Tennessee House of Representatives Speaker Beth Harwell (R-Nashville) and Representative Terri Lynn Weaver (R-Lancaster) announced today that the Tennessee House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation that allows for homeland security upgrades that the Tennessee Military Department will implement at armories and recruiting stations around the state. The “National Guard Force Protection Act of 2016” was introduced to ensure the safety of Tennessee National Guard service members in the wake of the Chattanooga attack in July of 2015. The legislation is sponsored by Representative Charles Sargent (R-Franklin).
“Each day, our service members put themselves in harm’s way to ensure we are safe and secure. The safety of our military men and women, as well as the general public, is of the utmost importance,” said Speaker Beth Harwell. “I was proud to cast my vote in support of this legislation.”
The enhancements at armories and recruiting stations throughout the state will include mobile ballistic shields, shatter resistant film for windows and doors, barriers in front of the buildings, cameras, and more.
“The Chattanooga attack was tragic and senseless. I am proud that we are making the implementation of these safety features a priority in the House of Representatives this year,” said Representative Weaver. “I thank all our Tennessee National Guardsmen and women for their service.”
Having passed unanimously in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, the legislation is headed to Governor Haslam’s desk for his signature. More information about the bill can be found here: http://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default.aspx?BillNumber=HB2149.
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