Some Tennessee educators say new measures will prevent them from doing their job — protecting students.
Kendall Crawford, Political Intern
Kendall Crawford is WPLN’s spring 2021 political intern, covering the state Capitol and producing the Tri-Star State podcast. Kendall is originally from northern Kentucky and moved to Nashville to study journalism at Belmont University. As the Managing Editor of the Belmont Vision, she reports on arts and entertainment, politics, and university news.
Senate Wraps Up Legislative Session With Song
In the middle of a grueling debate on the state legislature’s final day, lawmakers took a recess — and broke into song.
Tennessee Legislature Adjourns After Passing A Final Flurry Of Bills
Tennessee’s General Assembly passed several last-minute measures on Wednesday night before adjourning for the year. The measures touch high-interest subjects, including unemployment, constitutional challenges to state laws and the lessons taught in public schools
A New Legal Process Will Strip Power From Nashville Judges To Rule In State Constitutional Cases
The state legislature has approved a dramatically different approach to handling lawsuits that challenge the constitutionality of Tennessee laws. If approved by the governor, the move would strip power from judges in Davidson County, who have long handled such cases.
Protesters in Tennessee May Soon Face Steep Fines, Loss Of Voting Rights For Blocking Roadways
Tennessee protestors could face harsher punishments for blocking roadways. One bill, HB 513/SB 843, would raise the offense of obstructing traffic during demonstrations to a felony. Opponents of the bill are concerned of the chilling effect this could have on the state’s freedom of assembly.
Tennessee Bill Regulating Family Planning Curriculum Heads to the Governor
A bill that would reinforce the state’s abstinence-focused curriculum in schools is heading to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature. But its sponsors backed away from a provision that would have required parents to give permission before students’ could accept contraceptives in schools.
Bill To Restrict Transgender Students’ Bathroom Access Clears The Tennessee Senate
A so-called bathroom bill cleared the state Senate today. The measure would allow students and teachers to refuse to share restrooms with transgender people. Schools that don’t comply could be opened to the risk of litigation.
Plan To Require Mortuary Services After Abortions Heads To Gov. Bill Lee’s Desk
A bill that would require fetal remains from abortions to be cremated or buried is heading to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk. After passing 69-22 in the House and 27-6 in the Senate, Lee is the final stop for the bill to be signed into law.
Tennessee Lawmakers Debate Yet Another Measure To Limit Teaching about The LGBTQ Community
A Tennessee bill aims to prohibit textbooks that acknowledge the LGBT community, though the measure is unlikely to pass this spring.
A Tennessee Bill Would Allow Sexual Assault Survivors To Track Their Rape Kits
A bill making its way through the Tennessee legislature would give sexual assault survivors the ability to track the location of their rape kits.
On Air - 90.3 WPLN-FM