Tennessee lawmakers pass bill making it illegal to vote for policies opposed by Donald Trump’s administration
A Tennessee state senator has spoken out against a bill that makes it illegal for lawmakers to vote for policies opposed by President Donald Trump’s administration, calling it a “totalitarian state.” Democratic state Senator Heidi Campbell said that many representatives are afraid to vote against the bill, even if they believe it to be unconstitutional.
The bill, which was passed in the state’s Republican-led Senate, establishes a state-based immigration enforcement agency and makes it a crime for local leaders to adopt or maintain “sanctuary policies” that protect immigrants without legal status. The bill also makes it a felony for local leaders who vote in favor of such policies.
Campbell said that many lawmakers are afraid to oppose the bill, even though it is clear that it is unconstitutional. “You don’t have to spend a lot of time up at the legislature to see that we are living in a totalitarian state,” she said.
The bill is part of a special session of the Tennessee General Assembly aimed at addressing illegal immigration in the state. It also includes provisions for changing state-issued IDs for legal immigrants and incentivizing local governments to participate in federal law enforcement.
The bill has been met with opposition from both Republican and Democratic Party members, with some criticizing it as unconstitutional and unauthorized. “Everyone is aware that this is unconstitutional, but the super-majority voted for it anyway,” Campbell said.
The bill now heads to the state House for a vote, where it is expected to pass. If it is approved, it will go to the desk of Governor Bill Lee for signing.