SENATE UNABLE TO DEFINE LIMITS FOR STRIP SEARCHES IN SCHOOLS

For the second time in two days, the Tennessee Senate in close votes
defeated legislation to restrict strip searches in schools.

Some lawmakers felt the bill did not go far enough to limit strip searches.
Others felt the restrictions went too far. Some were concerned the law would
take control away from local schools.

"You've removed all protection (for those subject to search) because there's
no requirement for a search warrant," Sen. Jo Ann Graves, D-Gallatin, told
bill sponsor Sen. Steve Cohen, D-Memphis.

Sen. Tom Leatherwood, R-Bartlett, agreed.

"If a teacher hears rumors about Johnny or Susie having a gun, it would be
nice for him to do a pat down, but he may go straight to a strip search,"
Leatherwood said.

"I don't know if we've gained anything. I don't see how we're restricting
strip searches on weapons with this."

There is no law governing strip searches in schools.

Cohen could not get the legislation through the Senate Wednesday and came
back with a simpler version yesterday, restricting strip searches to
situations where school personnel have reasonable suspicion a student has a
weapon.

Principals or designated school authorities could conduct the search and
would not need a search warrant. The searcher would have to be the same
gender as the student, unless the student is younger than 12 years old.
Parents would be permitted to watch the search.

The legislation was prompted by two separate strip searches last year in
Warren and Haywood counties, where students were required to remove various
articles of clothing to search for a missing $10 bill.

Cohen fought efforts to include searches for illegal drugs. "I don't want
anyone strip searching for marijuana, crayons or for passing a note. That's
wrong," Cohen said.