A Davidson County judge ruled that the Tennessee General Assembly does not have to release files related to sexual harassment complaints against state lawmakers.
The case involves Nashville lawyer Brian Manookian, who sued to access public records associated with state Rep. Scotty Campbell. The legislature refused to release records of an internal investigation that Campbell allegedly harassed a female intern. Campbell resigned from his House seat after the story broke.
More: East Tennessee Rep. Scotty Campbell resigns after sexual harassment claims made public
But the ruling by the judge also mentioned a complaint against another representative, who the public did not know was accused.
During the trial, evidence submitted to the court included two pages of notes pertaining to a complaint against state Rep. Jeremy Faison. The evidence was dated April 5, 2023, with the name of the alleged victim.
Faison is the chairman of the Republican House Caucus.
House Speaker Cameron Sexton released a statement denying that any complaint exists against Faison.
It’s not clear why his name would be listed in the complaint. WPLN made a request for the records. But Connie Ridley, the director of legislative administration, said there was not any further information to provide.
The judge’s ruling means the legislature does not have to release its investigation files on Campbell, Faison or any other lawmaker facing allegations.
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