Latest news with #VoyeurismVictimsAct
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Portion of I-24 to close nightly for weeks due to bridge repair
COFFEE COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — Drivers traveling on Interstate 24 in Coffee County will need to find alternate routes, as construction in the area will spawn extended road closures. According to the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) part of the US 41 (SR 1) bridge replacement project over I-24 at Exit 105 will see contract crews conduct full directional closures of the interstate at mile marker 105 along with the US 41 bridge during the night hours. At first, the nightly closures will be to install new beams for the bridge. During these closures, traffic will detour around the closure using the Exit 105 interstate ramps. Voyeurism Victims Act signed by Gov. Bill Lee The closures will be from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. every day and are expected to last through April 11, according to TDOT. Here is the tentative schedule from TDOT: April 1: Closure of left lane on I-24 in both directions April 2-3: Total closure of I-24 East April 4-5: Total closure of I-24 West April 7: Total closure of I-24 East April 8-9: Total closure of I-24 West April 11: Total closure of I-24 East From April 2-11, the US 41 bridge over I-24 will be closed, according to TDOT. ⏩ Drivers should use caution as they travel that section of roadway and be ready to expect significant delays. Signage will be posted directing drivers through the work zone. The work is also weather-dependent. Should inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances cause delays, the work will be rescheduled to take place at a later date. Uniformed police officers will be present to assist with traffic control and law enforcement. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Yahoo
‘Voyeurism Victims Act' signed by Gov. Bill Lee
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A bill designed to help victims recorded without their consent has been signed by Gov. Bill Lee. The Voyeurism Victims Act, proposed by Nashville Rep. Bob Freeman, officially bears the governor's signature and will become law as of July 1. The bill was inspired by a case News 2 has been following for months. In November of 2024, 31-year-old Matthew Vollmer was arrested and charged for illegally recording sexual encounters he had with multiple women in Nashville, including his then-girlfriend. ORIGINAL STORY | Man charged for hidden camera recordings, MNPD says According to Metro Nashville police, Vollmer reportedly had a hidden camera disguised as an alarm clock that he used to make the recordings. Currently, unlawful photography is a misdemeanor in Tennessee, and some of the women illegally recorded fall outside of the statute of limitations to bring criminal cases against Vollmer. A Class A misdemeanor in Tennessee carries a penalty of less than a year in jail in most cases. According to detectives involved in the case, there were around 350 separate video files, including some not related to the case, on Vollmer's computer. RELATED: Women victimized advocate for 'Voyeurism Victims Act' on TN Capitol Hill 'There were 14 file folders. Twelve of them were labeled with a first name. One was simply labeled 'REC'—I presume is short for record—the other was labeled 'Hookups,'' Det. Judah Parker with the Metro Nashville Police Department's Special Victims Division said during a March court hearing. Lawmakers told News 2 technology-based laws needed to be updated, especially when crimes like this occur. 'What worries me abut this case is you don't know what he has done with this information or what he's going to do with it,' Rep. Vincent Dixie (D-Nashville) told News 2 in January. 'You just never know, and that's the part that we have not really figured out, because the way that we make laws here in Tennessee, they're more physical laws. We have not adapted our laws to technology and we have to be more forward-thinking about things like this, [which] can happen over and over.' '[This crime] takes the feeling of power away from people,' Freeman told News 2 in March. 'If they feel powerless to make a difference, and if this bill passes, we're going to give these women some power back.' SEE ALSO | Women testify in support of 'Voyeurism Victims Act' to Tennessee lawmakers In addition to the new law, which took effect in part upon receiving the governor's signature, one of the women has also filed a civil lawsuit on behalf of herself and all the other victims. Laura Cantwell, who said she was recorded when she briefly dated Vollmer, is asking a Davidson County court for $1.8 million in damages for violations of federal privacy laws, negligence, and negligent infliction of emotional distress. According to the amended version of the bill, the punitive portions of the Voyeurism Victims Act take effect July 1, but the rest of the bill, which makes clarifications in relevant sections of current law, take effect immediately. Something not included in the version that bears the governor's signature is the provision making unlawful photography a Class E felony if the photo was taken using a hidden camera or if there were more than one victim. The originally drafted version of the bill also included a distinction that would have meant unlawful photographs taken of the 'unclothed intimate area' of an individual that was 'engaged in sexual activity' would have been prohibited by law, but that distinction was removed from the amended version of the bill. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Yahoo
Women testify against Nashville man accused of nonconsensually filming them through alarm clock camera
