A bill preventing citizens from challenging the General Assembly in court advances in the Tennessee House

Tennessee Rep. Gino Bulso, R-Brentwood, wants to prevent citizens from legally challenging rules made in the House and Senate.

More: Moms sued for the right to hold up signs in the TN House. A new proposal would take that option away.

Last August, the House passed a rule during the special legislative session banning all signs. It was ultimately blocked by a Nashville judge. But if this new proposal was in place, people would not be able to go to court seeking legal relief.  

Rep. Justin J. Pearson, D-Memphis, says that’s problematic.

“You’re saying the public can be mistreated; rules can be passed that limit their rights, and that Tennessee courts would not be able to say anything about it,” Pearson said. “That is not just unconstitutional; it’s anti-constitutional.”

The bill passed the House State Government Committee. But while it’s advanced in the House, the Senate hasn’t moved on the bill.

Senate Speaker Randy McNally is often reluctant to support bills he believes are unconstitutional. His thoughts on the measure aren’t clear, but many groups have already said they would challenge it in court if it became law.