Latest news with #FerrellHaile
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Bill that could bar undocumented students passes TN Senate 19-13 with 7 GOP ‘no' votes
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) — Tennessee's full Senate has passed a Republican-sponsored bill that allows public school systems to require undocumented children to pay tuition or be denied enrollment — and requires all school systems to check the citizenship or legal immigration status of every student. The controversial measure received a significant amount of Republican opposition in addition to total Democrat opposition, but it was not enough in a chamber with a 27-6 supermajority. Opponents claimed the bill would create a law that doesn't make sense either financially or morally and would punish innocent children. PREVIOUS: Undocumented student bill passes 8-7 in TN House committee Sponsored by Bo Watson (R-Hixson), SB 0836 still requires House of Representatives passage and the signature of Gov. Bill Lee to become law. The vote was 19 to 13 for a bill that, if it does become law, is almost certain to face legal challenges. The 1982 Plyler v Doe U.S. Supreme Court ruling gave all children in the U.S., including those without legal status, the right to a free K-12 public education. Seven Republicans joined the Senate's six Democrats in opposition to the measure — with at least one quoting scripture to explain why he didn't support it — but that was not enough to tilt the balance. The measure has drawn national attention, and a variety of people have spoken in opposition during committee meetings as the bill has worked its way toward the full Senate. Republican 'no' votes came from Richard Briggs (Knoxville), Todd Gardenhire (Chattanooga), Ferrell Haile (Gallatin), Becky Massey (Knoxville), Mark Pody (Lebanon), Shane Reeves (Rutherford County) and Page Walley (Savannah). Proponents have argued that the country's illegal immigration problem has worsened significantly since 1982. They've said school systems' spending on English Language Learner (ELL) classes has risen exponentially and have used that spending to approximate what they believe to be a similar rise in undocumented students. They have said charging tuition would allow school systems to recoup some of the money they are assumed to be spending to educate children who aren't here legally. Opponents have said the bill is inhumane, unconstitutional and would financially burden school systems by forcing them to develop systems to accurately determine children's legal status. They've also said it could result in an 'underclass' of people without an adequate education and workforce-ready skills, ultimately costing the state more money. Speaking after Republicans Ferrell Haile and Page Walley, who both said they would oppose the bill, Memphis Democrat Sarah Kyle said she 'would encourage my colleagues to vote their conscience, and I hope it leads you to where it has led me.' The bill would allow families who don't initially provide the proper documentation to file an appeal, and their children would be allowed to attend during a 21-day appeal process. Additionally, every school system has the option to allow all students to enroll even if they are undocumented. Watson stressed that fact, calling it a 'permissive bill,' one that leaves school systems with local control over the matter. Area senators Rusty Crowe, who is a co-sponsor, and Bobby Harshbarger both voted yes. Crowe said he had struggled with the bill to some extent, adding that many of the families it could affect are good people trying to better their lives. But Crowe said because the bill allows people who are officially seeking legal status to enroll, families 'could go down to legal aid and say … I want to start the process. How do I do that? Give me the paperwork. And then you're complying with the amendment.' This is a developing story. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Gallatin city leaders push for impact fee on new developers
GALLATIN, Tenn. (WKRN) — A new bill would allow a growing Sumner County city to levy impact fees on new land developers. Senate Bill 1435 was introduced last month by state Sen. Ferrell Haile (R-Gallatin) and is directed at the city of Gallatin. Among city governments, Councilman Pascal Jouvence has been looking to implement impact fees across the city since the start of his term in 2023. Former city employee suing Gallatin, some councilmembers after claiming he was forced to resign 'I don't want the people who have been living here forever, or have been living here awhile, have to pay to supplement the people who arrive in the city,' said Jouvence. In January, Gallatin's city council approved changing their city's charter to allow for impact fees on new construction. Ultimately, the decision will be made by the state. 'We need money. Money doesn't grow on trees. We have to find money somewhere to make sure our constituents are taken care of,' Jouvence told News 2. Jouvence said the funds would, ideally, help keep their city resources, like police or fire, up to par with their growth. He said there's a 'misconception' as to what impact fees would do for the local housing market. Sumner County students build beds for peers in need Citing a 2024 study from Tennessee's Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Resources (TACIR), Jouvence said impact fees have shown to have little effect on housing costs. To that point, much of Gallatin's new development is neighborhood units; high-density builds that are often near large, spaced-out residential properties. That's a problem, in Jouvence's eyes. 'We're building a small city there,' he said, pointing to a nearby development along Saint Blaise Road in Gallatin. 'And if you look at the other side [of the street], we have this issue where a lot of things that are built right now doesn't follow the character of the areas.' 'People have the right to sell their land and develop it, but their liberties should not infringe on the liberties of other people around them,' Jouvence continued. ⏩ Jouvence said the impact fee rate would be determined through a study from an outside company. Even if Gallatin is given clearance from the state to levy impact fees, it doesn't mean they will, according to Jouvence. A possible downside to impact fees is it could deter developers from investing in Gallatin and stifle their recent growth boom. The bill will go in front of the House's 'Private Acts Committee' for review on Monday, and still has several committees to get through to be approved. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Tennessee lawmakers give final approval to statewide school cell phone ban
State lawmakers have given final approval to a bill requiring all Tennessee school districts ban the use of cell phones, laptops, smart watches and other devices during instructional time. It now goes to Gov. Bill Lee's desk. State Senators approved House Bill 932 in a bipartisan vote of 30 to 0 with one member voting present on Thursday morning. It passed the House overwhelmingly on Monday. While many districts already have phone and device policies in place, Tennessee is one of several states considering similar statewide bans. "The bill aims to minimize classroom distractions and internet bullying on our school campuses," said sponsor Sen. Ferrell Haile, R-Gallatin. The bill would require each school district to develop and implement policies restricting the use of any wireless communication devices during instructional time. Policy specifics would be up to the discretion of local school boards. Districts could adopt policies requiring students to stop device use at the beginning of the school day ― bell to bell ― or adopt restrictions on their use during classroom time only. Districts are required to allow students to access and use devices in emergency situations so they can contact their parents. The bill also requires districts to make exceptions for students with disabilities and special learning needs. If signed into law, the measure would take effect on July 1, and apply statewide beginning in the 2025-26 school year. During discussion on the Senate floor, members of both parties thanked Haile for the legislation. "When I was in high school, we had to leave our cell phones in the car," said Senate Minority Leader Raumesh Akbari, D-Memphis. "I think this goes a long way to make sure that kids are focusing in school. I cannot see what sort of benefit it would be for a child to text or be on the internet during class. Even when I was in law school my first semester, our teacher banned the use of laptops ― and we were grown ― because she felt like we would get distracted." Vivian Jones covers state government and politics for The Tennessean. Reach her at vjones@ This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee school cell phone ban: Lawmakers give final approval
