Nashville, Tennessee --- The Tennessee Department of Safety announced today that the last TennCare protesters have left the state capitol, and troopers assigned to provide additional security have been reassigned to regular duties.

"In this time of national crisis, we're thankful that state troopers can now resume their regular duties - patrolling roads, protecting the citizens of Tennessee and helping emergency officials who are providing shelter for evacuees relocating from the New Orleans area in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina," said Colonel Lynn Pitts, Commander of the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

Additional state troopers have been providing security services at the capitol on a daily basis - and overnight - since the protest began.

The Department of Safety said future protesters will not be allowed to spend the night in the capitol, but would be allowed in the Capitol during regular business hours in accordance with the long established public use rules of the State's Capitol Commission.

The Tennessee Department of Safety's mission is (www.tennessee.gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.