Ford Motor Co. might have been satisfied with last-minute changes inserted in COVID-19 legislation last week, but two major business groups are upset with the haste of the special session and legislation that could put companies at risk of being sued.
The National Federation of Independent Business and Tennessee Business Roundtable both made harsh critiques this week in the aftermath of the three-day session that ended early Saturday morning after hours of work to amend key bills. The lawmakers called themselves into session for the purpose of reining in mandates and requirements that have been put in place in an attempt to stop the spread of the virus, which has killed 16,450 people in Tennessee.
Democrats called on Gov. Bill Lee on Tuesday to veto four of the bills passed during the special session. Lee is non-committal so far, saying he is reviewing the legislation.
Business groups are having no trouble voicing their opposition, but it’s unclear whether that will have an impact on Lee’s decision.
“We’re disappointed in the overall process. We’re disappointed that the legislation was rushed so quickly without public comment, with only a few exceptions. And we’re hopeful the General Assembly will be more transparent during extraordinary sessions going forward,” said Jim Brown, state director for the National Federation of Independent Business.