Tennessee lawmakers are voicing varied opinions on Senate Bill 744 during debate on comprehensive immigration reform, the Tennessean reports. U.S. Sens. Bob Corker and Lamar Alexander have questioned the border-security provisions, while Rep. Jim Cooper, D-Nashville, says the bill looks “promising.” Reps. Scott DesJarlais, R-Jasper, and Stephen Fincher, R-Frog Jump, say they are skeptical of the Senate bill.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is suing Goodlettsville-based Dollar General and a BMW manufacturing plant in South Carolina over their use of criminal background checks to screen out job applicants or fire employees. The Memphis Daily News reports that the two lawsuits are the agency’s first since it revised its guidance last year to warn employers against overly broad criminal checks to screen workers.

Oklahoma's Attorney General is suing to get his state exempted from a portion of the Affordable Care Act, the Tennessee Watchdog reports, while Tennessee's AG is watching to see how that maneuver plays out, a spokeswoman tells the Watchdog. Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt argues that states not opting to create their own health exchanges -- including Tennessee, Oklahoma and 31 others -- don’t have to participate in the employer mandate, a tax on business owners.

Davidson County trial courts approved an innovative plan to transfer first-, second- and third-offense DUIs, as well as all other driver’s license-related charges, to a single court -- Second Circuit Court Judge Amanda McClendon. Previously, these cases were assigned to a criminal court hearing a full docket, plus the DUI cases, with assistance from other criminal court judges. Effective October 15, the plan was praised by Second Circuit Court Judge Amanda McClendon who said. “I look forward to this challenge … Prioritizing the DUIs in one court helps the criminal courts manage their rising case loads and assures all involved in DUI cases a timely conclusion to their case.” The Administrative Office of the Courts has the story. 

Gov. Bill Haslam has signed into law legislation requiring all convicted drunk drivers with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or greater to use ignition interlocks on their vehicles to prevent future offenses. Beginning July 1, when the new law goes into effect, first time drunk driving offenders will be required to use an interlock device for a period of six months as a condition of a restricted license. According to the Chattanoogan, Tennessee becomes the 18th state to pass such legislation.

William & Mary's Law School has launched a new program aimed at helping nonlawyers understand the law and giving a taste of law school to those interested in joining the profession, the ABA Journal reports, Nonlawyers can take a twice weekly online course “Introduction to the U.S Legal System.” Those considering law school can pay a bit more to add an on-campus, three-day program. "This program can help people decide whether law school is right for them,” said Frederic Lederer, principal instructor for the program.

Attorney Ruby R. Wharton received the Bishop Carroll T. Dozier Award for Peace and Justice during the Christian Brothers University baccalaureate ceremony. Wharton, who is married to Memphis mayor AC Wharton, is a graduate of Boston College Law School and has worked in Washington D.C. with the Neighborhood Legal Services Program, the Circuit, Chancery and Probate Courts of Shelby County and the federal court system. The Dozier Award was bestowed on Wharton for her commitment to justice for all and community activism. The Dozier Award for Peace and Justice is named for Bishop Carroll T. Dozier, the first Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Memphis and a leader in race relations, peace and justice. The Commercial Appeal has more. 

The Nashville Business Journal’s 2013 Best of the Bar honorees talk to the journal about how they unwind after a long day or week at the office. While many name favorite restaurants for happy hour, several mention their home patio, porch or other favorite outdoor spot.

The Knoxville Bar Foundation recognized 13 members of Knoxville's legal community at its annual dinner last Tuesday. Each year the foundation inducts a new class of fellows, which represents quality men and women practitioners in the community who have distinguished themselves in the practice of law and in service to our community.

Chancellor Carol McCoy released additional records of children who died or nearly died under the supervision of the Department of Children’s Services, the Tennessean reports. The state indicated that the batch of documents released on Friday contains blacked-out information beyond what the court deemed appropriate, citing federal HIPPA protections. In particular, Janet Kleinfelter with the attorney general’s office said that the date of death, provided medical care and potentially other information is protected information. McCoy said the state will turn the next 50 records over on June 26.