vehicles are being used. ACU supports the operation of autonomous vehicles and the future benefits the technology may provide and supported this bill. The House passed the bill on May 5, 2017 by a vote of 85-1.

24. HB 508 Firearm Bans. This bill makes it easier for an individual to sue a local government entity if it enacts any ordinance or policy restricting firearm use or ownership. The bill would not interfere with common sense security conditions on government property. ACU supports the founders’ belief in the Second Amendment and supported this bill. The House passed the bill on May 9, 2017 by a vote of 71-14.

25. SB 703 Wine Sales. This bill reduces certain regulations regarding wine distribution. Under the bill a wine wholesaler can deliver wine at any time that is mutually agreeable with a retail establishment, and provide merchandising and shelving assistance. In addition, an employee of a wholesaler no longer needs to obtain a permit unless they are directly involved with the delivery or sale of alcoholic beverages, and a distributor no longer needs to have been a resident of the state for two years in order to become licensed, among other provisions. ACU supports a competitive market in the alcohol industry and supports efforts to reduce costly regulations, and supported this bill as a step in the right direction. The House passed the bill on May 10, 2017 by a vote of 66-14.

14


TENNESSEE HOUSE VOTE DETAIL

Party District

HB 227

HB 688

SB 262

HB 1143

SB 256

HB 528

HB 18

SB 48

HB 931

HB 1017

SB 997

HB 1338

SB 1371

HB 534 - Hawk Amd.

HB 310

HB 680

SB 651

HB 975 - Fitzhugh Amd.

SB 473

SB 723

SB 921

SB 1180

SB 151

HB 508

SB 703

ACU Votes

Votes Cast

2017 %

2016 %

LIFETIME AVG

Akbari D 91 - - - - X X - + + X X X X - + - + - + - - - + - + 7 19 37% 23% 23%

ALEXANDER R 39 X + + + - + - X + + + - X - + - + + + + X + + + X 15 20 75% 92% 81%

Beck D 51 - - - - - + - + + - X - - - X X + X X X X X X X + 5 15 n/a† 21% 24%

BROOKS, H. R 19 + + + + + + - - + + + - + - + - + + + + + + + + + 20 25 80% 84% 84%

BROOKS, K. R 24 + + + X + + - - + X + - + - + - + + + + X + X + + 16 21 76% 85% 83%

BUTT R 64 + + + + - + - X + + + - + + + - + - + + + X + + X 17 22 77% 93% 94%

BYRD R 71 + + + + - + - - + + + - + + + - X - + + + + + + X 17 23 74% 88% 81%

CALFEE R 32 + + + + + + - + + + + - + + + - + + + + + + + + + 22 25 88% 73% 81%

Camper D 87 - X - - + X - + + + X - - - + - + - + - - - + - + 9 22 41% 10% 19%

CARR R 12 + + + + X X - + + + + - + - + - + - + + + + + + + 18 23 78% 95% 75%

CARTER R 29 + X + + X + - + + + + - + - X - X + + + X + + + + 16 20 80% 96% 88%

CASADA R 63 + + + + + + - + + + + - + X X - X + + + + + + + + 19 22 86% 85% 87%

Clemmons D 55 - - - - - - - + + - - - - - - - + - - - - - + + + 6 25 24% 7% 19%

COLEY R 97 + + + + - + - + + + + - + - + - + - + + + + + + + 19 25 76% 83% 78%

Cooper D 86 - - - - - - - + + - - - - - + - + - X - - - + + + 7 24 29% 32% 17%

CRAWFORD R 1 + + + + - + - - + + + - + + + - + + + + + + + + + 20 25 80% n/a 80%

CURCIO R 69 + + + + + + - + + + + - + - + - + + + + + + + + + 21 25 84% n/a 84%

DANIEL R 18 + + + + + + - X + + X - + - + - + + + + + + + + + 19 23 83% 81% 88%

Deberry D 90 - + X + + + - + + + + - - - + X + - + + + + + X X 15 21 71% 60% 66%

DOSS R 70 X X + + X + - X + + + - + - + - + + + + + + + + - 16 21 76% 89% 85%

DUNN R 16 + + + + + + X - + + + - X - + - + + + + + + + + + 19 23 83% 78% 79%

ELDRIDGE R 73 + + + + + + - + + + + - + - + - + + + + + + + + + 21 25 84% 85% 84%

FAISON R 11 + + + + X + - + + + + - + + + - + - + + + + X + + 19 23 83% 88% 87%

FARMER R 17 + + X + + + - + + + + - + - X - X + + + + + + + X 17 21 81% 78% 79%

Favors D 28 + + - - - - - + + X X X X - X - + - + X - X X - X 6 16 n/a† 35% 20%

Fitzhugh D 82 - + - - - - - + + + + - - - X - + - + X - - + X + 9 22 41% 33% 33%

FORGETY R 23 + + + + + + - + + + + - + - + - + - + + + + + + + 20 25 80% 77% 81%

GANT R 94 + + + + + + - - + + + - + + X - + + + + + + + + - 19 24 79% n/a 79%

Gilmore D 54 - - X - - - - + + X X - - - X - X - + - - X + X + 5 18 28% 21% 16%




TENNESSEE HOUSE SCORES

15



Party District

HB 227

HB 688

SB 262

HB 1143

SB 256

HB 528

HB 18

SB 48

HB 931

HB 1017

SB 997

HB 1338

SB 1371

HB 534 - Hawk Amd.

