Local News
Legislation that would require rape kits to be tested within 30 days in Tennessee has passed a House committee. The bill comes as there’s a backlog of rape kits in the state, leading to potential criminals still out on the streets. TBI says it currently takes nearly eight months for a rape kit to be tested and the results to be returned. The proposed bill now moves on to another committee for approval.
The United Way of Greater Nashville and their partner agencies officially kicked off the 19th annual Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) free tax prep program. Eligible taxpayers can come in and receive help from volunteers to prepare their taxes for them for free, while a site coordinator will file their tax returns for them. Everything is setup and ready to go at the Robertson County Board of Education Building.
Tennessee Representative Jay Reedy and Senator Kerry Roberts have introduced a bill creating a four-year pilot program where drivers and passengers over the age of 21, and not insured by TennCare, are exempt from the requirement to wear a helmet when on a motorcycle or motorized bike. Health and safety groups are opposed to the idea saying loosening the law would increase deaths and serious injuries on the highway.
Today is the day for the First Thursday Art Walk in Downtown Clarksville. It’s a free, self-guided tour spanning a 5-block radius that combines visual art, live music, and engaging events, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm on the Public Square, Franklin Street, and Strawberry Alley.
An adult-size changing table will be installed in a restroom at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center in Liberty Park in Clarksville by June 30th. It’s part of a new $1 million statewide grant program to assist Tennesseans needing help with daily living activities. Statistics about 200,000 Tennesseans — roughly 4% of the state’s population — need help with daily activities such as using the restroom.