The House is taking up a bill Monday that was designed to evict Occupy Nashville but could also be used to jail homeless people around the state.
The "Equal Access to Public Property Act of 2012" makes it a crime to camp on any state-owned land that is not specifically designated for camping.
The definition of camping is very broad. It includes storing personal belongings, digging and cooking.
Those violating the proposed law could have their belongings seized and face nearly a year in jail or a $2,500 fine or both.
Senate sponsor Dolores Gresham said in an interview the intent of the bill was not to target the homeless but to make the grounds around the Capitol available to everyone by clearing out the permanent encampment of protesters.
A final vote to ban occupiers from camping on public land is underway at Capitol Hill Monday.
The House will vote on an amended version of the bill Monday. The Senate approved the measure 20-10 last Thursday.
The original bill passed the House 70-26 on February 23.
Monday, May 20 2013 3:07 PM EDT2013-05-20 19:07:34 GMT
Country crooner Brad Paisley forgot the lyrics to one of his popular songs during his performance at the State of the Metro Address Monday morning at the newly opened Music City Center.More >>
Country crooner Brad Paisley forgot the lyrics to one of his popular songs during his performance at the State of the Metro Address Monday morning at the newly opened Music City Center.More >>
Monday, May 20 2013 5:14 PM EDT2013-05-20 21:14:13 GMT
Jonathan Greene has been convicted of multiple DUIs and his neighbors worry about their safety when he is out of jail. More >>
Jonathan Greene has been convicted of multiple DUIs and his neighbors worry about their safety when he is out of jail. Greene was released from the Wilson County jail following at DUI conviction and faces another DUI charge in Davidson County.More >>
Monday, May 20 2013 6:42 AM EDT2013-05-20 10:42:59 GMT
Gabriel Swaney was reported missing early Monday morning and was recovered hours later with his father, 30-year-old Michael Swaney, who was taken into custody.More >>
Gabriel Swaney was reported missing early Monday morning and was recovered hours later with his father, 30-year-old Michael Swaney, who was taken into custody.More >>
Sunday, May 19 2013 5:58 PM EDT2013-05-19 21:58:21 GMT
On Saturday in Murfreesboro, Lebanon officers along with officers from the Murfreesboro Police Department arrested Seay on charges resulting from the crash investigation.More >>
On Saturday in Murfreesboro, Lebanon officers along with officers from the Murfreesboro Police Department arrested Seay on charges resulting from the crash investigation.More >>
