BY REP. JOHN HOLSCLAW
Last week, several communities across Tennessee suffered extensive damage as a result of an historic tornado outbreak.
In the early morning hours of March 3, a powerful tornado tore through Germantown and North Nashville with wind speeds reaching 125 miles per hour. The tornado strengthened as it stayed on the ground for more than 50 miles, causing catastrophic damage across East Nashville, Donelson, Wilson and Putnam counties before finally dissipating. In all, 24 people were killed including 18 in Putnam County alone.
In the days following the storm, the House of Representatives began working with Gov. Bill Lee, his administration, community partners and volunteer organizations to ensure those impacted by this catastrophic event had the resources needed to begin the long recovery process.
In the weeks ahead, members will continue to identify solutions that support the recovery and rebuilding efforts. They range from legislation and appropriations, to additional support services in our hardest hit areas. Members will have several opportunities to come together and participate in volunteer and community service events that support the ongoing disaster response.
At this time, Tennessee remains under a State of Emergency and the State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville continues to operate in support of the ongoing disaster response.
NEW CORONAVIRUS CASES IN TENNESSEE
The Tennessee Department of Health last week confirmed the first case of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Tennessee. Since then, more cases have been confirmed, and the number is expected to rise.
In a joint press conference, the governor and the Tennessee Department of Health outlined actions taken by the administration and public health officials to treat the first patient — a Williamson County man with mild symptoms — in efforts to minimize further spread of the virus. The patient and his family have been isolated and are being closely monitored.
A Coronavirus Task Force has also been created to enhance Tennessee’s coordinated efforts to prevent, identify, and treat potential cases of COVID-19. The task force will develop and execute strong precautionary measures, resource allocation, and emergency response plans should the needs continue to arise.
Citizens are urged to avoid close contact with anyone who is sick, avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth, utilize proper handwashing to eliminate the spread of germs, and to stay home if they are ill.
CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY LEGISLATION
Historic Republican legislation that allows Tennessee to become the 17th state to enact constitutional carry began moving through the Tennessee House of Representatives this week.
House Bill 2817 sends a strong “tough on gun crime” message to violent criminals, felons, and gang members through a series of sentencing enhancements that support our law enforcement and judicial communities as they work to protect our cities and towns.
At the same time, this legislation upholds the freedoms granted to law-abiding citizens of Tennessee under our Constitution by allowing open or concealed carry for citizens 21 and older (18 if certain military service requirements are met).
Republicans introduce resolution urging law enforcement to develop protocols for interactions with autistic adults
AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER
Republicans last week introduced a resolution urging law enforcement to develop training guidelines for interacting with adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
House Joint Resolution 807 calls on Tennessee’s Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission to develop and implement the appropriate training protocols.
Many times when law enforcement is called to a situation involving adults with autism or intellectual disabilities, it is because others misinterpret unusual behavior as dangerous or criminal activity.
While law enforcement is trained to use certain protocols in crisis situations, those same protocols may not be the best way to interact with individuals with ASD who may exhibit a wide variety of behaviors. People with ASD can sometimes have difficulty following verbal commands, responding to questions or reading body language.
This important initiative recognizes the increased prevalence of young people being diagnosed with ASD in the United States, which is now one in 59, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT TO COMBAT OPIOID CRISIS
Republican leaders have approved legislation designed to increase alternative forms of treatment to opioids for Tennessee patients.
House Bill 1917 adds occupational therapy, interventional treatments and procedures, as well as non-opioid medicines to current alternative treatment methods which already include acupuncture and chiropractic care, as well as physical therapy.
Opioid-related overdose deaths continue to plague cities and towns across our state. However, Tennessee is making progress addressing the opioid crisis.
This week in Nashville, Republican leaders approved legislation designed to increase alternative forms of treatment to opioids for Tennessee patients.
House Bill 1917 adds occupational therapy, interventional treatments and procedures, as well as non-opioid medicines to current alternative treatment methods which already include acupuncture and chiropractic care, as well as physical therapy.
Opioid-related overdose deaths continue to plague cities and towns across our state. However, Tennessee is making progress addressing the opioid crisis.
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome decreased by 14 percent from 2017 to 2018. Additionally, four to seven-day prescriptions have decreased from 33.7 percent in April 2018 to 18.7 percent in March 2019. Eight to ten-day prescriptions were also down from 6.3 percent in April 2018 to 2.7 percent in March 2019.
House Bill 1917 will now head to the governor’s desk for his signature.
AFFIRMING TENNESSEE’S SOVEREIGNTY
A resolution reaffirming Tennessee’s Constitutional status as a sovereign state and the General Assembly’s authority as a separate and independent branch of state government passed the House Chamber earlier this week.
House Joint Resolution 741 reaffirms the constitutional duty and exclusive authority and power of the Tennessee General Assembly to appropriate taxpayer dollars and balance the state budget.
The resolution was introduced after the governor announced in December he would allow refugees to resettle in Tennessee. That decision follows an executive order by President Donald Trump to allow states and local governments to opt-in on whether they would resettle refugees.
Tennessee in 2017 became one of the first states in the nation to sue the federal government for compelling the state to pay for a federal program like refugee resettlement. The lawsuit cites a violation of the 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
(John Holsclaw serves as Chairman of the House Employee Affairs Subcommittee. He is also a member of the House Consumer and Human Resource Committee, Commerce Committee, Business Subcommittee, and Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. Holsclaw lives in Elizabethton and represents House District 4, which includes Unicoi and part of Carter counties. He can be reached by email at Rep.John.Holsclaw@capitol.tn.gov or by calling (615) 741-7450.)