HB 310

HB 680

SB 651


SB 473

SB 723

SB 921

SB 1180

SB 151

HB 508

SB 703

ACU Votes

Votes Cast

2017 %

2016 %

LIFETIME AVG

GOINS R 10 + + X + + + - + + + + - + + + - + - + + + + + + + 20 24 83% 89% 92%

GRAVITT R 30 + + X + + X - + + + + - + - + - + X X X X X + + + 14 18 78% 88% 86%

HALFORD R 79 + + + + + + - + + + + - + X + - + + + + + + + + + 21 24 88% 89% 89%

Hardaway D 93 - - - - - - - + + - - - - + + - + - + - - - + - - 7 25 28% 11% 14%

HARWELL R 56 + + X + X + - X + + X - - + + - + X + + + + + + + 16 20 80% 71% 85%

HAWK R 5 + + + + + + - + + + + - + + + - + - + + + + + + + 21 25 84% 87% 88%

HAZLEWOOD R 27 X + + + X X X + + + + - + - + - + X + + X X + X X 13 16 n/a† 83% 87%

HICKS R 9 + + + + + + - + + + + - + - + - + - + + + + + + + 20 25 80% 85% 83%

HILL, M. R 7 + + + + + + - - + + + - + + + - + - + + + + + + - 19 25 76% 85% 89%

HILL, T. R 3 + + + + + + - - + + + - + + + - + - + + + + + + - 19 25 76% 85% 88%

HOLSCLAW R 4 + + + + + + - X X + + - + - + - + - + + + + + + + 18 23 78% 84% 87%

HOLT R 76 + + + + X + - - + + + - + + + - + - + + + + + + - 18 24 75% 85% 88%

HOWELL R 22 + + + + + + - - + + + - + - + - + - + + + + X X X 16 22 73% 81% 85%

HULSEY R 2 + + + + + + - + + + + + + + + - + + + + + + + + + 23 25 92% 83% 86%

Jernigan D 60 - + - - - + - + + - - - - - + - + - + - - X + - + 9 24 38% 38% 24%

JOHNSON R 68 + + + + X + - + + + + - + - + - + X + + + X + + + 18 22 82% 93% 87%

Jones D 59 - - - - - - - + + - - - - - - - + - - - - - + - + 5 25 20% 10% 14%

KANE R 89 + + + + + + - + + + + - + + + - + + + + + + + + + 22 25 88% 96% 88%

KEISLING R 38 + + - - + + - + + + + - + - + - + + + + + + + + - 18 25 72% 88% 74%

KUMAR R 66 + + + + X + - + + + + - + + + - + + + + + + + + + 21 24 88% 72% 81%

LAMBERTH R 44 + + + + + + - + + + + - + + + - + + + + + + + + + 22 25 88% 78% 86%

LITTLETON R 78 + + + + + + - + + + + - + + + - + + + + + + + + + 22 25 88% 92% 94%

LOLLAR R 99 + + + + + + X + + + + X + - + - + + + + + + + + X 20 22 91% 88% 90%

Love D 58 - X - - - - - X + X X - - - X - X - X X - - + - + 3 17 18% 32% 16%

LYNN R 57 + + + + + + - + + + + - + - + X + + + + + + + + - 20 24 83% 88% 84%

MARSH R 62 + + + + + X - + + + + - + - + - + + + + + + + + + 20 24 83% 85% 85%

MATHENY R 47 + X + + + + - + + + + - + + + - + - + + + + + X X 18 22 82% 96% 88%

MATLOCK R 21 + + + + X X X + + + + - + + + - + - + + + + + + X 18 21 86% 86% 93%

MCCORMICK R 26 X + + + + + - + + + + - + - + - + + + + X X + + + 18 22 82% 91% 83%

MCDANIEL R 72 + + + + + + - + + + + - + - X - - + + + + + + X + 18 23 78% 81% 80%

Miller D 88 - + - - - - X + + + X - - - + - + - + - - - + - + 9 23 39% 22% 19%




16



Party District

HB 227

HB 688

SB 262

HB 1143

SB 256

HB 528

HB 18

SB 48

HB 931

HB 1017

SB 997

HB 1338

SB 1371

HB 534 - Hawk Amd.

