Tennessee lawmakers want courts to stop considering a defendant’s financial situation when setting bail.
Elected officials in Tennessee can now refuse to marry same-sex couples under new law
While the wording of the bill is not striking, it could create a way for LGBTQ couples to have their fundamental right to marry denied.
New bill would tighten access to absentee voting in Tennessee
Update: The Tennessee Senate passed the bill Monday, Feb. 12 on a party line vote. The Tennessee General Assembly is poised to tighten the state’s absentee voting process. Right now, voters can request an absentee ballot seven days before an election, but Sen. Richard Briggs, R-Knoxville, wants to change the cutoff date to 10 days […]
Sumner County Constitutional Republicans want to take over the school board. Some say they’re confusing voters to do it.
You’re reading one story in WPLN’s series exploring the wide-ranging impacts of a hard-right political faction in Middle Tennessee. Find all parts here. A fight is brewing in Sumner County. On one side is the Sumner County Commission and its hard-right Sumner County Constitutional Republicans majority. On the other side sits the county’s board of elections.
Key takeaways from Gov. Bill Lee’s contentious State of the State address
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee gave his State of the State address Monday night, covering a wide range of topics — from investments in rural health care to the role of artificial intelligence in the music industry. Some issues, like school vouchers, got loud responses from spectators in the gallery.
How a far-right political group rose to power in Sumner County — and what they’re pursuing in the next election
Sumner County’s upcoming elections could have a major impact on public life for years to come. That’s thanks in large part to a hard-right branch of the Republican party and its surprising rise to power.
Tennessee Democrats to put up ‘fierce resistance’ to governor’s school vouchers bill
A draft bill on Gov. Bill Lee’s private school voucher plan was posted on the General Assembly web site and then removed Monday. The bill still has time to be amended, but many who saw the draft have noted recipients would receive more money than the state spends on some public school students.
‘This is a ploy:’ Tennessee rule requires former felons to have gun rights restored before voting rights
The Secretary of State’s Office in Tennessee says formerly incarcerated felons must get their gun rights restored before their voting rights. This is due to an update in the state’s voter restoration process, and the rule is causing a split between Republicans and Democrats in the House.
Death penalty for child rape convictions advances in Tennessee House
One Tennessee House Republican wants child rapists to face the death penalty. However, a 2008 U.S. Supreme Court ruling bars states from doing so unless the crime involves a child’s death. Rep. William Lamberth wants it to be state law anyway.
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