Gov Lee Signs State Bill SB-8005 Into Law

#51
#51
NorthDallas40 said:
This is from the article which has me concerned. I’m just going by it I didn’t read the bill.

“Most notably, the new law now states that those who illegally camp on state property would now face a Class E felony, punishable by up to six years in prison, rather than a misdemeanor. Felony convictions in Tennessee result in the revocation of an individual’s right to vote”

If that quote is correct then this sounds bad.

If the people are peacefully demonstrating leave them alone. If they get violent throw their ass in jail. If it’s closing time and they won’t leave get a damn fire hose or water cannon and clear them out but be sure to smile and invite them back the following morning at opening time! 🤷‍♂️
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Protesting and camping are different, no?
 
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#53
#53
volfanhill said:
Can I protest overnight? Two nights? 12 nights? Searching the constitution for how long I can protest. Yea don’t see it.
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Maybe it’s just me, but I assumed “Camp” meant that tents, sleeping bags, hammocks or the like we’re being setup.

Remember occupy Wall Street? Tent cities in California?

Where in the constitution does it say we have the right to indefinitely occupy someone else’s property?
 
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#54
#54
ajvol01 said:
Maybe it’s just me, but I assumed “Camp” meant that tents, sleeping bags, hammocks or the like we’re being setup.

Remember occupy Wall Street? Tent cities in California?

Where in the constitution does it say we have the right to indefinitely occupy someone else’s property?
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The way I read the law, if you sit down in a lawn chair in legislative plaza after 7 pm you're potentially a felon.
 
#58
#58
ajvol01 said:
Didn’t say you did. Just agreeing if that’s the “spirit of the law” then it’s ridiculous.
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I don't believe in the "spirit of the law" because a lawyer (prosecutor or defense attorney) can use the letter of the law to circumvent the spirit of the law.

Edit: not disagreeing that the spirit of the law may be different.
 
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#59
#59
volfanhill said:
Can I protest overnight? Two nights? 12 nights? Searching the constitution for how long I can protest. Yea don’t see it.
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Obviously this bill just hit and most of us, including myself, haven't done a deep dive yet.

If it is sitting on lawn after 7pm thrn that's nuts.

If it's not allowing tents and an occupy wallstreet scenario then I am for it.
 
#62
#62
volfanhill said:
Can I protest overnight? Two nights? 12 nights? Searching the constitution for how long I can protest. Yea don’t see it.
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I think the people are free to protest however long they want. But if they are inside a building or other secured area when last call is issued then it’s time to go from that area at least.

And I would submit that protesting /= inhabiting
 
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#63
#63
NEO said:
Obviously this bill just hit and most of us, including myself, haven't done a deep dive yet.

If it is sitting on lawn after 7pm thrn that's nuts.

If it's not allowing tents and an occupy wallstreet scenario then I am for it.
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Can't have "furniture." I'm not sure how "furniture" is defined, but I assume a zealous lawyer would define a lawn chair as furniture.
I used a hypothetical in another thread that I think shows the problems with this. What if a big abortion case is in front of the TN Supreme Court? Anti-abortion protesters want to make their voices heard, but the hearing is in the morning and some judges will be in early (maybe really early trying to avoid the protest). Some protesters decide to set up lawn chairs and wait for the judges overnight. They are now felons (if the DA chooses to prosecute).
 
#64
#64
NEO said:
Obviously this bill just hit and most of us, including myself, haven't done a deep dive yet.

If it is sitting on lawn after 7pm thrn that's nuts.

If it's not allowing tents and an occupy wallstreet scenario then I am for it.
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If property isn’t being destroyed then have at it. I am not a big believer in pissing on the constitution. Or limiting rights.
 
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#65
#65
clarksvol00 said:
The way I read the law, if you sit down in a lawn chair in legislative plaza after 7 pm you're potentially a felon.
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10 pm to 7 am

From the bill

(b) As used in this section, "camping" means at any time between ten o'clock
p.m. (10:00 p.m.) and seven o'clock a.m. (7:00 a.m.):
(1) Erecting, placing, maintaining, leaving, allowing to remain, or using a
piece of furniture, tent, raised tarp, or other temporary shelter, structure, or furniture;
(2) Sleeping or making preparation to sleep, including laying down a sleeping bag, blanket, or other material used for bedding;
(3) Placing or storing personal belongings for future use, including storing food for consumption;
(4) Carrying on cooking activities, whether by fire or use of artificial means, such as a propane stove or other heat-producing portable cooking equipment;
(5) Making a fire or preparing to make a fire; or
(6) Doing any digging or earth breaking.
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#66
#66
clarksvol00 said:
The way I read the law, if you sit down in a lawn chair in legislative plaza after 7 pm you're potentially a felon.
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And if that’s a reasonable interpretation of the law that’s frigging ridiculous.

On the other hand if it’s time to close the building and secure it you are welcome to stay in your chair as the security personnel pick it up and throw it outside?
 
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#68
#68
NorthDallas40 said:
Yes they are. But felony camping is ridiculous. I’m all for clearing out the premises at closing time tho.
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"camping" where it isn't convenient for politicians doesn't seem like a great reason to charge someone with a felony and to strip rights.

I can't imagine this is remotely constitutional.
 
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#69
#69
NEO said:
Obviously this bill just hit and most of us, including myself, haven't done a deep dive yet.

If it is sitting on lawn after 7pm thrn that's nuts.

If it's not allowing tents and an occupy wallstreet scenario then I am for it.
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@ajvol01 pointed out its 10 pm to 7am I was wrong on the times.
 
#70
#70
NorthDallas40 said:
And if that’s a reasonable interpretation of the law that’s frigging ridiculous.

On the other hand if it’s time to close the building and secure it you are welcome to stay in your chair as the security personnel pick it up and throw it outside?
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The issue in TN wasn't the interior of a building, but the open area in front of the state house. But, yeah, if the building is closed, get out or get turned out.
 
#72
#72
Septic said:
"camping" where it isn't convenient for politicians doesn't seem like a great reason to charge someone with a felony and to strip rights.

I can't imagine this is remotely constitutional.
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If people get charged with felonies simply for refusing to leave property or premises that’s ridiculous. A felony charge is serious. Overstaying your welcome while acting peacefully during your overstay until removed isn’t serious.
 
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#73
#73
clarksvol00 said:
The issue in TN wasn't the interior of a building, but the open area in front of the state house. But, yeah, if the building is closed, get out or get turned out.
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If it’s in an open space and people want to mill around all night long who cares.

But that doesn’t equate to setting up house. Just my own opinion but habitation /= protest. A good ole fashioned sit it? Sure. Even rotate shifts. Don’t care. Setting up tents and squatting? Stupid and ridiculous.
 
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#74
#74
volfanhill said:
If property isn’t being destroyed then have at it. I am not a big believer in pissing on the constitution. Or limiting rights.
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Its overkill.

I am assuming you will need protedting permits that can be revoked now.
 
#75
#75
clarksvol00 said:
Can't have "furniture." I'm not sure how "furniture" is defined, but I assume a zealous lawyer would define a lawn chair as furniture.
I used a hypothetical in another thread that I think shows the problems with this. What if a big abortion case is in front of the TN Supreme Court? Anti-abortion protesters want to make their voices heard, but the hearing is in the morning and some judges will be in early (maybe really early trying to avoid the protest). Some protesters decide to set up lawn chairs and wait for the judges overnight. They are now felons (if the DA chooses to prosecute).
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Sure you will be able to get protest permits
 
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