Six Decades Later, Senator Doug Henry Introduces His Last Bill

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Doug Henry passed his last bill on Thursday, after nearly six decades in the Senate. Credit Stephen Jerkins / WPLN

There was a historic moment Thursday in the State Senate. Douglas Henry, the longest serving member in the legislature’s history, introduced his last bill today. His first was introduced in 1955.

The 87-year-old took a moment to dwell on his last contribution to Tennessee law.

“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a pleasure to present this bill. It’ll be my last presentation to you. My first one was in 1955.”

And since then, Henry’s been unstoppable. The Nashville conservative Democrat has been elected 11 consecutive times to the Senate.

The former insurance attorney, who has represented western Nashville in District 21, announced last year that he will not seek re-election.

His final bill was a mostly symbolic one, calling on colleges to respect the religious rights of students.

In a chamber where animated applaud is rare, every lawmaker rose to cheer.