Tag Archives: Rep. Andy Holt

Civil Liberties, Government Accountability, Police State, Politics, Privacy

BREAKING: Tennessee Outlaws Speed Cameras

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NASHVILLE, April 22, 2015– On Wednesday, the Tennessee General Assembly voted to outlaw unmanned speed cameras used to issue traffic tickets. Followed by a 29:1 Senate vote in favor of the ban, the House voted 74:16:1. 

“My office has received thousands of phone calls and emails in support of this legislation from across the state. The outcry from the public is palpable. I was really honored to have more than thirty co-sponsors on this legislation. Especially Senate sponsor Todd Gardenhire,” said HB1372 chief sponsor Rep. Andy Holt (R-Dresden).

Multiple judges from across the country have thrown out traffic camera tickets due to their unconstitutional nature. 

“Tennesseans are tired of having their constitutional right to face their accuser sold to private out-of-state companies.” 

The original intent of the bill was to outlaw red light cameras and speed cameras. However, the bill was stripped of some of its elements through the committee process. Currently, the ban only outlaws speed cameras. However, school zones and a s-curve roads will still be able to utilize the cameras.

Holt says he will continue to work towards outlawing red light cameras next year. 

“It’s very rare that you get everything you want. However, I am really happy that we were able to take a step in the right direction. We’re not going to quit fighting for our constituents’ rights.”

Proponents of the cameras argue that they are a safety measure. However, Holt says the evidence proves otherwise.

“The truth is, almost all studies showing that cameras improve safety are sponsored by the very companies and municipalities that make millions of dollars off of them. Virtually every non-biased, peer reviewed study shows that the cameras actually have either a negative effect, or no change at all regarding safety. At best, the evidence is inconclusive. Regardless, we have to realize that we cannot sell our rights for the guise of safety.”

HB1372 awaits Governor Bill Haslam’s signature. 

(PRESS RELEASE)

Education, Featured, Government Accountability

BREAKING: Tennessee Legislature Repeals Common Core

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NASHVILLE, April 21, 2015– Yesterday, in a bipartisan vote, the Tennessee House of Representatives voted unanimously (97:0) to repeal Common Core. Today, the Tennessee State Senate followed with a (27:1) vote in favor of repeal.

“This legislation is a template for all states to begin a much needed journey of separation from federally generated standards and an invitation to embrace each states’ own constitutionally delegated authority to serve its citizens at its own will,” said HB1035 chief sponsor Rep. Billy Spivey (R-Lewisburg). “As our founders and God surely intended.”

HB1035 reads, in part, “WHEREAS, these new Tennessee academic standards shall be adopted and fully implemented in Tennessee public schools in the 2017–2018 school year, at which time the previously adopted set of standards shall be rescinded.”

“I set out on a mission to do everything in my power to repeal Common Core in State of Tennessee this year,” said HB1035 chief co-sponsor Rep. Andy Holt (R-Dresden). “In addition to repealing Common Core, this bill puts even more control back in the hands of families, local schools and the State of Tennessee, which is exactly where it belongs.”

HB1035 also increases accountability by mandating that all standards committee appointees be confirmed by the House of Representatives and Senate.

“Both Democrats and Republicans in my district are strongly against Common Core,” said co-sponsor Rep. Bryan Terry (R-Murfreesboro).” I am proud to have had the opportunity to amend this legislation in order to ensure that the intent was indeed to completely rescind Common Core from the State of Tennessee. Tennessee families, teachers and legislators will now be able to create their own standards, and for that I am thankful.”

The bill now awaits Republican governor Bill Haslam’s signature.