What specifically is Tennessee calling a "fake" degree? 1) $99 BA from American College? 2) Cal Coast type BA? 3) DETC BA? The article is somewhat vaque, although I applaud Representative Patton for his initiative. With a name like Patton this guy should be a go getter!
Believe it or not, the bill does not specify. The substantive text of the bill is: "It is a Class A misdemeanor to use a false academic degree to secure employment at or admission to an institution of higher education in Tennessee." That's it. This bill has already passed the Tennessee House 94-0. Bill text: HB 433 Here's a story that gives a little background on the bill: State briefs for March 22 (scroll down to the middle of the page.)
What a badly worded piece of junk legislation! The intention is good, but... I'm guessing from the incidents mentioned in the linked article that the intent is to penalize someone claiming a degree they don't have, rather than to zap mills. That's only a guess, however.