Tenn. politicians support patriotic bills

NASHVILLE, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- In the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, several Tennessee lawmakers are expected to introduce so-called "patriotic" legislation.

The next legislative session begins on Jan. 8, and two legislators have gotten a head start by introducing their proposed legislation to the public.

Representative H.E. Bittle, R-Knoxville, has proposed two bills: one to make it easier for young men to register for the draft and another to make it easier for veterans to get "conceal and carry" gun permits.

Bittle's first bill would provide automatic selective service registration when men aged 19 to 26 renew or apply for a driver's license.

The Republican lawmaker says many men don't even know they are required to register for selective service on their 18th birthday. Under his bill, Tennessee driver's license privileges would be denied if the applicant does not comply with selective service requirements.

Thirteen states and the District of Columbia have passed laws similar to the one Bittle proposes.

Bittle also plans to submit legislation that would waive gun safety classes required for a "carry and conceal" gun permit for veterans with honorable discharges.

"These men and women have been trained to protect our nation as they receive extensive firearm training," he said.

Another bill by Representative Mae Beavers of Mount Juliet, Tenn., would permit the issuance of a "United We Stand" license plate.

Beavers said the money collected from the bill would be used entirely for the state's homeland defense program. Funds from all specialty license plates are currently split between arts programs and the organization sponsoring the plate.