Lawmakers return to Capitol with an agenda
Here are a few issues likely to make news in ’17
NASHVILLE - With lawmakers set to return to Nashville on Tuesday to officially convene the 110th General Assembly, the session is expected to cover a multitude of issues ranging from a potential gas tax increase to how to spend the state’s budget surplus.
As has been the case for the last several years, Republicans will maintain a supermajority in both chambers, with the party even picking up one seat in the House. That essentially assures passage of any bills the party puts forward — provided that Republicans keep any infighting they’ve had in the past at bay.
Here’s a look at some of the big topics expected to come up once the legislature convenes Tuesday.
Gas tax
Most politicians and insiders anticipate Gov. Bill Haslam’s gas tax to be among the dominant issues of the legislative session.
Although the governor has kept his cards close to his vest so far — he’s met in small groups with several lawmakers in recent months and hasn’t officially announced his plan yet — some believe a more formalized proposal could come during his annual State of the State speech.
But the longer Haslam waits on his plan, the harder it might be to sell the idea of increasing the state’s 21.4-cent fuel tax.
Any effort to increase the gas tax is expected to be accompanied with a reduced tax in another area in order to make the controversial issue more palatable.
Budget surplus
For the second year in a row, the state has a massive budget surplus thanks to hundreds of millions in extra tax revenue. This year, the surplus in tax collections that can be spent on a one-time basis is $1 billion, with the surplus ballooning to nearly $2 billion when recurring money is added.
“The issue is how we return that to folks,” said Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris, R-Collierville.
This year, lawmakers might want to get a bigger piece of the budget surplus in some way. That could mean the legislature might try to find ways to send additional money back to their districts or argue that any bills with fiscal impacts should not automatically be cast aside — which has been the norm in recent years.
Criminal justice reform
As part of his legislative package last year, Haslam outlined several priorities, including an emphasis on changes to the
state’s criminal justice system. The governor’s legislation, which received approval by the legislature, called for establishing mandatory minimums for some crimes while making changes to state law aimed at reducing the number of people sent to prison each year for probation and parole violations.
Although the legislature and the governor have been mum on their criminal justice plans for the 2017 session, many insiders expect further reforms.
Marijuana
Every year, the legislature has marijuana-related legislation introduced and 2017 will be no different.
Although historically pot bills have been pushed by Democrats, it’s Republicans who are leading the charge this year. Two members of the GOP — Sen. Steve Dickerson, R-Nashville, and Rep. Jeremy Faison, R-Cosby — have said they plan on introducing a bill that would permit medical marijuana in Tennessee.
One of the main aspects of the duo’s pitch is to stress how medical marijuana can be used to help combat the state’s ongoing opioid epidemic.
While the pitch might not move the needle for some Republicans, if enough Democrats join forces with those backing the bill, the state could see some real changes on marijuana.
Social, rights issues
Legislation surrounding social issues tend to pop up almost every legislative session.
Whether it’s the so-called “bathroom bill” that would require students to use the restroom of the gender at birth or making the Bible the official book of Tennessee, there’s plenty of expectation that some social issues will come to the forefront this year.
The Bible bill stalled after the House failed to override a veto from Haslam and the bathroom bill died when its sponsor, Rep. Susan Lynn, R-Mt. Juliet, said she wouldn’t advance the measure.
One bill that’s already filed, for example, would allow social workers and other counselors to deny services to patients if it conflicted with their own beliefs. Some argue that is an attack on LGBT patients, while the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Jack Johnson, R-Franklin, insists it’s a measure that allows Tennesseans to seek the care and treatment they want.
Joel Ebert and Jake Lowary cover state politics for the USA Today Network – Tennessee. Follow Jake Lowary on Twitter @JakeLowary. Follow Joel Ebert on Twitter at @joelebert29.