AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 3 and Title 4, relative to nullification.
Impact
The enactment of HB2610 would significantly impact the relationship between state and federal laws. It allows the Tennessee General Assembly to challenge any federal law, executive order, or court ruling that it determines exceeds the powers granted to the federal government by the U.S. Constitution. The bill includes provisions for individuals and counties to petition for nullification, thereby potentially escalating local political engagement in constitutional discussions. Critics argue that this could lead to conflicts between state and federal authority and may invite legal challenges regarding the limits of state sovereignty.
Summary
House Bill 2610, known as the 'Restoring State Sovereignty Through Nullification Act', seeks to amend the Tennessee Code relative to the powers and authority of the state in relation to federal actions. The bill establishes a process for the state to declare certain federal actions as unconstitutional and thereby null and void within Tennessee. This move is grounded in a belief that the federal government has overstepped its constitutional authority, which members of the legislature assert undermines the foundational rights of states and their citizens.
Contention
Opponents of HB2610 express concern that it could lead to a cascade of state-level nullifications of federal laws, which they believe may disrupt legal consistency and challenge federal law enforcement. Supporters, however, argue that such a measure is necessary to protect the rights of the citizens against federal encroachment. There is a notable divide among legislators regarding the potential consequences of such a broad declaration of state sovereignty, with concerns that extreme interpretations of state rights could undermine federally established protections and regulations.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 16; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49; Title 55 and Title 65, relative to weapons.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.
(Constitutional Amendment) Provides for the election of constitutional convention delegates and vote requirements necessary for the adoption of a new constitution (RR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
(Constitutional Amendment) Modifies disposition of certain state revenues through repeal of the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund and deposits of certain revenue streams into the Budget Stabilization Fund (RRF INCREASE GF RV See Note)
(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the application of state monies to the unfunded accrued liability of the Teachers' Retirement System of La. (EN DECREASE SD RV See Note)
Proposing An Amendment To Article Xvii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii Constitution To Specify That The Standard For Voter Approval Of A Constitutional Amendment Proposed By The Legislature Is A Majority Of All The Votes Tallied Upon The Question.