GENERAL ASSEMBLY APPROVES LAW ENFORCEMENT/MILITARY SHOOTING BILL
The deadly 2015 shooting at military offices in Chattanooga inspired a bill approved by the General Assembly Wednesday. The measure, sponsored by Sen. Paul Bailey, enhances penalties against those that intentionally target uniformed law enforcement officers or uniformed members of any branch of the military including National Guard. Judges will have the power to make such decisions from the bench. “We want our law enforcement to know the Tennessee General Assembly stands with them and we want to do anything we can to deter anyone from trying to bring harm against our uniformed officers and/or our military,” Bailey said. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Haslam’s desk for his signature.