Disability Rights Tennessee

Our Policy team has a recap of what happened in the last week and what is to come this week at the TN legislature. DRT prioritizes monitoring bills that could impact people living with disabilities and/or mental illness. Last Week’s Recap: ??? HJR 304 (Alexander) recognizes March 1st as the “Day of Mourning” in the disability community, honoring victims who were disabled and killed by their caregivers. On 3/13/25, HJR304 passed in the Senate, and Courtney Johnson, Governor-appointed council member for TN Council on Development Disabilities, was recognized on the House Floor. ?? HB712/SB1178 (Hale/Akbari) passed out of Senate and House committees on 3/12/25, which was also Disability Day on the Hill. This bill directs TennCare and the Department of Disability and Aging (DDA) to develop guidelines for hiring qualified family members as caregivers and stops unfair rules against hiring them. What’s Ahead This Week: ??? HB139/SB159 (Warner/Hensley): Prohibits using voting machines or equipment to cast, receive, or transmit election ballots via the internet. Senate State and Local Government Committee on 3/18/25 at 10:30 AM. ?? HB556/SB1373 (Capley/Watson): Requires all written driver license exams to be administered in English only and prohibits the use of translation dictionaries, electronic devices, or interpreters. House Transportation Subcommittee on 3/18/25 at 12:00 PM and Senate Transportation and Safety Committee on 3/19/25 at 8:45 AM. Stay informed and engaged! Subscribe and read more on our website: https://lnkd.in/ggy-T5p9

Did you miss last week's This is Nashville on Nashville Public Radio-WPLN 90.3 and 1430 a.m.? It's not too late to check out DRT's very own, Zoe Jamail, as she joins others in the community to discuss school threat assessment laws and the unintended consequences they’ve created, especially for students with disabilities. Listen here: https://lnkd.in/eSbUgvUU

BIG Win: Landmark Settlement for Deaf Prisoners in Tennessee We are excited to share that a landmark settlement has been made with the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC). This means deaf prisoners will now get videophones, sign language interpreters, and other important help in TDOC facilities across Tennessee. This is a huge achievement in making sure deaf prisoners have the same rights and access as everyone else. Discover how this settlement will transform the lives of deaf prisoners by providing equal access to crucial services and opportunities. Read the full press release from Disability Rights Tennessee, Disability Rights Advocates, Disability Law United, and Fox & Robertson our website: https://lnkd.in/eWskQBGa

?? What bills are we tracking? Find out in this week's Policy Watch Newsletter, which just hit inboxes! Stay informed by making sure you're subscribed to the newsletter. Click the link in our profile to sign up! View the newsletter and sign up to get next week's newsletter >>> https://lnkd.in/ggy-T5p9

Wishing Lisa Primm a happy retirement and celebrating Anna Bass as she steps into the role of Executive Director! While the DRT family is sad to see Lisa leave the agency, we look forward to furthering the work that we do to make sure that Tennesseans living with disabilities and/or mental illness live safe and fulfilling lives in their community under Anna’s leadership. “The future of DRT is filled with possibilities to further the vision of a state where Tennesseans with disabilities live, work, and participate in a community without harm, discrimination, or barriers,” said Bass. “It is my honor to be entrusted with leading our amazing team into the next chapter. WE are going to do great things!”

Did you know that DRT provides resources and advocacy for assistive technology? Assistive Technology (AT) is any item or piece of equipment that improves independence and access for people with disabilities. There are many types of AT. Some are low tech and some are high tech. Want to learn more? Visit https://lnkd.in/eiTHQ3iQ Need help? Contact us at 1-800-342-1660 or [email protected] www.DisabilityRightsTN.org

With February comes longer days and a little more light—both outside and within. ??? Take time to care for your mental health, embrace the small joys, and remember: brighter days are ahead. ??

The DRT Policy Watch Newsletter is out! See what bills DRT heard in committee last week and what bills we're tracking for this week. Stay informed by making sure you're subscribed to the newsletter. Click the link in our profile to sign up!

DRT will be closed on Presidents' Day to honor the holiday, but our Get Help line is always open! ???? You can contact us at 1-800-342-1660 or [email protected] www.DisabilityRightsTN.org

Happy Valentine’s Day! Wishing you a day filled with kindness, love, and self-care. ??