Bill Would Ban Convicted Lawmakers from Insurance

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Tennessee lawmakers convicted of a felony involving public office would forfeit their access to state health insurance benefits under a proposal that passed the Senate.

The measure sponsored by Republican Sen. Jack Johnson of Franklin was unanimously approved Monday evening.

The proposal does allow for a person to resume access if the conviction is overturned and the individual is acquitted or granted a full pardon.

Johnson says the spouse or children of the convicted individual would still be eligible for state health insurance.

He says the proposal won't affect those former lawmakers convicted in the FBI's Tennessee Waltz corruption sting in 2005.

The companion bill is awaiting a vote in the Senate State and Local Government Committee.

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Read SB2205 at: http://www.capitol.tn.gov

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