A bill "designed to allow for equal access to all publicly-owned property for all Tennesseans" is on its way to the Tennessee Senate.
House Bill 2638, authored by Rep. Eric Watson (R-Cleveland), easily passed the House of Representatives Thursday by a vote of 70-26.
He said, "The legislation prevents people from living on publicly-owned property not designated for residential use. Additionally, it prohibits individuals using publicly-owned property from posing a health hazard or threat to the safety and welfare of others.
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The bill now awaits consideration in the Senate which is expected as early as next week.
Rep Watson said, “This bill is important because it restores the entire public’s right to utilize all public property around the state - not just a single group. It ensures the property paid for by all Tennesseans is able to be utilized by all Tennesseans.”
Concerning criticism that the bill targets only one group and does not affect all Tennesseans, he said, “On the contrary, I’d say this bill relates to the rights of every Tennessean. Every parcel of State property belongs to every Tennessean, not just a select group who want to commandeer it for themselves. I believe, with the passage of this legislation, public property will be fully restored for the use of every member of the public.
“Simply put, this bill restores the free speech and assembly rights of all Tennesseans and it is my job to protect those precious constitutional rights.”