Latest news with #HouseBill1200
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
TN Gov. Lee signs 'Savanna's Law,' creates statewide domestic violence offender registry
Three years after the death of a young sheriff's deputy, Tennessee legislators have enacted a new law in her honor creating a public registry to track repeat domestic violence offenders. Gov. Bill Lee signed House Bill 1200, known as "Savanna's Law," on May 21, 2025. The bill is named in honor of Robertson County Sheriff's Deputy Savanna Puckett, who was found shot to death inside her burning home on Jan. 23, 2022. Puckett, 22, died at the hands of her ex-boyfriend James Jackson Conn, who pleaded guilty to first-degree premeditated murder, among other charges, and is serving a life sentence. More: Named for slain Tennessee deputy, bill would create domestic violence offender registry The newly enacted law will go on to create a registry at the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for people convicted of a second and subsequent domestic violence offense and make offender information publicly available online beginning next year. As previously reported by The Tennessean, Tennessee state Rep. Sabi "Doc" Kumar of Robertson County introduced House Bill 1200 to strengthen domestic violence protections statewide. "Savanna's Law provides a critical step toward protecting future victims and holding repeat domestic violence offenders accountable,' Kumar said in previously prepared statements. 'The registry will give communities the tools they need to stay informed and safe." The Robertson County Sheriff's Office did not respond to The Tennessean's request for comments before the publishing of this story. According to the Tennessee General Assembly, the bill applies to individuals with a domestic offense committed on or after Jan. 1, 2026, with at least one prior. A prior conviction is not required to have occurred on or after that date. 'Individuals with a domestic offense (not confined to domestic assault) after January 1, and who have a prior domestic offense (can be before January 1) are supposed to be ordered onto the registry by the court,' a representative of the TBI said. Domestic offenses include assault, sexual assault, stalking and murder, among other offenses. Court clerks will be required to send certified copies of any offender convictions that meet the criteria for the new registry to the bureau within seven days of conviction. Currently, state officials don't know how many people may be required to register next year. Officials estimate at least 1,838 offenders will be required to register in the first year based on data from the Administrative Office of the Courts and Department of Correction Jail Summary Reports, according to the March 25 fiscal memorandum. How did they arrive at that number? The data shows an average of 4,594 domestic offense convictions have occurred each year for the last five years, though it's unknown how many of these convictions were for second or subsequent offenses. The Tennessee General Assembly Fiscal Review Committee assumes it's about 40% of convictions. 'There may also be an additional unknown number of offenders for second convictions of other relevant offenses that are not captured in this data, but this is assumed to capture the large majority of the relevant offenders,' state officials said. That led them to the roughly 1,800 offenders they believe will be required to register in 2026. But it may take a few months for the registry to fill out, as cases proceed through the courts and await convictions. 'It is not known precisely how long it will take for convictions to occur for offenses committed on and after January 1, 2026. It is assumed the first convictions will begin to occur three months later, or on April 1, 2026,' state officials said. Officials assume offenders will begin paying registration fees that day. Individuals who fall under the new law will be legally required to include the following information: Name Date of birth Conviction date County or counties of convictions Current photograph of the offender Information that will not be available to the public incudes addresses, social security numbers, driver license numbers or any other state or federal identification number. Along with the creation of this new registry, four new positions will also be created within the TBI to maintain it including one staff attorney, two intelligence analysts and one accounting technician. The TBI says all four positions, including salary and benefits, will cost the state $407,625 each year. Here's a breakdown of the salary and benefits for each position: Attorney: $162,990 Intelligence Analysts (2): $173,816 Accounting Technician: $70,819 State officials say the new positions will begin on Jan. 1. Other expenses related to these new positions are expected such as equipment, supplies, communication, training and professional services estimated at $50,073. That figure does not include a recurring $35,000 TBI officials estimate it will cost each year for registry maintenance and support. Another $250,000 will be needed to build and store the registry. TBI officials estimate a $150,000 cost to contract with a vendor to build the registry, and $100,000 will be needed for additional storage and processing capacity, according to the document. On April 16, the Tennessee House of Representatives passed the bill with an amendment. That amendment did two things. It changed who would receive registration fees for the registry and when offenders could be taken off the registry. The bill previously outlined a $150 registration fee partially retained by the court clerk and TBI. Clerks would retain $50 for administrative costs, while TBI