2008 Report Archive

05/08/08

05/02/08

04/25/08

04/18/08

04/11/08

04/04/08

03/28/08

03/21/08

03/14/08

03/07/08

02/29/08

02/2208

02/15/08

02/07/08

02/01/08

01/25/08

01/18/08

01/11/08

2007 Year-End Report

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2008 Tennessee End of the Year Report
Tennessee Legislature Sine Dies for the Year

BILLS OF INTEREST TO THE TWSRA

The Tennessee State Legislature was a very busy year if you were a wine and spirits retailer. Bills were introduced dealing with the direct shipment of wine to consumers and with the sale of wine in grocery stores.  SB 1977/HB 1850 proposed to allow an in-state or out-of-state entity to ship wine directly to consumers age 21 years or older in TN if for personal use.  The bill changed sponsors in the House and never moved out of the subcommittee.  The Senate placed the bill on notice but never heard much discussion.  The Senate sponsor urged a summer study be formed to address consumer needs and shipping possibilities.

SB 3139/HB 3451 sponsored by Senator Ketron and Representative Rinks would allow for the sale of wine in certain retail food stores.  Proponents and opponents debated the bill and its Senate sponsor agreed to a summer study committee.  A summer study will allow all the parties to get involved in negotiations and consider the merit of addressing the bill the next general assembly. The Tn Grocer’s Association and the Convenience stores association formed a grassroots and internet based campaign called “Red White and Food” (www.redwhiteandfood.com).  Over 1,500 members have signed up for the effort. Media blitzes and editorials will continue throughout the summer as this issue is studied.   Get ready for another busy year when the legislature reconvenes.
 
Other Bills of Interest

• A bill was passed that would require the regulating entities to notify holders of licenses of any changes in applicable laws.  This bill becomes effective on January 1, 2009.
• Both houses passed a bill requiring the ABC to deposit fines it collects in the general fund from a person whose license was revoked or suspended.
• A bill was introduced that would decrease the number of years a person must be a Tennessee resident before obtaining a retailer license.  The bill was never scheduled in committee.
• The tastings bill took a back seat to the selling of wine in grocery stores, but it is still an important piece to consider as the summer study goes forth.

All members of the House up for re-election this year and half of the 33 members in the Senate up for re-election.  With such a close margin of control in the Republican State Senate, several senate seats will be heavily campaigned for by the Republicans. The House has a slim Democratic majority, and the Democrats will be expected to remain in control after this fall’s election.  The 106th Tennessee General Assembly will convene for its organizational session on January 13, 2009. David and I appreciate the opportunity to represent the Tennessee Wine and Spirit Retailers Association’s  interests on Capitol Hill.  Please feel free to contact us at any time if we can be of assistance at david@mmwlobbyists.com or beth@mmwlobbyists.com.