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A Davidson County man was in court Thursday facing four women who claimed he filmed them without their permission from a hidden alarm clock camera in his bedroom. The case is moving toward trial. In June 2024, one of the women said she found 'hundreds' of videos with different women recorded through a camera in an alarm clock while engaging in sexual activity — without their knowledge or permission. ORIGINAL STORY: Man charged for hidden camera recordings, police say The owner of the video and alarm clock was 31-year-old Matthew Vollmer. In November 2024, Vollmer was arrested and charged with eight counts of unlawful photography — a misdemeanor in Tennessee. One of the women who testified, Christiana Werner, said she was 'horrified' by the discovery of the videos. 'Within the computer there were about 350 separate video files — not all of them related to this case — but I was able to find an assortment that were clearly relevant,' Detective Judah Parker with the Metro Nashville Police Department's Special Victims Division said. The videos were clipped in 10-minute increments, according to the detective. 'We are not talking about some home security camera that was accidentally placed in the home somewhere and picked up Mr. Vollmer having sex with these women,' Assistant District Attorney General Macy Pesavento argued. 'He had a camera hidden in an alarm clock specifically positioned, facing the bed where he had sex with these women.' 'There were 14 file folders. Twelve of them were labeled with a first name. One was simply labeled 'REC' — I presume is short for record — the other was labeled 'Hookups,'' Parker said. The criminal charges involve four women but several other recordings were allegedly filmed over a year ago, falling outside of the statute of limitations. 'We are working so hard to have our voices heard on a charge that wouldn't even land him a year in jail,' Laura Cantwell, another testifying woman, told News 2. The women answered several questions in the hearing, relating to how they met Vollmer, how long they dated and what their relationship looked like when it came to offering consent for nude or suggestive photos or videos. 'You did not consent to any of these videos?' the defense attorney asked alleged victim Sydney Tasker. She replied: 'Correct.' 'It's really frustrating to deal with arguments that try to undermine our credibility or try to paint us as being dishonest when we're literally just here speaking about something horrible a man did to not just us, but a lot of other women,' Cantwell told News 2 following the hearing. The judge decided the hearing will move to trial. RELATED: Women testify before lawmakers with hope of passing 'Voyeurism Victims Act' 'Which means we are moving towards the next stage of justice,' Cantwell said. Werner told News 2 true justice may never be fully achieved. 'The punishment does not fit the crime,' Werner said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Tennessee legislature: What lawmakers have and haven't done so far in 2025
It's been eight weeks since Tennessee lawmakers returned to Nashville for this year's legislative session. Early days of the proceedings were tied up in a special legislative session that focused on a statewide school voucher program, approving some new state funding for victims of Hurricane Helene, and taking new steps toward state immigration enforcement. With another month, at least, before adjournment, here's what lawmakers have — and have not yet — done on Capitol Hill. Want to contact your state representative or senator to give feedback on a bill? Find the legislator who represents you and their contact information here. ∎ Offered new protection for victims of unlawful photography: Following advocacy by a group of Nashville women who joined forces after they were secretly filmed by an ex-boyfriend, lawmakers passed the Voyeurism Victims Act, which will extend the statute of limitations in unlawful photography cases, and allow victims to petition for an order of protection. The bill awaits the governor's signature. ∎ Banned cellphones during school instructional time: Lawmakers gave final approval to a bill requiring all Tennessee school districts ban the use of cellphones, laptops, smart watches and other devices during instructional time. It's now on its way to Gov. Bill Lee's desk. While many school districts already have such policies in place, the bill requires each district to develop and implement policies restricting the use of any wireless communication devices during instructional time. 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. ∎ Approved funding for Helene victims: Lawmakers voted during the special session to establish a disaster emergency response fund and send millions in aid to East Tennessee communities impacted by flooding from Hurricane Helene last year that killed at least 17 Tennesseans. Included in the relief is $100 million for a disaster response program, suspension of unemployment eligibility requirements for impacted residents, and funding to cover 2024 property taxes for residents whose property was destroyed or damaged by the storm. Democrats framed the aid as too little, too late. ∎ A statewide private school voucher program: One of the earliest bills passed this year was a $447 million statewide school choice program, offering state-funded scholarships for children of any income to attend private schools, regardless of where they live. The legislation was a top priority of Lee since he first ran for office, and the administration is working to implement the program in time for the 2025-26 school year. ∎ Created new state immigration enforcement czar, office: During the special legislative session, Republicans passed a bill to establish a new, $5 million central state immigration enforcement office, and change the design for legal resident immigrants' driver's licenses to differentiate them from U.S. citizens. The bill also criminalizes local officials who vote in support of sanctuary policies for immigrants. Records related to the new state office are largely exempt from the state public records statute. ∎ Requiring schools to check students' immigration status: Lawmakers are considering a controversial measure that would allow Tennessee schools to block undocumented children from enrolling, or charge them tuition for public education — a direct effort to challenge U.S. Supreme Court decision Plyler