would retain the remaining $100 to maintain the registry, The Tennessean previously reported. However, the amendment now requires the department of finance and administration's office of criminal justice programs receive the remaining $100 for the administration of grants to fund family violence prevention and intervention services. Offenders are not required to pay recurring annual fees. The amendment also replaced the bill's schedule for removing identifying information about a persistent domestic violence offender from the registry. Individuals may remove identifying information from the registry under the following circumstances: Five years after the date of the most recent conviction if the defendant has one prior conviction for domestic assault. Seven years after the date of the most recent conviction if the defendant has two prior convictions for domestic assault. 10 years after the date of the most recent conviction if the defendant has three prior convictions for domestic assault. 20 years after the date of the most recent conviction if the defendant has four or more prior convictions for domestic assault. Katie Nixon can be reached at knixon@ This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee creates statewide domestic violence offender registry
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Pennsylvania lawmaker proposes new cannabis bill with changes to regulations
(WHTM)– A Pennsylvania lawmaker says he will soon introduce new legislation to legalize adult-use cannabis in Pennsylvania with different regulations than previously proposed bills. The Keystone Cannabis Act, circulated by State Senator Marty Flynn (D-22), would establish a new framework for producing, distributing, and selling cannabis to adults age 21 and over in Pennsylvania. House Bill 1200, which would have given the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board control over cannabis regulation in Pennsylvania, was shot down by the state Senate Law and Justice Committee earlier this May in a 7-3 vote. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now According to the memo, the Keystone Cannabis Act would have an independent commission regulate the market. The commission would consist of members of the Department of Health, Agriculture, Community and Economic Development, Attorney General, and State Police. The memo says this commission would oversee the cannabis cultivation, processing, testing, and retail operations in Pennsylvania. Additionally, revenue generated from the cannabis industry would be deposited into a Community Reinvestment Fund, which would direct funds to revitalizing rural communities, local infrastructure improvements, and grants to municipalities. Flynn's bill would also allows for license applicants from communities heavily impacted by cannabis prohibition to receive priority. The bill would also require strict testing for cannabis products by independent, certified laboratories to ensure products are safe for consumption. 'In short, legalization is no longer a question of if, but when—and Pennsylvania should not be left behind as our neighbors to the north, south, east, and west in New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, and Ohio all move forward. It is high time to create a cannabis economy that reinvests tax dollars into our communities thereby creating even more revenue, promotes freedom while ensuring safety and security, stimulates economic growth, and invests in the communities that need it most,' Flynn's memo says. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Up in smoke– PA Senate committee rejects House-backed bill to legalize marijuana
Pennsylvanians will have to wait longer for legal recreational marijuana after a Senate committee vote Tuesday. Just last week, the PA House of Representatives passed House Bill 1200, which would have legalized recreational marijuana in Pennsylvania under a state store model, but earlier today, the Senate Law and Justice Committee, led by Dan Laughlin, voted 7 to 3 to reject that proposal. Construction on new Edison Elementary progressing after initial delays 'There are serious challenges we can and should address right now,' said Laughlin. 'Our medical marijuana program needs critical reforms. Hemp-derived THC products are being sold openly in gas stations and tobacco shops with no regulation, no testing and no age verification. And the continued reliance on the black market poses real risks to public safety.' Laughlin said these problems could be addressed more effectively through the creation of a Cannabis Control Board, which would help regulate the state's medical marijuana program. Erie community shows support for new pope at special mass 'I have said repeatedly that a state-store model for adult-use cannabis will not pass the Senate. That's not an opinion, it's a fact,' said Laughlin. 'The House moving HB 1200 forward and sending it to the Senate was not a serious effort to legalize cannabis. It was a political move meant to shift blame for inaction, when I have yet to receive a single call from House leadership or the bill sponsors to discuss the concept.' Senator Laughlin said he remains committed to crafting a cannabis bill that would benefit all Pennsylvanians, but said a state-store model for recreational cannabis use will not pass in the Senate. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Pa. recreational marijuana legalization bill fails to make it out of committee
