Bredesen has signed 126 bills into law
Bredesen has also signed legislation aimed at preventing theft of metals like copper. The proposal, which unanimously passed both chambers of the Legislature, requires scrap dealers to register with the state and for sellers to show a photo ID and submit a thumb print.
Supporters argue the law is necessary because as the price of copper has increased, thieves have responded by stripping buildings and air conditioners for lengths of copper pipes and other metals.
The governor has 10 days to sign or veto bills after they reach his desk. He can also allow bills to become laws without his signature. Most laws go into effect on July 1.
Bredesen has signed into law a bill inspired by parents’ frustration over tickets to last year’s “Hannah Montana” tour being snapped up by scalpers and sold at a hefty profit.
Starting in July, scalpers who use software to breach online security measures to buy tickets and then sell them for profit could be fined up to $5,000.
A law that requires principals to grant students up to 10 days of excused absence to visit their military parents or legal guardians who are stationed abroad takes effect immediately.
Dozens of the bills signed by the governor involve naming roads and bridges, alcohol-by-the-drink permits for specific restaurants and the routine extension of boards and commissions’ responsibilities.
Bredesen also approved a measure to extend the state’s commission on Indian affairs by another year. Senate Republicans had argued for phasing out the commission because of infighting among members and over concerns that the commission’s may want to seek federal recognition for tribes to allow casino gaming in Tennessee.
Beginning in July 2009, ages on driver’s licenses will be printed red numbers and in a larger font. Sen. Tim Burchett, a Knoxville Republican, said he sponsored the bill on behalf of an elderly liquor store owner in his district who has a hard time reading the current font for ages.
The law to limit operation of toll facilities in Tennessee to American-owned companies was approved by Bredesen despite the failure of another proposal to lift the cap on how many toll projects can be approved in the state. Current law limits such projects to one toll road and one toll bridge.
Bredesen also signed a proposal to legalize hunting with cable snare traps in the 21 East Tennessee counties where the practice had been banned. State law prohibits hunters from using nets, spring poles and deadfall traps.