Tagged: wkms

Kentucky's Senate Judiciary Committee has passed a measure controlling the production and sale of synthetic drugs that mimic the effects of methamphetamine, marijuana and other controlled substances.  The legislature had already banned hallucinogenic drugs known as "bath salts" and synthetic marijuana, but chemists have gotten around the ban by slightly altering formulas. The new bill's approach would ban whole categories of compounds. Penalties for first-time offenders could include forfeiture of property, fines, jail time and loss of alcohol sale licenses.

The measure creating an external panel to review child abuse cases involving fatalities and near-fatalities has been revived in a committee moments after dying in another.  The bill, sponsored by Democratic Representative Susan Westrom, creates a 13-member panel of experts to review how the Cabinet for Health and Family Services handles cases.  It also establishes an independent office of investigation for child protective services.  Westrom's bill was heard Tuesday by the Senate Health and Welfare Committee, but it included several amendments favored by Republican chairwoman Julie Denton.

A proposal preventing Tennessee students from being discriminated against for expressing religious beliefs is headed for a state House floor vote.  The measure sponsored by Republican Representative Andy Holt passed the House Education Committee on a voice vote Tuesday.  The companion bill is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Education Committee today.  Holt says he proposed the legislation after talking with a concerned school board member in his district.