Anaya Nolan
Tennessee has recently passed a bill that has sparked controversy over its potential threat to the rights of protesters. The bill, which grants immunity to drivers who hit protesters, has raised concerns among residents, lawmakers, and human rights groups, who argue that it could enable drivers to intentionally harm protesters without facing legal consequences. While supporters of the bill claim that it aims to protect the safety of citizens and ensure peaceful protests, opponents worry that it may discourage citizens from exercising their right to protest and jeopardize their safety. This bill is one of many filed nationwide targeting protesters, and it remains a divisive issue in Tennessee and across the United States.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bill Number | HB 0668 |
| Bill Introduced | 8 February 2017 |
| Bill Status | Stalled |
| Bill Sponsor | Representative Matthew Hill (R-Jonesborough) |
| Bill Supporters | Senator Bill Ketron (R-Murfreesboro) |
| Bill Opponents | Senator Jeff Yarbro, Human Rights Groups, Lawyers |
| Bill Context | Increase in protests in Nashville |
| Bill Similarities | North Carolina, Rhode Island, Texas, Florida, North Dakota, Kentucky |
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What You'll Learn
- Tennessee's Senate Bill 902 penalises protests that obstruct emergency vehicles
- Tennessee's House Bill 0668 would grant drivers immunity for hitting protesters
- Tennessee's HB 0668 was introduced in February 2017
- Tennessee's bill was among a dozen proposals by Republicans to curb protests
- Tennessee's bill was criticised by human rights groups and lawyers
Tennessee's Senate Bill 902 penalises protests that obstruct emergency vehicles
In 2017, Tennessee proposed a bill to address protesters blocking traffic. The bill stated that if a driver hit a protester who was obstructing traffic during a protest, the protester would not be able to sue the driver for any injuries sustained. This bill was not passed.
Supporters of the bill argued that it was a public safety measure intended to protect the right to peaceful protest. They asserted that protesters blocking roads or highways jeopardized the safety of travellers and that there was a clear distinction between peaceful protesting and lawless rioting. Senator Bill Ketron, who introduced the bill, emphasized the existence of a procedure for peaceful protests, aimed at ensuring the safety of citizens. Representative Matthew Hill, the bill's sponsor, also clarified that they were not endorsing the act of running over people with cars.
However, critics of the bill expressed concerns about its potential implications. Some interpreted it as suggesting that protesters would be blamed if they got hurt. This sentiment was echoed by Chattanooga resident Katie Jacobs, who joined the Women's March on Washington. She stated, "It's discouraging. 'Oh, you're protesting so it's your fault if you get hurt,' I feel like that's the attitude some people would take. And that's not the direction we want to go in."
In 2021, a similar proposal to grant legal immunity to drivers who hit protesters and increase penalties for demonstrators obstructing major roads was stalled. This proposal was among a dozen submissions by Republicans aimed at curbing protests that temporarily halted traffic, a tactic used during demonstrations against racial injustice in the summer of 2020. While Oklahoma passed a similar law, efforts were made to gather signatures to nullify it in 2022.
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Tennessee's House Bill 0668 would grant drivers immunity for hitting protesters
In 2017, Tennessee proposed House Bill 0668, which would have granted civil immunity to drivers who hit protesters blocking traffic. The bill was introduced by Senator Bill Ketron and sponsored by Representative Matthew Hill. According to the bill's supporters, it aimed to protect citizens' right to peaceful protest while ensuring the safety of both protesters and travellers. They argued that protesters blocking roads or highways jeopardize the safety of others and that law enforcement should handle such situations.
However, critics of the bill expressed concerns about the message it sends. They argued that it could be interpreted as "if you're protesting and you get hurt, it's your fault." This perspective discourages citizens from engaging in their right to protest. Furthermore, critics highlighted that it is already a violation of the law to obstruct traffic, and law enforcement should address such situations without putting protesters at risk of injury by drivers.
The bill stated that drivers would not be immune from civil liability if their actions leading to injuries were willful. Nevertheless, opponents feared that the legislation could endorse the idea of running over protesters with a car. Despite these concerns, lawmakers in Oklahoma passed a similar law in the same year, prompting efforts to nullify it in 2022.
In 2021, a similar proposal in Tennessee, among a dozen others submitted by Republicans, stalled. These proposals aimed to curb protests that temporarily paralyze traffic, a tactic used during demonstrations against racial injustice in the summer of 2020. While Tennessee's bill did not pass, it reflects a broader trend of legislative efforts to limit certain protest activities and the potential legal consequences for drivers who injure protesters.
While the specific details of each state's legislation may vary, these bills generally seek to balance the rights of protesters to assemble and express their views with the need to maintain public safety and order. The debate surrounding Tennessee House Bill 0668 and similar proposals highlights the complexities of navigating these competing interests and the potential consequences for both protesters and drivers.
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Tennessee's HB 0668 was introduced in February 2017
Tennessee's HB 0668, introduced in February 2017, addresses protesters who block traffic. The bill states that if a driver hits a protester who is blocking traffic during a protest or demonstration, the protester would not be able to sue the driver for any injuries sustained. However, the bill also mentions that a driver would not be immune from civil liability if their actions leading to the injuries were willful.