v. Doe. The measure has seen stringent opposition from immigrant rights advocates, who argue that all children deserve to learn, and immigrants without legal status are still fully contributing to school funding through sales tax purchases, since state has no income tax. Proponents have said the bill is aimed at cracking down on 'illegal immigration.' ∎ Making Tennessee driver's license tests English-only: Legislation seeking to require all driver's license tests to be offered in English only — and ban dictionaries and other translation help — is set for hearings in both chambers this week. English is designated as the official language of Tennessee, but there is currently no restriction on offering public documents in other languages. The new bill would also ban the use of aids such translation dictionaries, electronic devices or interpreters during the exams. Currently, written driver's license tests in Tennessee are offered in English, Spanish, German, Korean and Japanese. Driving tests are offered in English only. Immigrant rights groups have denounced the bill as a 'regressive' bill that could compromise road safety. ∎ Making juvenile records of deceased school shooters public: Following the deadly shooting at Antioch High School in Nashville, lawmakers are considering making public the juvenile records of court proceedings, mental health records, and interactions with the Department of Children's Services if a minor commits a school shooting and later dies. A homicide conviction would not be required to make the records public. State law currently requires the records to remain confidential to protect youth offenders, but proponents say making them public in this instance could help identify issues and circumstances that led to the attack ― and inform prevention strategies. ∎ Protecting access for IVF, contraception: After voting down a bill last year to protect access to fertility care and contraceptives amid national tension around in-vitro fertilization, GOP lawmakers are now behind a bill to explicitly clarify that nothing in state law prohibits access to fertility treatments or contraception, and individuals have a right to engage in both. Legal implications of Tennessee's abortion ban on continued access to contraception and IVF care arose following a controversial Alabama Supreme Court ruling last year that offered frozen embryos created through in-vitro fertilization the same rights as fully-developed children. ∎ Excluding soda, candy from SNAP: Lawmakers are considering seeking federal approval to exclude candy and soft drinks from Tennessee's food aid program, following initiatives of the Trump administration in an effort to 'Make America Healthy Again.' Soda is one of the most frequently bought commodities in the SNAP program nationwide, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and about 11% of dollars nationwide are used to purchase sweetened beverages and candy alone. There were more than 702,000 participants in Tennessee's SNAP program last year. House Republicans approved the bill earlier this month, and it is set to be considered in a Senate committee this week. ∎ Requiring overnight school facilities to segregate based on biological sex: A bill seeking to require residential educational programs to segregate restrooms and locker rooms based on 'immutable biological sex' is set for a final House vote this week, and will likely see a final vote in the Senate as well. Sponsor Rep. Gino Bulso, R-Brentwood, says the bill is an effort to protect girls' privacy. Democrats have framed the measure as an attack on the LGBTQ+ community. State law already bars transgender students from accessing sex-based multi-use restrooms and changing facilities, instead requiring schools to offer another 'reasonable accommodation' to transgender students and school staff. ∎ Instituting a 10% vape tax: A bill imposing restrictions on what vape products can be sold in Tennessee – and a 10% sales tax on such products – is quickly moving forward. The bill would require FDA approval before products like vape pens, vape molds, cig-a-likes, and pod mods are sold. An estimated 400,000 people in Tennessee regularly use vaping devices, and Tennessee is one of about 20 states that does not currently tax such products. The bill sponsor says it's an effort to curb the sale of illegal and potentially dangerous Chinese vape products. But vape shop owners say it's an attack on their industry backed by big tobacco. ∎ Renaming BNA "Trump International Airport": A bill seeking to rename Nashville International Airport after President Donald Trump is moving forward again after stalling due to concern over a $10.3 million price tag. The legislation is up for hearings in both chambers this week. ∎ Establishing a $25 million farmland conservation fund: Legislation backed by the governor seeking to establish a $25 million fund to offer financial incentives for farmers who voluntarily place their land into a privately-managed conservation easement has passed the Senate, and is awaiting consideration in the House. The bill easily passed the House last year. Tennessee loses about 10 acres of farmland every hour to development. The fund is aimed at offering an alternative to farmers facing unpredictable markets and pressure to sell their land. ∎ The state budget: With state revenues flattening this year, lawmakers will face some tough spending choices as they consider the state budget. Lee's $58.4 billion budget proposal includes $1 billion in one-time spending to chip away at the state's $30 billion in outstanding road projects, funding for 100 more state trooper positions, $579.3 million in new funding for public schools, and no new tax cuts or tax holidays for consumers. Melissa Brown contributed. Vivian Jones covers state government and politics for The Tennessean. Reach her at vjones@ This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee General Assembly: What lawmakers have done so far in 2025
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
TN must protect victims of non-consensual recordings. This is digital assault.
