Updated 8/13/20

Tennessee lawmakers finished a special session in pandemic times Wednesday by passing a sweeping proposal that would significantly stiffen penalties against protesters demanding racial justice.
In the narrow scope of the three-day election-year session, no steps were taken to provide more relief to Tennessee workers who have lost their jobs due to the global pandemic.
Efforts to increase law enforcement oversight were rebuffed by the GOP-dominant Statehouse.
Instead, the majority-white General Assembly chose to focus their attention on the ongoing protests that have been led by mostly young Black activists outside the Capitol, who have been calling for racial justice reforms for the past two months.
Under the proposal targeting protests, those who illegally camp on state property would now face a Class E felony rather than a misdemeanor. Felony convictions in Tennessee result in the revocation of an individual’s right to vote.
Leaders of the protest have sought meetings with top GOP leaders, particularly Governor Bill Lee, but have been thus far denied.
In the liability debate, leaders argued their actions to protect entities ranging from businesses to school districts would provide needed assurances to boost the state’s economy which is suffering due to COVID-19 closures.
Lee convened the special legislative session after lawmakers failed to pass COVID liability legislation before they initially adjourned in mid-June.
 He had signed an executive order protecting health care providers while lawmakers quibbled over their differences.
70th District Representative Clay Doggett will be guest on WKSR 100.9 Bonus Hour Friday at 8:45 a.m. to give more details in this week's special session.