Although I truly believe in not just saying why you shouldn't vote for Mr. Slater, I also feel it is important to show our differences. This list contains bills he voted in favor of in 2023 that I disagree with. This information was gathered from the Institute of Legislative Analysis.
Protecting Firearm Manufacturers and Retailers from Frivolous Litigation by Restricting Civil Litigation
Protects gun manufacturers and retailers from being sued by the public.
Protecting Workers from Intimidation by Union Bosses by Making the "Secret Ballot" a Requirement for Companies to Receive State Economic Development Incentives
This bill will punish companies via withholding funds to preserve the state's "right to work" status by obstructing union activity.
Strengthening Public Safety by Enhancing Penalties for Damage or Disruption of Critical Infrastructure
This bill increases the penalty for critical infrastructure vandalism in which the damage is at least $1,000 from a Class E felony (1 to 6 years in prison) to a Class C felony (3 to 15 years in prison). The bill also classifies the destruction of a farm as critical infrastructure vandalism.
I don't know why they felt the need to upgrade these penalties.
Expanding Employment Opportunities by Prohibiting Local Governments from Imposing Wage or Benefit Mandates on Private Employers
Takes away the power of local governments to impose livable wage rates and regulations on businesses beyond what the state already does. This keeps wages low and work without benefits.
Protecting Tennesseans from Higher Utility Costs by Ensuring Natural Gas is Designated as a "Clean Energy" if a Locality Imposes an Energy Mandate on a Public Utility
This basically classifies any natural gas as "clean energy" to get around any Federal regulation about clean energy and avoid paying penalties. So, while it might stop those penalties from being passed onto customers, it is avoiding environmental protections.
Urging the Tennessee Attorney General to Evaluate and Challenge Federal Actions that Infringe on Second Amendment Rights
Trying to block any Federal regulations about gun safety.
Protecting School Teachers and Employees from Politicized "Implicit Bias Training" Mandates by Ensuring they Have the Right to Opt-Out Without Facing Disciplinary Actions
Implicit bias training is an educational program designed to help people recognize and understand unconscious stereotypes and attitudes that affect how they think, feel, and act toward others. It aims to reduce unintentional discrimination and promote fair decision-making in workplaces, schools, and healthcare settings.
This bill makes the requirement to train school workers to recognize personal behavior that could be offensive or prejudicial to students an option -- probably for the people who would need it the most.
Reducing Frivolous Litigation Under State Non-Discrimination Law by Clarifying the Definition of "Sex" as One's Biological Sex at Birth
This bill establishes a legal definition of "sex" for use in statutes and state code. The bill defines "sex" as a "person's immutable biological sex as determined by anatomy and genetics existing at the time of birth." The bill is in response to questions surrounding consideration of "gender expression" and "gender identity" in cases of anti-discrimination law covering public accommodations and scholastic sports.
This is an obviously discriminatory, religiously biased bill against Transgender people that prevents them from bringing legal action against those who discriminate against them.
This is another in a long line of discriminatory bills against people that don't jibe with their religious beliefs. It opens up abuse and harassment of the transgender community without them being able to bring charges.
Strengthening the Integrity of the Public Education System by Prohibiting Discussion of Sensitive Issues Surrounding Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity without Parental Consent
This bill requires school districts to obtain parental consent in order for a student to receive instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity curriculum. Permission is also required to participate in a "survey, analysis, or evaluation" or join a club or organization.
This bill "protects" students from awareness of anything but "traditional" gender identities. Keeping children ignorant does not make reality go away.
This seems to be another inflammatory bill in the "don't say gay" classification.
Strengthening Individual Liberties by Authorizing Adults to Carry Pocket Knives on School Grounds When Visiting the Property to Vote
This allows concealed weapons at voting polls. First it's knives. How long before they allow guns? Why do they feel it is important for Republicans to arm themselves while voting?
Prohibiting Local Governments from Utilizing Taxpayer Funds to Assist an Individual in Obtaining a Criminal Abortion in Another State
This bill prohibits any local government from using taxpayer funds to assist a person in obtaining an abortion in another state because the practice would be considered a criminal abortion in Tennessee.
Yet another bill that criminalizes getting an abortion in a different state where it is legal to do so.
Reducing Politicalization at State Institutions of Higher Education by Combatting DEI and Directing Investigation of Political Favoritism
This bill, known as the "Tennessee Higher Education Freedom of Expression and Transparency Act," is designed to further strengthen legislation passed previously that prohibits public colleges and universities from advancing certain political and social agendas. This bill establishes a process for violations of the law to be investigated, while also ensuring students are not forced to affirm to any diversity statement of an institution. Furthermore, the bill strengthens protections against colleges displaying bias or favoritism for or against student groups and speakers based on viewpoints or political ideology.
It sounds like the only "Freedom of Expression" is their own, while silencing those who disagree. They complain that college indoctrinates their children. I think it is more likely that the students are finally being exposed to other points of view other than their parents' narrow, small-minded world view. Diversity is a strength. Equity is fair treatment of all. Inclusion leaves no one behind.
Context: Pre-Slater Legislation Still in Effect
Local Education Agencies -- Released Time Courses
As enacted, requires a public school to excuse a student from school to attend a released time course if requested by the student's parent or legal guardian, even if the local board of education has not adopted a policy on released time courses. Also authorizes local boards of education to transport students attending a released time course to and from the place of instruction if the entity providing the instruction reimburses the LEA for the services.
Passed in the 111th Assembly in 2020, before Slater took office.
Children are being removed from campus to an undisclosed location for religious teachings during school hours. They come back with Bibles, pizza, and candy. I'm told in Cookeville, it is being done by "Lifewise," conducted by Church of Christ.