As a lawmaker, one of my core responsibilities is to listen to the concerns of my community and take meaningful action to address the issues that affect the lives of everyday people. In Tennessee, one of those issues has been the growing concern over non-consensual recordings, particularly in the context of intimate relationships. Women have become victims of a disturbing and invasive crime. That's why House Bill (HB) 602 was introduced, the "Voyeurism Victims Act," a bill designed to provide more justice for victims of hidden cameras and unauthorized recordings. This legislation was born from the stories of women who were secretly recorded during intimate moments − women like Erika Thomas, who was unable to seek justice because the statute of limitations had already passed. By the time Erika discovered she had been recorded, the legal window for prosecution had closed. This is a reality that far too many victims face in our digital age, where technology makes it easier to commit such offenses but harder to hold offenders accountable once the damage is done. HB 602 aims to change that by addressing the statute of limitations. Under current law, the clock starts ticking on the statute of limitations when the crime occurs, not when the victim learns they've been harmed. In cases of non-consensual recording, victims often have no idea they've been filmed until years later. Our bill changes the law so that the statute of limitations starts when the victim discovers the crime, not when it happens. This simple change will ensure that those who violate people's privacy will not escape justice simply because the victim was unaware of the crime until much later. In addition to extending the statute of limitations, HB 602 also proposes that offenders who target multiple victims should face stronger legal penalties. The bill would classify these offenses as an E felony if there are multiple victims involved. This stronger penalty reflects the severity of the crime and sends a clear message that we will not tolerate the exploitation of women, or anyone for that matter, through hidden cameras or non-consensual recordings. Opinion: Federal funding for victims services is drying up. Tennessee must fill the gap. By making it a felony offense, we increase the legal consequences for offenders, deterring future violations and protecting victims in the process. Some might ask why this issue requires such urgent attention. The answer is simple: technology is advancing, and so are the ways in which criminals exploit it. With the advent of smartphones, smart devices, and hidden cameras, it's easier than ever for perpetrators to invade someone's privacy without their knowledge. Women who were once vulnerable to physical assault now find themselves at risk of digital assault − an invisible, often more insidious violation. When these videos go viral, when they circulate on the internet, they leave a permanent scar on the victim's life. The damage to their reputation, sense of safety, and personal well-being can be devastating. Opinion: Sign up for the Tennessee Voices newsletter showcasing opinion across the Volunteer State This bill isn't just about punishment − it's about empowerment. It's about giving victims the legal tools they need to seek justice, even if they only learn about the crime years after it was committed. It's about acknowledging that privacy is a fundamental right, and that no one should ever have to fear being secretly recorded during intimate moments. By supporting HB 602, we are standing up for those who have been harmed and ensuring that those who would commit these crimes cannot hide behind the technology they misuse. Finally, I want to emphasize that HB 602 is about more than just changing the law; it's about giving victims a voice. As Erika Thomas told us, she felt empowered by her decision to testify, even though she couldn't press charges. She chose to speak out not just for herself but for other women who might be suffering in silence. I believe that HB 602 is a critical step forward in ensuring that victims of non-consensual recordings are given the protections and opportunities for justice they deserve. It's a step toward a safer, more accountable future for everyone. State Rep. Bob Freeman, D-Nashville, represents House District 56 in the Tennessee General Assembly. Bob Freeman is also the president of Freeman Webb Company in Nashville, Tenn., a full-service real estate investment and management firm that specializes in the acquisition, management and rehabilitation of multi-family residential and commercial properties. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Non-consensual recording victims need Tennessee's protection | Opinion
