NEWS and ARTICLES - Ag-Gag Bill in TN Vetoed - WE DID IT!

From the Tennessee Government website (click for article):

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Haslam Releases Statement on HB 1191/SB 1248
Monday, May 13, 2013 | 10:41 am
NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam released the following statement regarding HB 1191/SB 1248:

“Agriculture is the No. 1 industry in Tennessee.  Farmers play a vital role in our state’s economy, heritage and history.  I understand their concerns about large scale attacks on their livelihoods.  I also appreciate that the types of recordings this bill targets may be obtained at times under false pretenses, which I think is wrong,” Haslam said.

“Our office has spent a great deal of time considering this legislation.  We’ve had a lot of input from people on all sides of the issue.  After careful consideration, I am going to veto the legislation.  Some vetoes are made solely on policy grounds.  Other vetoes may be the result of wanting the General Assembly to reconsider the legislation for a number of reasons.  My veto here is more along the lines of the latter.  I have a number of concerns.

“First, the Attorney General says the law is constitutionally suspect.  Second, it appears to repeal parts of Tennessee’s Shield Law without saying so.  If that is the case, it should say so.  Third, there are concerns from some district attorneys that the act actually makes it more difficult to prosecute animal cruelty cases, which would be an unintended consequence.

“For these reasons, I am vetoing HB1191/SB1248, and I respectfully encourage the General Assembly to reconsider this issue.”

Governor Haslam


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Click here for the Times Free Press article.

ALL OF YOU, from Carrie Underwood to the journalists to those of us sitting behind a computer with our phones and fingers at the ready, made a difference!  If we had not flooded his office with phone calls and emails then they wouldn't have looked at it more closely.  If we hadn't fought against those with big money, this would've passed with no problem.

And PLEASE take the time to thank him!  He needs to know we appreciate his decision.

Gov. Bill Haslam - 615-741-2001 - bill.haslam@tn.gov

THANK YOU ALL WHO SUPPORTED THE VETO!  Now on to the PAST Act!