Tennessee State Senator Kerry Roberts (R-Springfield) sent a letter to Senate Speaker Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge) to urge him to support a special legislative session.
In the session, Roberts and other state lawmakers seek to limit the ability of school systems and venues from issuing broad mandates relating to COVID-19.
Roberts, in the letter, outlined six potential goals for the special legislative session:
- Prohibiting mask mandates in public buildings, schools, and universities
- Recognizing acquired immunity or immunity from monoclonal antibodies as satisfying vaccine mandates
- Prohibiting Bridgestone Arena and other venues receiving government funding from implementing vaccine requirements, mask mandates, or segregating attendees according to vaccination status
- Placing the county health departments of Davidson, Hamilton, Knox, Madison, Shelby, and Sullivan counties under the direct oversight of the General Assembly
- Challenging federal overreach exercised by President Joe Biden related to vaccine mandates
- Requiring Executive Orders issued during a State of Emergency lasting over 90 days to be reviewed by the Joint Committee for Government Operations for a positive or negative recommendation
After the letter by Roberts, other lawmakers joined in his call for a special session.
“These are trying times with federal overreach and aggressive mandates that infringe on our Constitution. We in the Senate need to fully engage to ensure our rights are safeguarded. I have supported for some time now, and will continue to staunchly support a special session,” said Senator Paul Rose (R-Covington) in a tweet.
These are trying times with federal overreach and aggressive mandates that infringe on our Constitution. We in the Senate need to fully engage to ensure our rights are safeguarded. I have supported for some time now, and will continue to staunchly support a special session. pic.twitter.com/tPyHIUERH3
— Senator Paul Rose (@PaulRoseTN) September 15, 2021
Multiple school districts throughout the state have elected to impose mask mandates on teachers and students. In an attempt to oppose the measures, Governor Bill Lee signed an executive order allowing parents to choose to opt their children out of the mandate.
Furthermore, Bridgestone Arena adopted new policies that require all guests 12 years and older to either show proof that they have been fully vaccinated or present a negative COVID-19 test.
— — —
Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Star News Network. Follow Cooper on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Background Photo “Tennessee General Assembly” by the Tennessee General Assembly.
