Tagged: Bill Haslam

Opponents of a Tennessee proposal protecting teachers who allow students to criticize evolution and other scientific theories like global warming are urging Governor Bill Haslam to veto the measure.  Several opponents of the legislation delivered a petition containing more than 3,000 signatures to Haslam spokesman David Smith outside the governor's office Thursday.  Smith told those who brought the petition he would make sure the governor got it.  Haslam says he’ll sign the proposal, which he says encourages critical thinking by protecting teachers from discipline if they help students crit

A proposal that would allow school board members in Tennessee to participate in meetings remotely is headed to Governor Bill Haslam for his consideration.  The measure was sent to Governor Haslam Thursday after the Senate agreed to minor changes made by the House.  The legislation would allow school board members to participate in a meeting electronically up to twice a year if they were out of the country for work, on military service or attending to a family emergency.  Sponsors say the bill is necessary because some school boards already allow remote attendance and proxy voting without an

A measure that would prohibit students from dressing indecently in school is headed to Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam's desk for his consideration.  The Senate passed the proposal 29-0 on Monday evening, and the House approved it 81-9 shortly afterward.  The legislation seeks to prohibit students from exposing "underwear or body parts in an indecent manner that disrupts the learning environment."  A stricter version of the proposal failed to pass the Legislature three years ago.

Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam says he may sign a proposal critics deride as the "monkey bill" for once again attacking evolution.  The measure would protect teachers who allow students to criticize scientific theories like evolution.  It’s headed to the governor after passing the Senate last month and the House last year.  When asked by a reporter Monday if he's leaning toward signing the measure, Haslam said "probably so."  Haslam says he's talked with the State Board of Education about whether the bill will affect the current curriculum and what's being taught in schools regarding evolut

Tennessee Republican Governor Bill Haslam is proposing a greater reduction in the states' sales tax on groceries as part of his final amendment to his annual spending plan.  Haslam says  he’s included an additional $3.3 million dollars in the budget proposal to drop the state sales tax on groceries from 5.5 percent to 5.25 percent.