Tennessee State
As Tennessee’s regular legislative session progresses, AMAC is actively tracking dozens of harmful bills that threaten civil rights, immigrant protections, and the well-being of our communities. From restrictions on education and public resources to increased surveillance and policing, these policies aim to roll back essential protections.
AMAC remains committed to working with partners to challenge these harmful provisions, mobilize community voices, and advocate for policies that promote equity and justice. Through legal action, grassroots organizing, and direct advocacy, we will continue to defend our communities and push for a more inclusive Tennessee.
House Bill 793, filed by House Majority Leader William Lamberth and Senator Bo Watson, would grant public schools the discretion to deny enrollment to undocumented children. The House Republican Caucus stated that the bill aims to challenge a 1982 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that guarantees all children equal access to public education. Watson argued that limited education resources should be reserved for children who are legally present.
If passed, the bill would likely face legal challenges, as education is considered a fundamental right for all children in the U.S. Lamberth justified the proposal by claiming undocumented immigrants place a strain on public resources, particularly schools. However, opponents, including Republican Senator Todd Gardenhire, noted that Tennessee relies on a sales tax system rather than income tax, meaning undocumented residents contribute financially like everyone else.
This session has seen multiple immigration-related bills. House Bill 145 would require parents who are not “lawful residents” to pay tuition and fees for their children to attend public schools. Additionally, the bill would bar financial institutions from making international transfers without verifying immigration status, granting the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions authority to demand immigration records without a court order.
Since the special legislative session ended, lawmakers have resumed filing bills on various issues. Following the school shooting at Antioch High School—the second school shooting after Covenant—there have been renewed calls for stronger gun laws. Gun reform was largely off the table during the special session, as discussions were limited to topics outlined in the governor’s proclamation. Now, several bills addressing gun ownership and regulation have been introduced.
Expands reckless endangerment laws to include individuals who allow a child under 13 to access a firearm, if that child then injures or kills themselves or someone else.
Makes it a Class A misdemeanor to “recklessly store” a firearm in a way that could allow a minor to access it and bring it to school.
Prohibits healthcare professionals from asking patients if they own or have access to firearms, with exceptions for mental health professionals. Violations would result in disciplinary action from licensing boards and a $1,000 fine per offense.
HB 430/SB 500: “Protect Kids Not Guns Act”
Criminalizes improper firearm storage.
Bans large-capacity magazines.
Establishes a red flag law / Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO), allowing judges to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a risk, based on petitions from family members, law enforcement, or household members
A proposed constitutional amendment that would strip the state legislature of its authority to regulate firearms.
National
Standing alongside Prime Minister Netanyahu at the White House, President Trump announced his desire for the United States to take control of the Gaza Strip and transform it into “the riviera of the Middle East.” His plan involves relocating Palestinians elsewhere and repopulating the area with a global community. He stated that Palestinians have "no choice" but to leave and did not rule out deploying American troops to oversee redevelopment.
The proposal has been widely condemned as an endorsement of ethnic cleansing and forced displacement, with critics warning that it violates international law and Palestinians' right to their land. Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and other nations have strongly opposed the plan, arguing that it would destabilize the region, escalate the conflict, and undermine efforts toward a two-state solution. Despite this, Netanyahu praised Trump’s “out-of-the-box” approach and his leadership in brokering a ceasefire.
President Trump signed an executive order eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) positions in the federal government and threatening to cut funding to institutions with DEI policies. In response, professors, university diversity officials, nonprofits, and local governments have joined forces to challenge the order in court.
The lawsuit argues that the order is unconstitutional, violating both the First and Fifth Amendments, and threatens academic freedom and equal access to higher education. Plaintiffs claim the order unfairly restricts institutions from fostering inclusive environments and limits opportunities for underrepresented groups.
Elon Musk has called for the elimination of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), labeling it a "criminal organization." In response, 606 employees have been placed on leave, and 791 personal service contracts have been terminated. Since Tuesday, the agency’s website has been offline.
USAID provides aid to countries recovering from disasters, facing poverty, or undergoing democratic reforms. Its work spans gender equality, women’s empowerment, agriculture, food security, education, and global health. The President has also pushed to dismantle the agency, calling its employees “radical left lunatics.” He argues that an act of Congress is not necessary to eliminate USAID, though legal experts disagree.
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