Committee advances bill to bar WHO, UN and WEF policies from governing Tennessee; resident warns of 'government overreach'

Chairman Rutt presented House Bill 318, saying the measure states that policies of the World Health Organization, the United Nations or the World Economic Forum have "no jurisdiction in Tennessee," and that the state will take policy direction from federal and state authorities rather than international organizations. The sponsor said the bill does not attempt to override federal law but insists Tennessee will defer to elected U.S. officials and federal agencies on matters such as travel advisories and quarantine.

During public testimony, Macy Fluharty, a Davidson County resident, urged legislators to vote no. "The war on science waged by the far right is not only silly but dangerous," Fluharty said, arguing that WHO guidance is based on "extensive peer reviewed studies" and that the bill would remove autonomy from local governments to protect public health. She urged lawmakers to "put your identity politics against science to the side and vote no against this forceful and dangerous display of government overreach."

Representative Salinas asked whether the bill would affect international travel and airport advisories; Rutt replied the federal government, via agencies such as the FAA and CDC, sets travel policy and the bill would not itself change federal authority. Rutt further noted the United States was not a member of the WHO at the time he spoke and that travel restrictions are set by federal authorities.

After testimony and questioning, the committee voted to move HB 318 to full committee (4 ayes, 1 no). The action advances the bill for further consideration and committee debate at the next stage.