[Tn-talk] NFBTN Bill: Soon to Pass Tennessee House and Senate

[james brown]

Dear NFBTN Members and Friends,

 

I want to let everyone know how our legislation is doing.  The bill will
most likely hit the floor of the Tennessee Senate and House and pass next
week, but unfortunately, we could not pass the Clear and Convincing portion
of the bill.  The BAR Association came out against the Clear and Convincing
language in order to protect, in my opinion, the broad power of judges all
around the state.  However, we did make sure the possibility of presumption
of Unfitness was removed from the code.  

 

In short, we raised the legal standard, just not as much as we would have
hoped.  Tennessee is at least now on equal footing with disability laws in
states like Louisiana.  The NFBTN and the Disability Law and Advocacy Center
are going to attempt to monitor the custody rights of parents with
disabilities over the next three years to determine if this continues to be
a problem.  Senator Bell has already promised to sponsor our next bill on
this issue in three years if Tennessee judges are still determined to
discriminate against our families.

 

The NFBTN is also beginning talks with the new DCS Commissioner to initiate
training for Social Workers done by parents with disabilities.  We believe
this will be the start of a new relationship between the blind and the
Department of Children Services.

 

I also want to take a moment to Thank Joe Shaw and his Legislative Committee
for doing such a fantastic job.  Additionally, this couldn't have happened
without all the NFBTN members calling in and voicing their opinions.  You
all have truly made a difference!  

 

Next year we may try and tackle the notable lack of Braille instruction in
Tennessee.  Representative Brooks, who spoke at our state convention in
Knoxville, is the Chair of the House Education Committee, and it is my
sincere wish that he'll be a champion for Braille next year.  If we work
together, we can do absolutely anything we set our minds to!

 

Warmly, 

     

 

James Brown, President

National Federation of the Blind of Tennessee

E-mail: president at nfb-tn.org

Cell: (615) 412-9632

www.nfb-tn.org

nfb logo

 

 

 

 

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