HB 310

HB 680

SB 651


SB 473

SB 723

SB 921

SB 1180

SB 151

HB 508

SB 703

ACU Votes

Votes Cast

2017 %

2016 %

LIFETIME AVG

Mitchell D 50 + + - - + - - + + - + - - - - X + - - - - - + - + 9 24 38% 12% 22%

MOODY R 81 + + + + + + - - + + + - + + + - + - + + + + X + X 18 23 78% 93% 92%

Parkinson D 98 - - - - - - - + + - - - - - + X + - + - X X + - + 7 22 32% 27% 27%

Pitts D 67 - X + - + - - + + + + - - - + - + - - - - - X X X 8 21 38% 46% 37%

PODY R 46 + + + + + + - X + + + - + + + - + + + + + + + + - 20 24 83% 92% 86%

Powell D 53 - + - X - - - + + - - - - - + - + - - - - - + - + 7 24 29% 19% 22%

POWERS R 36 + + + + + + - X + + + - + + + - X + + + + X X + X 17 20 85% n/a 93%

RAGAN R 33 + + + + + + - + + + + - + + + - + + + + + + X + + 21 24 88% 85% 89%

RAMSEY R 20 + + + + X X - + + + + - + - X X X + + + + + + X X 15 18 83% 82% 73%

REEDY R 74 + + + + + + - + + + + - + + + - + + + + + + + + + 22 25 88% 81% 90%

ROGERS R 45 + + + + - X - + + + + - + + + - + + + + + + + + + 20 24 83% 81% 87%

RUDD R 34 + + + + + + - X + + + + + + + X + - + + + + - + + 20 23 87% n/a 87%

SANDERSON R 77 + + - + X + - + + + X - + + X - + + + + + + + + + 18 22 82% 83% 81%

SARGENT R 61 + + + + X + X + + + + - + - + - + + + + + + + + + 20 23 87% 84% 86%

SEXTON, C. R 25 + + + + + + - + + + + - + + + - + + + + + + + + + 22 25 88% 84% 92%

SEXTON, J. R 35 + + + + - + - - + + - - + + + X + + + + + + + + - 18 24 75% 92% 89%

Shaw D 80 + + - X + - - + + - + - - - + - X - + - + - + X + 11 22 50% 35% 34%

SHERRELL R 43 + + + + + + - - + + + - + + + - + + + + + + + + + 21 25 84% n/a 84%

SMITH R 13 + + + + X X X - + + + - + - + X + - + + X + + + + 16 20 80% 81% 84%

SPARKS R 49 + X + + - + - X + + - - + + + - + - + + + + + + X 16 22 73% 91% 86%

Staples D 15 - - - X - - - + + - + - - - + - X - X - - - + - + 6 22 27% n/a 27%

Stewart D 52 - - - - - - - + + - - - - - - - + - - - - - + - + 5 25 20% 8% 9%

SWANN R 8 + + + + + + - + + + + - + - + - + + + + + + + + + 21 25 84% 88% 82%

TERRY R 48 + + + + - + - + + + X - + + + - + + + + + + X + + 19 23 83% 83% 88%

Thompson D 96 - + - - - - - + + - + - - - - - + - + - + - + + + 10 25 40% n/a 40%

TILLIS R 92 + + + + + + - + + + + - + - + - + + + + + + + + + 21 25 84% n/a 84%

Towns D 84 - - - - - - - + + X X X X - - X + - + - X + X + - 6 18 33% 23% 18%

TRAVIS R 31 + + + + + + - + + + + - + - + - + + + + + + + + + 21 25 84% 78% 82%

Turner D 85 - - X X - - - + + - - - - - - - + - - + - - + - + 6 23 26% 8% 10%

VAN HUSS R 6 + + + + + + - + + + + - + + + - + - + + + + + + - 20 25 80% 96% 91%

WEAVER R 40 + + + + + + - + + + X - + + - - + + + + + + + + + 20 24 83% 81% 91%




17



Party District

HB 227

HB 688

SB 262

HB 1143

SB 256

HB 528

HB 18

SB 48

HB 931

HB 1017

SB 997

HB 1338

SB 1371

HB 534 - Hawk Amd.

HB 310

HB 680

SB 651


SB 473

SB 723

SB 921

SB 1180

SB 151

HB 508

SB 703

ACU Votes

Votes Cast

2017 %

2016 %

LIFETIME AVG

WHITE, D. R 37 + + + + + + - X + + + - + + + - + X + + + + + + + 20 23 87% 88% 93%

WHITE, M. R 83 + + + + + + - - + + + - + - + - + + + + + + + + - 19 25 76% 85% 84%

WHITSON R 65 + + + + X + - + + + + - X - + - + + + + + + + + + 19 23 83% n/a 83%WILLIAMS R 42 + + + + + + - + + + + - + + + - + + + + + + + + + 22 25 88% 87% 91%Windle D 41 + + - - - - - - + + - - - - + - + X X X X X X X X 6 17 35% 70% 54%WIRGAU R 75 + + - + + + - + + + + - + - + - + + + + + + + X X 18 23 78% 85% 85%ZACHARY R 14 + + + + - + - - + + + - + + + X + + + + + + + + - 19 24 79% 85% 82%




2017acuratings.conservative.org/.../07/tennessee_2017_web.pdfhb 688 firearm possession. this bill...

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