February 16, 2010
Sen. Jackson in middle of highly publicized bills
State Sen. Doug Jackson of Dickson has been part of several well-publicized bills already this year – introducing, supporting or simply voting – and he recently spoke to The Herald about all of them.
One of these bills is an amendment to the state constitution, proposed by Jackson, D-Dickson, to establish the right to hunt and fish, subject to reasonable restrictions set by law.
Hunting and fishing are deep-rooted traditions in many Tennessee households, but Jackson says these customs are under fire. Jackson aims to protect these statewide traditions by making them constitutional rights.
The state Senate voted unanimously in support of the resolution in January. Pending similar support of the House, the item will be on the November ballot, giving all a chance to vote on the issue.
Despite its popularity in the Senate, Jackson has taken heat from some who say he’s wasting time with the legislation.
But Jackson says hunters statewide are diminishing. He fears that hunting rights could soon be encroached on. Jackson said there are lobbying groups, such as PETA, whose goal it is to restrict hunting and fishing in the country.
Jackson said sportsmen contribute more than $1 billion annually to the state economy and he wants preserve the revenue source.
“By securing this right in the constitution, we’re laying the groundwork to preserve this tradition for many generations to come,” he said. “So that hunting and fishing is not subject to political whims.”
In 20 years, even if there are fewer hunters and fishermen, Jackson said the amendment will ensure their traditional pastimes continue.
Tennessee is among nine states nationwide considering similar legislation about preserving hunting rights.
Public notice change?
Jackson’s proposal tied into another motion proposed by state legislators changing how such amendments are advertised.
When an amendment to the state constitution is proposed, it must first be advertised in seven newspapers statewide. However, there is a measure aiming to change that law to something less costly.
http://www.tennessean.com/article/20100216/DICKSON01/100216042/2141/Sen.+Jackson+in+middle+of+highly+publicized+bills
