In this Jan. 28, 2015, file photo, state Rep. Ron Travis asks Gov. Bill Haslam a question about his Insure Tennessee plan which could expand Medicare to thousands of people in the state of Tennessee. Gov. Haslam spoke while visiting the Cherokee Health Systems office in downtown Chattanooga.NASHVILLE – A successful marriage bill evidently requires a good amendment to pass when it comes to the Tennessee House.
That was certainly the case Thursday for Rep. Ron Travis, R-Dayton, who just last week saw his bill to allow members of the General Assembly to solemnize marriages founder amid questions and concerns voiced by colleagues.
A week later and a new amendment crafted by Rep. Mike Carter, R-Ooltewah, helped the bill pick up steam. Under the amendment, current and former legislators would have to opt into the would-be law’s provisions in order to perform the ceremonies.
To do so, a legislator would have to file notice of his or her intention to solemnize the rite of matrimony with the Office of Vital Records.
After Travis explained the amendment and it was adopted, House Bill 213 flew through on a 70-16 vote with no debate.