The Tennessee CapitolNASHVILLE – Tennessee Attorney General Robert Cooper says a so-called “ag gag” bill passed by state lawmakers is “constitutionally suspect” under the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment.
The 10-page legal opinion, released today, comes as Gov. Bill Haslam continues to wrestle over whether he will sign the bill, veto it or allow it to become law without his signature.
Haslam has said his decision will be based in part on legal advice.
The bill requires anyone who intentionally makes a picture or video showing livestock abuse provide copies to law enforcement officers within 48 hours. Failure to do so would be misdemeanor crime, subject to a $500 fine if found guilty.
In the opinion, Cooper said House Bill 1191 is constitutionally suspect on three grounds.