(The Center Square) – A bill aimed at increasing penalties for protestors who block roadways is being revamped.
Sen. Brent Taylor, R-Memphis, introduced a bill that that would increase the penalty for blocking a roadway, intersection or bridge from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony. The misdemeanor would be punishable by a sentence of less than a year in jail and a maximum $2,500 fine, the felony could result in a sentence of one to six years in prison and a $3,000 fine.
Taylor told the Senate Judiciary Committee he drafted the bill after pro-Palestinian protestors blocked the Mississippi River bridge last year.
“There were people who had medical emergencies that needed to get across the river to the hospital,” Taylor said.
Some expressed concerns that the bill could unintentionally target the homeless by including language that could penalize people for obstructing hallways and sidewalks. Taylor said that was not the intent of the bill and he only meant to target intersections, interstates, bridges and roadways. He said he would bring an amended bill back to the committee.
A Tennessee higher education subcommittee recommended approval of a resolution that encourages free speech principles on the state’s college campuses.
The resolution is in response to a series of college protests nationwide in 2023.
“Following the attacks in Israel in October 2023 we saw some universities across the nation where some activities took place that really shut down the free exchange of ideas, kind of some chaotic activities that occurred,” said Rep. Mark Cochran, R- Englewood, the resolution’s sponsor. “Universities here in our state, I think showed best practices.”
The House Higher Education Subcommittee approved the resolution, which now goes to the House Education Committee for consideration.
