NASHVILLE (AP) – A measure to offer Tennessee’s elderly more home-based care options and another that seeks to create statewide TV cable franchising are among laws taking effect today.

The long-term care law seeks to redirect more resources to home- and community-based care over the next decade. The state spends almost all of its $1.2 billion long-term care budget on nursing homes.

Under the law, a legislative oversight committee is being created effective today. Officials said efforts to streamline the eligibility process already are under way.

The law “certainly is the Legislature’s greatest accomplishment this year and perhaps for several years to come,” said Rebecca Kelly, AARP’s state director. “It will provide a greater quality of life for generations of Tennesseans who want to stay home but need a little help to do it.”

The competitive-cable measure pushed by AT&T Inc. was the result of two years of negotiations with the cable industry and local governments that also saw millions spent on lobbying and advertising campaigns.

AT&T said the law will allow the company to roll out its U-verse package, which delivers TV content to consumers using the Internet, rather than through traditional cable or broadcast formats.

Another measure that takes effect today will legalize and regulate mixed martial arts fights in Tennessee through the creation of a Tennessee Athletic Commission.

Gov. Phil Bredesen’s approval of the measure came despite concerns over a provision to require half of any money beyond that needed to operate the commission go toward grants to NCAA Division I wrestling programs in Tennessee.

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is the only state school that competes at that level.

The following are some of the laws passed during the second session of the 105th General Assembly and will take effect today.

• LONG-TERM CARE. Allowing TennCare to offer more home- and community-based care in Tennessee.
• COMPETITIVE CABLE. Creating statewide permits for cable TV providers.
• METAL THEFT. Requiring scrap metal dealers to register with the state and for sellers to show ID and submit thumb print.
• MIXED MARTIAL ARTS. Legalizing and regulating mixed martial arts competitions in Tennessee.
• BIBLE CURRICULUM. Allowing the state Department of Education to develop a curriculum for the academic study of the Bible.
• CHILD ABUSE. Adding starvation and dehydration to the list of child abuse charges.
• CREDIT CARDS-STUDENTS. Restricting credit card solicitations to students on college campuses.
• DUI OFFENDERS. Restoring mandatory 48-hour jail time for DUI.
• FLOOD WARNINGS. Charging drivers who ignore flood warning signs or barricades with a reckless driving charge.
• RACIAL PROFILING. Encouraging law enforcement agencies to adopt written policies prohibiting racial profiling.
• SEIZURES-STUDENTS. Allowing trained personnel to administer anti-seizure medications to high school students in emergency situations.
• SEXUAL OFFENDERS REGISTRY. Requiring anyone convicted of raping a child to register as a violent sexual offender.
• EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS. Encouraging school districts to place automatic defibrillators in schools.
• TATTOOS-PIERCINGS. Requiring parent or guardian of minor to provide proof of guardianship or custody when providing permission for tattooing or piercing.

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