"Knowing what's right doesn't mean much unless you do what's right."

--Teddy Roosevelt

The 2020 Legislative Session is probably half over. The Committee and House Calendars are becoming full and sometimes the bills are contentious. I had eight bills this week that I presented in committees and I should have that again next week. We are striving to adjourn by the middle or end of April.

Last Sunday, I had a fine chili lunch put on by the Cascade School & FFA chapter. Mike Swafford told me that he has about 55 students in this year's chapter. Then on Thursday, the state-wide FFA held their annual Legislative Breakfast across the street from the Capitol where I heard even more about what's going on. I felt very fortunate to be able to spend so much time this week with these future leaders. They do many great projects and learn a lot of important life lessons.

On Tuesday, the Tennessee Fuel and Convenience Store Association came by for a visit. I got to see Bill & Monica Parsons from Parsons Oil of Fayetteville and Amy Mitchell of Southern Energy in Shelbyville. They have two or three pieces of legislation that they are supporting or opposing that they told me about.

Also on Tuesday, we had a large group from Victory Baptist Academy of Shelbyville stop by for a short visit. They were at the legislature with Principal Lyn Warren and Director Loyd Warren for a conference and to learn how their state government works. It was a busy day, so Senator Reeves and I are thankful that we were able to meet with everyone.

Sonia Miller and Robin Vaickus of Shelbyville and Samantha Freeman of Fayetteville stopped by on Wednesday to tell me what all is happening at our Senior Citizens Centers. They were out promoting their new initiative- MyRide. MyRide is a new way to provide transportation to those who really need it. Great program!

I am sponsoring legislation this year that states that a county or city cannot prohibit livestock shows. There has been much talk that it won't be long before some radical groups connected to city councils or county commissions will come up with ordinances that will prohibit cattle, sheep, mules, horses or even pigs shows. Many of our 4-H youth learn many life lessons and also learn how to take good care of our animals while competing in animal shows. We are already finding this out in many places and want to be proactive and stop much of this before it starts. The Tennessee Farm Bureau is helping me with this legislation and I very much appreciate their support.

I'm working with the Beacon Center this Session on the "Permit Freedom Act." By passing HB 1978, we hope to help eliminate or reduce the frustrations people sometimes face when trying to get a permit. If passed, the directions and requirements to obtain a permit must be clear and unambiguous. Local governments must set a specific time period to approve or deny the permit. The time period cannot exceed 120 days and it begins after the applicant has submitted all the required information -- including any necessary approval from a state or federal agency. The permit is automatically approved after 120 days if no answer is given. This bill fits in line with our commitment to making Tennessee a great place for businesses to flourish and for our citizens to achieve their goals and dreams.

To keep you updated, HB 1904 that I discussed last week is still moving forward. Rick Akers came back this Wednesday and we presented the Antique Slot Machine bill before the full Judiciary Committee in the House. It passed unanimously by a voice vote, so the bill has been sent to the House Calendar & Rules committee. Calendar & Rules will meet next week and will assign our bill a day to be heard on the House Floor. Senator Reeves is scheduled to present the Senate version of the bill next Tuesday in the Senate Judiciary Committee, where we hope it receives an equally warm reception.

If you are in Nashville, feel free to stop by my office at the Cordell Hull Building Suite 676. You can also give me a call if you have any questions or concerns. I can be reached at 615-741-6824 or by email at rep.pat.marsh@capitol.tn.gov.

--Rep. Pat Marsh, a Republican from Shelbyville, represents the 62nd district, including all of Bedford and part of Lincoln counties.