TDCI: Credit Freeze Laws Provide Protection for Identity Theft Victims
Consumers beware: Identity theft is on the rise in Tennessee, and it’s costing residents. A recent report from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) shows a more than 20% increase of identity theft in the Volunteer State last year as 6,808 Tennesseans reported being a victim of identity theft. Scam artists have preyed on Tennesseans, making the Tennessee […]
TDCI Promotes Older Americans Month, Provides Tips for Scam Prevention
The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance’s (TDCI) Division of Consumer Affairs is proud to join the Administration for Community Living in promoting May as Older Americans Month. The theme of this year’s campaign is “Connect, Create, Contribute,” which encourages older adults and their communities to: Connect with friends, family, and services that support participation. Create by engaging in activities […]
Unemployment Rates Drop In 94 Of Tennessee’s Counties During April
Unemployment rates for 94 of Tennessee’s 95 counties dropped in April 2019 according to data released Thursday by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD). The unemployment rate in Maury County remained unchanged for the month. Ninety-four counties have rates lower than 5 percent and only one county’s rate is higher than 5 […]
Department of Safety and Homeland Security Launches Mobile Application to Enhance Customer Service
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) Driver Services Division launched a new mobile application that will better serve Tennesseans. The mobile application, titled TN Driver Services, can be found on the Apple App Store and Google Play. Driver Services is offering another way to conduct business rather than visiting a driver services center. […]
Memorial Day Holiday Weekend Traditional Start to Tennessee’s Summer Boating Season
The 2019 Memorial Day holiday weekend is May 24-27 and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency wants to emphasize the use of life jackets along with boating in a safe and responsible manner. The Memorial Day holiday weekend is regarded as the unofficial start to the summer boating season and is one of the year’s busiest […]
2019 National Safe Boating Week Underway
The 2019 National Safe Boating Week is May 18-24 and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will be participating to promote the wear of life jackets as the summer boating season starts in full force. National Safe Boating Week is annually held the week prior to Memorial Day weekend. Boating partners across the United States and […]
Equine Piroplasmosis Detected in 22 Tennessee Horses
The state veterinarian’s office is investigating an outbreak of Equine Piroplasmosis (EP) in a group of racing Quarter Horses in Middle Tennessee. Twenty-two horses have tested positive for EP in five locations within Bedford, Rutherford, and Williamson Counties. The horses are all under quarantine and being treated. EP is a blood parasite that affects equines. […]
General Assembly Enhances Tennessee’s Statue Of Limitation Laws Against Child Predators
Members of the House and Senate overwhelmingly approved legislation designed to enhance Tennessee’s Statute of Limitations laws against child predators this year. House Bill 565 removes the statute of limitations for all felony crimes committed against a child if the victim is under 13 years of age or if he or she is 13-17 years […]
Republicans Pass Legislation To Curb Fentanyl In Tennessee
House Republicans also passed multiple pieces of legislation this year to fight back against Tennessee’s opioid and drug epidemic. House Bill 942, changes the penalties to a Class B felony for 15 grams or more or a Class A felony for 150 grams or more of fentanyl. Additionally, House Bill 705 adds the sale or […]
Bill Promoting Civics Education Passes
The General Assembly passed House Bill 944 recognizing Tennessee’s public schools and school districts that implement high-quality civic education because it is essential to preserving our constitutional democracy. In partnership with the Secretary of State’s office, this initiative seeks to promote efforts to increase access to quality civics education, while also recognizing our schools for […]
Republicans Work To Increase Transparency Within The Education System
Republican leaders supported legislation that will help increase transparency within the education system this year. House Bill 946 requires a Local Education Agency (LEA) to report to the Department of Education how additional funds were used for each year an LEA receives an increase in funding for salaries and wages. We are committed to increasing […]
Republican-Led Initiative To Expand Access To Vocational & Technical Training Passes House
The House of Representatives has passed House Bill 949, also known as the GIVE Act, to expand access to vocational and technical training for Tennessee students by a 92-0 vote. One of Governor Lee’s first initiatives, this $25 million investment is a two-pronged approach that utilizes regional partnerships to develop work-based learning and apprenticeship opportunities. […]
The House Passes Legislation To Improve School Bus Safety
Legislation protecting students from unlawful drivers in Tennessee was also approved earlier this year. House Bill 268 provides an option for local education agencies (LEA) and school systems to install, operate, and maintain external cameras on school buses for the purpose of recording vehicles that fail to stop upon approaching a school bus. Additionally, House […]
Republican Initiative To Secure Our Tennessee Schools Becomes Law
Republican lawmakers passed an initiative this year that will help secure our Tennessee schools and provide additional safety resources to protect Tennessee’s future leaders. The initiative proposes a $30 million investment for the school safety grant fund and additional changes to existing law to prioritize the distribution of these grants to help secure school resource […]
General Assembly Approves Charter School Commission Bill
Members of the General Assembly have approved an initiative creating a new charter school commission. House Bill 940 – which is part of the Governor’s legislative agenda this year – establishes a 9-member independent charter commission to ensure that all Tennessee charter schools can best serve the state’s student population that relies on these institutions […]
Tennessee Education Savings Account Pilot Program Approved
Members of the House also approved the Tennessee Education Savings Account Pilot Program this year. A small part of a much larger plan to build upon our recent improvements in education, House Bill 939 gives some of our poorest children a fighting chance at a high-quality education. The pilot is capped at 15,000 students and […]
