Thread: TN: New laws now in effect

New laws now in effect
Thursday, January 3, 2008
By Brian Mosely

Jan. 1 not only brought us a new year, but new laws as well for the citizens of Tennessee.
A new law cracks down on the hiring of illegal immigrants in Tennessee. House Bill 729 prohibits persons from knowingly employing an illegal alien, recruiting or referring one for employment for a fee. It is punishable by business license suspension for one year after a second violation.

The new law also allows for governments to enter into agreements with the Department of Homeland Security for immigration enforcement, including investigations, detention, and removal.

Another new law states that farmers will be able to completely claim tax exemption on farm equipment, no matter the cost, as long as they have proof they qualify for the exemption.

The legislature has also repealed the previous 1.5 percent tax rate on goods for farmers for a total exemption. Also, machinery no longer has to cost at least $250 to be exempt as long as it is used directly for producing agriculture or nursery products.

Farmers will have to bring their Agriculture Sales and Use Tax Certificate of Exemption to buy equipment sales tax free.

Another law enacted deals with the use of firearms in violent crimes. Those found guilty will receive mandatory additional time if they are armed, which could range from three to seven years. Also extended was the statute of limitations on certain sex crimes involving minors The age limit for the offense of statutory rape has also been clarified.

Identity theft will be tougher for crooks to pull off due to a new law that prohibits businesses within the state from including Social Security numbers in consumer mailings.

Law enforcement officers are now required to take DNA samples from people charged with certain violent crimes, but if the charge is dismissed or the person is acquitted, the sample will be destroyed.

The income eligibility cap on the state's property tax relief program has been increased from $20,000 to $24,000. The program is open to those ages 65 or older and those who have service-connected disabilities.

New requirements have been placed on tax preparers who lend money to customers in anticipation of their federal income tax refunds. The preparers must clearly state the money is a loan and explain the interest rate and fees to their customers. They may not require a customer to take out a loan in order to have a tax return completed.

The enactment of a law that makes it easier for out-of-state companies to collect and pay Tennessee sales tax has been delayed.

One new measure that should have shoppers happy is Senate Bill 568, which, as reported earlier this week, reduces the state's tax on groceries from 6 to 5.5 percent.

However, some grocery purchases will not qualify for the reduced tax such as candy, dietary supplements, prepared food, alcoholic beverages and tobacco. Local option sales taxes remain at their same levels.

Also, Tennessee will get two sales tax free holidays this year on clothing, computers and school related items: a special holiday March 21-23, in addition to the annual back-to-school tax holiday which takes place in August.

© Copyright 2008, Shelbyville Times-Gazette
Story URL: http://www.t-g.com/story/1301369.html

Great news. We need the domino effect in every state to squeeze out the ability to remain illegally in the United States and to force illegal aliens to self deport.

Psalm 139:14