(NASHVILLE) — During the 2017 legislative session, members of the House Civil Justice Committee — led by Chairman Andrew Farmer (R-Sevierville) — effectively improved Tennessee’s civil justice system. Committee members advanced a total of 58 legislative initiatives in 2017; forty-one were signed into law by Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam.
These initiatives remove certain limitations and uphold second amendment rights, increase the safety of rural Tennessee students, and reduce the number of frivolous lawsuits within the state’s education system. Some of the legislation includes:
- House Bill 11: Removes certain limitations related to second amendment rights.
- House Bill 377: Enhances protections for employers throughout the hiring process.
- House Bill 409: Increases student safety in rural Tennessee counties.
- House Bill 420: Creates the Uniform Unclaimed Property Act which enhances the ability of citizens to claim property and benefits.
- House Bill 508: Upholds second amendment rights for Tennessee residents.
- House Bill 959: Provides young adults with an opportunity for successful futures.
- House Bill 993: Curbs instances of overdue child support for single-parent families.
- House Bill 1196: Establishes the Tennessee Educators Protection Act which reduces frivolous lawsuits within the state’s education system.
“The men and women who serve on this committee have worked tirelessly throughout 2017 in order to make improvements within Tennessee’s civil justice system,” said Chairman Farmer. “As I reflect on our endeavors together, I know we made great strides enhancing the quality of life and promoting the general welfare of the citizens of our state. I look forward to furthering our efforts in 2018.”
Additionally, the successful outcomes produced by the committee did not go unnoticed by House leadership, especially Speaker Beth Harwell (R-Nashville).
“I want to personally thank the hardworking members of the House Civil Justice Committee for their work implementing system-wide reform,” said Speaker Harwell. “Their accomplishments during the 2017 legislative session will continue to make Tennessee a desirable destination for our hardworking men, women, and their families.”
