MauryTHINKS

Originally published in the Columbia Daily Herald

Tom DuBois

A recent editorial on local crime asked what anti-crime legislation is being pursued by our legislature this session, and particularly, what anti-crime legislation was being pursued by our local state legislators.

As the editorial correctly pointed out, Sen. Ketron and I sponsored anti-stalking legislation several years ago and strengthened our anti-stalking law to make it one of the toughest in the nation. However, I and other legislators have not stopped there.

In this 105th General Assembly, I am personally sponsoring and seeking passage of several anti-crime bills that hopefully will make our community safer and a better place for all of us to live. The following is some of the key legislation that we have passed or are pursuing this 105th General Assembly:

Criminal Sentencing of Repeat Felons (Public Chap. 512). Last year, when a local couple was burglarized in their own house, I met with Sheriff Enoch George, Captain Nathan Johns, Judge Bob Jones, District Attorney Mike Bottoms and the victim, and we discussed ways to stop the revolving door on crime. In this circumstance, the perpetrator of the home invasion had numerous felony convictions. One item of legislation that came out of those discussions was Public Chapter 512. This new law I sponsored changed our sentencing guidelines to require that if a defendant is being sentenced for his or her third or subsequent felony conviction, they should not be considered a favorable candidate for alternative sentencing, such as probation. Before these sentencing guidelines were changed, felons could still be presumed eligible for alternative sentencing, even after having been previously convicted of multiple felonies.

Possession of Firearms by Felons (HB 164). I routinely receive suggestions from our local law enforcement on ideas to combat crime. One local officer said he occasionally finds during a traffic stop of a felon that the felon will have shotguns and rifles in their vehicle. Certain convicted felons are currently prohibited from possessing handguns, but not other types of firearms. House Bill 164, which unanimously passed the Senate last year and is currently awaiting funding in the House Finance Committee, would broaden this prohibition to prohibit these felons from possessing rifles and shotguns.

Terroristic Threats Against Teachers (HB 583). When a local middle school teacher was threatened by a student by saying, “I am going to get a knife and cut you up,” I filed a bill that makes such terroristic treats illegal to protect teachers and other school officials. This bill is currently making its way through the Senate and House, and I am hopeful that we will be able to pass this legislation this year.

Killing of a Law Enforcement Officer (HB 3991). In January 2007, when a local Culleokean who served our state honorably as a state trooper was heinously murdered along I-40 in Covington, I filed legislation to make such murders of law enforcement first degree murder even if the offender was not the one who actually pulled the trigger. I hope this legislation will receive bipartisan support and be a deterrent to those who wish to harm our local and state law enforcement.

Assault on Law Enforcement (HB 3991). I have also filed House Bill 3991 that makes it a Class D felony to assault a police officer and a Class B felony if the assault against such officer caused him or her serious bodily injury. Other states have special assault and battery laws to protect law enforcement, and it is time that Tennessee enacts such legislation as well.

Selling Drugs to Minors (Public Chap. 96). When a local U.S. Marshal asked how we could strengthen our laws against those who sell drugs to minors, I filed legislation that allows a court to consider as an enhancement factor on sentencing the sale of the controlled substance or illegal drug to a minor. This bill passed unanimously last year by the Legislature, and I believe this legislation will help local law enforcement fight the war on drugs and act as a deterrent to one who tries to sell drugs to our children.

Prohibiting Registered Sex Offenders on School Property (HB 2847). When a local SRO with the Maury County Sheriff’s Department contacted me concerning prohibiting sex offenders from being on school property, I filed legislation that would prohibit registered sex offenders from going on school property. I am confident that this loophole will be closed this year to further protect our children from predatory sex offenders.

Abuse of Prescription Drugs (Public Chap. 458). When a television investigation revealed that certain TennCare recipients were using public transportation and benefits to obtain and resell TennCare prescriptions, I filed legislation that made doctor shopping for multiple prescriptions for the same controlled substance a crime. Last year, we passed Public Chapter 458 that prohibits such abuses of TennCare benefits. This new law will help us keep such illegal drugs off our streets and reduce drug-related crimes.

Identity Theft and Protecting Personal Information (HB 3115). When it was reported that a government laptop containing names and Social Security numbers of 337,000 voters was stolen, I filed House Bill 3115, which would require state and local governments to develop safeguards that ensure confidential and private information be protected. Identity theft is a growing problem, and we must ensure that government equipment containing personal and private information is safeguarded so as to not end up in the wrong hands. This legislation has passed the Senate and should be on the House floor next week.

In addition to seven DUI bills I am sponsoring this session, I am pursuing legislation legislation and policy that will protect all citizens. Protecting our citizens is one of the most important things our government can do, and I take that privilege entrusted in me seriously. By working with our local law enforcement, our state can be a key partner in combating crime in our communities.

Tom DuBois is the state representative for the 64th District.