Tennessee House approves bills on license-plate devices, school program alternative, stricter penalties for hemp-derived gummies and commemorative days

The Tennessee House of Representatives approved a slate of bills on Wednesday on the House floor in Nashville, advancing measures that sponsors said respond to public-safety and education concerns and designating special observance days.

Lawmakers approved legislation to give law-enforcement officers discretion to impound vehicles fitted with “license plate flippers,” authorize a law-enforcement–led classroom program as an alternative to DARE, and tighten penalties for sales of certain hemp-derived cannabinoid products. Members also adopted resolutions and bills naming days of observance to honor local figures and organizations.

Supporters said the bills address problems raised by educators, law enforcement and local officials. Representative Martin, sponsor of House Bill 300, said the measure "authorizes law enforcement to impound a vehicle fastened with a license plate flipper if the device cannot be removed quickly or safely by the owner or operator of the vehicle. Additionally, it requires a reasonable cost associated with impoundment to be paid by the offender." Martin renewed his motion for passage after a Transportation Committee amendment was adopted; the bill passed on third reading.

On education, Representative Butler described House Bill 382 as permitting the "law enforcement against drugs and violence" program to be made available to local education agencies as an alternative to the DARE program. Committee amendment 1 was adopted and the bill passed on third reading.

Representative Howell,…