Medical marijuana is legal in Pennsylvania, but recreational use is still being debated. (Getty Images) Less than one week after the state House passed a recreational marijuana bill that would put the commonwealth in charge of sales, a Senate committee voted it down. Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-Erie), chair of the Senate Justice & Law panel, has authored legislation that would legalize adult-use cannabis, but said he's 'made it pretty crystal clear' that he doesn't believe in the state store model included in House Bill 1200. Laughlin mentioned that he supported the provisions in House Bill 1200 about no public smoking and handling of DUI's. But, he went through a list of disagreements he had which centered around sales being run by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, regulations surrounding home-grow, and the impact it would have on the state's budget and economy. House Bill 1200 failed by a 7-3 vote in the Senate Law & Justice Committee on Tuesday. 'I don't view this as a small business-friendly proposal, either,' Laughlin said on Tuesday. 'And the small business, free market approach to adult-use cannabis is very dear to me.' Laughlin also said he thinks the state selling cannabis and alcohol sends a wrong message to the citizens of the commonwealth and advocated for the creation of a Pennsylvania Cannabis Control Board, should recreational marijuana be legalized. Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland) and Sen. Devlin Robinson (R-Allegheny), who also both voted against it, highlighted the fact that the federal government still classifies marijuana as an illegal substance. 'How do we pay state employees with money that is coming from a federally illegal entity or action?' Ward asked. 'We pay state employees. We're going to pay them in cash?' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Sen. Lisa Boscola (D-Northampton) said she supports the legalization of marijuana, specifically the proposal drafted by Laughlin and state Sen. Sharif Street (D-Philadelphia). But, she said she couldn't support House Bill 1200. 'I don't think it's a serious attempt to advance legalizing marijuana legislation, and I know it has no chance of passing the Senate,' Boscola said. 'So, until we get a little bit more serious and you show me a bill that can pass the Senate and we can all support, I'll be there for you on this issue. I just can't do it today. I need a better bill.' Sen. Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) said she supported the bill crafted by Laughlin and Street, but also voted in favor of House Bill 1200 on Tuesday. 'This is a start, and we can build on this,' Targtaglione said. 'Think of it as a vehicle that we can use.' Tartaglione also criticized what she viewed as the lack of notice given to the committee about the vote and said all four caucuses need to sit down to hash out an agreement on a marijuana legalization proposal. Laughlin said he believes there's 'certainly space for compromise' on a marijuana legalization proposal, but also expected more back-and-forth between the lawmakers to come up with a bill that could pass both chambers. 'We are not going to get there with this model, at least,' Laughlin said. 'I believe that if there's a path to getting adult-use cannabis passed, the governor himself is going to have to roll his sleeves up and help do some of the work,' Laughlin added. 'I have not seen that yet.' Shapiro has called for marijuana legalization since he's taken office, describing the matter as an issue of competitiveness and justice. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Rite Aid layoffs: State to host online meeting to support affected employees
May 12—WILKES-BARRE — On Wednesday , May 14 , the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) will host a virtual Rapid Response Information Meeting (RRIM) for employees affected by the recently announced Rite Aid layoffs which affected hundreds of workers in Pennsylvania. The session will provide important information to help impacted workers during this career transition, like PA CareerLink services, Unemployment Compensation guidance, health insurance enrollment and additional local and state resources. The meeting will take place online from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and registration is required. Impacted workers can sign up online. "Suddenly losing employment and having to determine your next move can feel overwhelming and intimidating," said L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker. "But L&I is here to help during this challenging time. Our Rapid Response team is working to ensure those impacted by Rite Aid's layoffs have access to the resources and support they need to help them transition to meaningful employment opportunities that offer family-sustaining wages." L&I encourages workers to reach out to their local PA CareerLink for more information and services. Topper: Flawed process created flawed legal marijuana bill Pennsylvania House Republican Leader Jesse Topper, R-Bedford/Fulton, this week said the flawed process leading to House Bill 1200 — legislation legalizing marijuana for recreational use in Pennsylvania — resulted in a flawed bill that demanded opposition. The legislation passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Wednesday on a party-line vote of 102-101. "The bill to legalize marijuana in Pennsylvania was introduced at the end of the day Sunday and then rushed through a committee vote on Monday afternoon — a move that stifled debate and potential amendments," Topper said. "That flawed process led to a seriously flawed piece of legislation that creates an unnecessary government monopoly over the sale of marijuana, contains significant constitutional concerns, and fails to deliver on promised state revenue by cannibalizing the sales of legalized marijuana into new programs and state giveaways." Topper said House Bill 1200 massively expands government by creating a