Free Republic

On April 25th the Tennessee State Senate voted unanimously to allow federal and state law enforcement officials full access to the medical records of the citizens of Tennessee. According to SB 2407, “…state and federal law enforcement personnel authorized to have access under 53-10-306 shall be permitted to have real time electronic access to the database…” The statute continues by stating that access is permitted “without the necessity of obtaining a search warrant.” It is a law which is scheduled to go into effect on July 1, 2012 as “the public welfare [requires] it.”(1) Outraged Tennessee residents who wrote and...

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Let the record reflect that the Tennessee state Senate has endorsed fish tanks and live birds in barber shops. The Senate on Wednesday voted 30-1 for a measure allowing barber shops to display live fish and birds. A companion bill passed the House earlier this month and the legislation is headed to the governor.

NASHVILLE — State Sen. Mike Williams said today that he is considering a change in political affiliation from Republican to Independent. If that happens, the lawmaker from Maynardville would hold the balance of partisan power in the state Senate. Tuesday’s elections left Republicans holding a one-seat advantage, 17-16. Should Williams become an Independent, the margin would shift to 16 Republicans, 16 Democrats and one Independent. Two years ago, Williams and Sen. Tim Burchett, R-Knoxville, voted with Democrats to re-elect Democrat John Wilder as lieutenant governor. Williams said today he has talked with both Wilder and Senate Majority Leader Ron Ramsey...