Governor Bredesen Signs Six Bills Into Law

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

June 16, 2008

Governor Phil Bredesen signed six bills into law Thursday, including: The TennCare Fraud Bill (SB 4188/HB 4151), a bill enacting the Haley Ham Law (SB 2399/HB 2808), the Adam Walsh Bill (HB 4197/SB 4199), the Scrap Metals Bill (SB 2400/HB 2433), a bill that enacts the “Josh Osborne Law” (SB 2580/ HB 2465), and the Water Quality Testing of the Pigeon River Bill (SB 2979/ HB 3482).

The Josh Osborne law will include the natural effects of starvation and dehydration for the purpose of determining what constitutes child abuse or neglect under Tennessee law.

“By strengthening our child abuse laws, we are sending a strong message that Tennessee is serious about protecting our children’s welfare,” Bredesen said. “I’d like to acknowledge Josh Osborne, who worked tirelessly to bring this issue to light, in order to help other children who have suffered as he has.”

The Haley Ham Law requires all antifreeze or engine coolant containing at least 10 percent ethylene glycol to contain a bittering agent.

“This law will protect young children and beloved pets alike from the dangerous effects of ingesting antifreeze,” Bredesen said. “The State of Tennessee salutes Haley Ham for her dedication to this cause, and for her efforts to make Tennessee a safer place for people and animals.”

The TennCare Fraud Bill will aid investigation of fraud and abuse in TennCare by making lying or willfully withholding evidence in connection with an investigation of TennCare fraud a felony.

The Adam Walsh Bill makes several changes to Tennessee law regarding Sexual Offenders’ Registry by increasing regulation and monitoring of past sexual offenders.

The Scrap Metals Bill requires the registration of dealers buying and selling scrap metal in an effort to crack down on the sale of stolen copper.

The Water Quality Testing of the Pigeon River Bill will enable the state of Tennessee to better monitor the water quality of the Pigeon River where it enters Tennessee from North Carolina.