The bill's proponents, such as Senator Bill Ketron (R-Murfreesboro) and Representative Matthew Hill (R-Jonesborough), have framed it as a public safety measure to protect everyone's right to peaceful protest. They argue that protesters blocking roads or highways jeopardize the safety of travellers and that there is a clear difference between peaceful protesting and lawless rioting.
On the other hand, critics of the bill, like Katie Jacobs of Chattanooga, who participated in the Women's March on Washington, find it discouraging. Jacobs expresses concern that the bill implies that protesters are at fault if they get hurt, which she believes is not the direction society should be moving in. Asyja Pryor, a member of Concerned Citizens for Justice who attends rallies and protests in Chattanooga, shares similar concerns.
While Tennessee's HB 0668 did not explicitly state that it was legal to hit protesters, it proposed providing legal immunity to drivers who accidentally injure protesters blocking traffic. This bill sparked controversy and concerns about protesters' rights and safety. Ultimately, the bill did not pass, and Tennessee spiked similar proposals in 2021.
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Tennessee's bill was among a dozen proposals by Republicans to curb protests
In 2017, a Tennessee bill addressing protesters who block traffic was proposed. The bill stated that if a driver hit a protester who was blocking traffic during a protest or demonstration, the protester would not be able to sue the driver for any injuries. The bill specified that a driver would not be immune from civil liability if their actions leading to the injuries were willful. Senator Bill Ketron, who introduced the bill, and Representative Matthew Hill, who sponsored it, asserted that the bill was about ensuring citizens' right to peaceful protest and protecting their safety. They clarified that it was not about endorsing anyone running over a person with a car.
However, this bill was among a dozen proposals by Republicans aimed at curbing protests that temporarily paralyze traffic. Similar proposals were also made by Republicans across the country. For example, Oklahoma lawmakers passed a law providing legal immunity to drivers who hit protesters, which sparked a signature-gathering effort to nullify it in 2022. The Tennessee bill faced legal concerns and was stalled, with the Senate Judicial panel deciding to pause the proposal and possibly reconsider it the following year.
The bill sparked concerns and criticism from citizens and activists. Some interpreted the bill as implying that if protesters get hurt, it is their fault. Others argued that law enforcement should handle situations where protesters obstruct traffic, not citizens.
In recent news, Tennessee Republicans expelled two House Democrats, known as the 'Tennessee Three,' for leading a pro-gun reform protest. The expulsions resulted in the removal of elected representation for over 200,000 Tennesseans and highlighted the Republican majority's swift action on decorum breaches, particularly in the context of the recent mass shooting.
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Tennessee's bill was criticised by human rights groups and lawyers
Tennessee's House Bill 0668 has sparked outrage and concern among residents, lawmakers, and human rights groups. The bill proposes that drivers who unintentionally injure or kill protesters blocking traffic are exempt from civil liability. This means that if a driver hits a protester who is obstructing the road, the protester or their family cannot sue the driver for damages. While supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to maintain public safety and protect the rights of peaceful protesters, many critics argue that it could be exploited and endanger the lives of protesters and pedestrians.
Human rights groups have criticized the bill as a "knee-jerk law," expressing concern that it could enable drivers to intentionally harm protesters without facing legal consequences. They argue that the bill sends a message that it is acceptable to use violence against protesters, which could escalate tensions and lead to more severe injuries or deaths. The bill also raises ethical and financial concerns, especially in light of the increasing number of pedestrian accidents in Tennessee. Nashville, for instance, has one of the highest mortality rates involving pedestrians in the country.
Lawyers have also raised concerns about the potential impact of the bill on existing laws. They argue that the term "due care," which refers to a driver's duty to exercise reasonable care to avoid injuring others, is open-ended and could be easily manipulated by the defense. This could make it difficult to hold drivers accountable for their actions and ensure justice for victims. The bill also raises questions about the role of law enforcement in managing protests and protecting the rights of all citizens.
The Tennessee bill is part of a broader trend of states proposing and passing legislation to restrict the rights of protesters. Similar bills have been introduced in other states, including Oklahoma, North Dakota, South Dakota, Florida, North Carolina, Rhode Island, and Texas. These bills often target protesters who block traffic or increase penalties for trespassing and rioting. While supporters argue that these laws are necessary to maintain order and protect public safety, critics contend that they infringe on constitutional rights to free speech and peaceful assembly.
The Tennessee bill has sparked intense debate and controversy. While some argue that it is necessary to balance the rights of protesters with the rights of citizens to safely use roadways, others contend that it could lead to the suppression of free speech and the endangerment of lives. The bill's potential impact on existing laws and the role of law enforcement in managing protests are also subjects of discussion and concern.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Tennessee did not pass such a law. In 2017, the state proposed a bill that would have provided legal immunity to drivers who unintentionally injure protesters blocking traffic. However, this bill did not become law.
The bill aimed to protect citizens' right to peacefully protest while also ensuring the safety of those involved. Supporters of the bill argued that protesters blocking roads or highways jeopardize the safety of others and that there is a distinction between peaceful protesting and rioting.
While Tennessee's bill did not pass, other states have considered similar proposals. Oklahoma passed a law in 2022 that criminalizes trespassing on "critical infrastructure," which includes areas with pipeline interconnections that have been the site of protests. This law can interfere with journalists' ability to cover demonstrations.
