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House debate grows heated over proposed limit on public recording near police; amendment to remove 'halo' fails
Summary
A measure that would restrict how close members of the public or press can stand to certain police operations drew hours of floor debate and failed amendments; lawmakers split sharply over free-speech and public-safety arguments.
The Tennessee House engaged in an extended and highly charged debate over a provision in a substituted Senate bill (Senate Bill 30) that would restrict how close members of the public can approach or film police during certain operations.
The provision — described in debate as a “halo” or a 25-foot buffer around officers during specific incidents — drew criticism from Representatives who said it would criminalize bystanders and the press and undermine accountability. Representative Behn offered an amendment to remove the “halo” provision, arguing it would prevent the public and journalists from exercising constitutional rights while observing law-enforcement encounters.
Leader Larry Lambert (floor recognition in…
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