Representative David Byrd District 71 Capitol Hill Update

State as a Model Employer / Individuals with Disabilities – Public Chapter 575 puts Tennessee on track to become a “State as a Model Employer” (SAME) for individuals with disabilities. The legislation ensures that state agencies and departments design and implement promising and emerging policies, practices and procedures that focus on recruitment, hiring, advancement and retention of qualified individuals with disabilities.

Direct Support Professionals / Pay Increases – Public Chapter 576 increases pay for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), who provide care to some of Tennessee’s most vulnerable citizens who suffer from a variety of disabilities. The budget supports pay increases for DSPs from a minimum of $10.50 to $12.50 per hour.

Organ Transplants / Individuals with Disabilities – Public Chapter 441 prohibits health care providers or other entities from discriminating against individuals with disabilities for the purpose of organ transplantations.

Precious Cargo Act – Public Chapter 55 aids individuals who need assistance in expressing themselves or in exiting the vehicle when approached by law enforcement or first responders. The legislation updates the Tennessee Vehicle Title and Registration System (VTRS) database in order for law enforcement to have the appropriate information when a check is run on the affected person’s license plate.

As always, I am truly humbled and honored to be your voice on Capitol Hill. If there is ever any issue I can assist with, please reach out to my office by calling 615-741-2190 or emailing me at [email protected]