government monopoly over the sale of marijuana by vesting sale and regulatory authority with the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, which estimated $260 million in costs to ramp up sales of marijuana. In addition, during the amendment process, Democrats unanimously rejected a Republican proposal that would have allowed municipalities to opt-out of having marijuana sales take place within their borders. "If Democrats were serious about getting this legislation done, the process they used would have reflected that," Rep. Topper said. "Unfortunately, this product was too rushed, too deeply flawed, and too far-ranging to garner any support from the House Republican Caucus." House Bill 1200 now heads to the Pennsylvania Senate. Structured literacy, PASS scholarship bills advanced The Senate Education Committee, chaired by Sen. Lynda Schlegel Culver, R-Northumberland, this week advanced legislation to implement evidence-based reading instruction and establish the Pennsylvania Award for Student Success (PASS) Scholarship Program — both of which aim to provide students with resources for learning and advancing in and out of the classroom. "Structured literacy is a top priority for me as Chair of the Education Committee, as we have students in all grades that are not able to read at grade level," Culver said. "Methods used in recent years for teaching letters, words, and reading comprehension are doing a disservice to an entire generation, and research backs the need for change." —Senate Bill 700 — requires schools to implement evidence-based reading instruction, conduct reading screenings for K — 3 students and provides grant funding to support literacy development. "Under-performing schools are also doing our students a disservice," Culver said. "PASS Scholarships allow parents and students to determine the best learning environment for them." —Senate Bill 10 — uses state testing performance metrics to identify the bottom 15% of schools, in order for parents to qualify for PASS scholarships that could be used to attend an alternative school. The committee also approved the following additional legislation: —Senate Bill 114 — expands the availability of long-term care training programs and nurse aide certification opportunities to address workforce shortages. —Senate Bill 127 — requires schools to provide instruction on the Holocaust, genocide and human rights violations, and post related resources online. —Senate Bill 227 — applies the Right-to-Know Law to the Pennsylvania School Boards Association, increasing transparency in school governance. Senate Bill 246 — requires notification to parents and school staff when a weapon is found on school property to promote communication and safety. Senate Bill 310 — establishes a requirement for students to complete the FAFSA or an opt-out form as a condition for public high school graduation, supporting college and career readiness. For information, visit Pugh to hold concealed carry event Rep. Brenda Pugh, R-Dallas Township, this week announced she will host a Concealed Carry Seminar on Thursday , May 15 . The event will be held at the Luzerne Volunteer Fire Department, 66 Tener St., Luzerne, from 6 to 8 p.m. "Many people have questions about Pennsylvania's concealed carry laws and the Castle Doctrine," Pugh said. "I'm hopeful this event will help provide answers and clarity about firearm owner rights." The seminar, led by Sam Sanguedolce, Luzerne County district attorney, will provide information on state laws and a time to ask questions. No concealed carry permits will be offered. Reservations are required by calling 570-283-1001 or visiting Walsh to host seminar on financial exploitation of seniors Rep. Jamie Walsh, R-Ross Township, invites residents of the 117th District to a free seminar on the financial exploitation of seniors at noon Friday, May 16, at the Meadows Manor Community Room, 200 Lake St., Dallas. Doors will open at 10:30 a.m., with a complimentary lunch provided at 11:30 a.m. David Shallcross, director of senior protection at the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, will lead a presentation on spotting and preventing financial exploitation among older adults. "Fraudsters and scammers are constantly changing their tactics to prey upon unsuspecting victims," Walsh said. "Awareness is our best defense against financial exploitation. I am happy to offer this free seminar to help my constituents learn the red flags and protect themselves and their loved ones from falling victim to financial fraud schemes." Registration is required. Call Walsh's Dallas office at 570-675-6000 for information or to reserve a seat. House approves bill to increase pension payments for disabled veterans The state House of Representatives has approved legislation that would increase pension payments for veterans who are blind and for veterans who have lost limbs or are paralyzed due to their military service, according to Rep. Dane Watro, R-Hazleton, one of the bill's prime sponsors. "It's been 26 years since these pension payments made by our Commonwealth were adjusted, and it's long past due we make this change to support our disabled veterans," Watro said. House Bill 1144 seeks to raise the pension amount from $150 per month to $200 per month for both the Blind Veterans Pension Program and the Amputee and Paralyzed Veterans Pension Program offered through the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. "This $50 increase per month is the first step in right-sizing these programs for the deserving veterans who have served and sacrificed for our country," Watro said. "I hope the Senate acts quickly on this important legislation." Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
