The first week of Tennessee’s 2024 legislative session is over and a tone has already been set in the House. Members of the public were met with resistance when trying to enter one of two balconies; Democratic members were singled out for talking too much; and the Republican Speaker was given new powers to set time limits on debates.
The first action of the session drew controversy. An hour before Tuesday’s kickoff a new mandate was issued requiring balcony guests to have passes. Historically seating has been first come first serve.
Now, each house member is allowed one guest pass: 75 for Republicans and 24 for Democrats.
Minority Leader Karen Camper (D-Memphis) disagrees with the change by House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville).
“It’s unnecessary to do. The example [Sexton] gave about, ‘You may have a mayor that come up,’ … we have never had a situation where a mayor or county executive or anyone has come to this body has not been able to find a place to sit down,” said Camper.
The state’s attorney general has been asked to issue an opinion as to the constitutionality of the ticketing policy.
Another rule gives the House Speaker the ability to set a time limit on floor debate for each party. It’s intended to be for the most contentious bills.
Majority Leader William Lamberth (R-Portland) says the intention of the rule is to allow ample time for both parties.
“It allows for hopefully more robust, and respectful and deliberative debate,” said Lamberth.
But Rep. John Ray Clemmons (D-Nashville) believes lawmakers shouldn’t have a cap on time to discuss changes to the state’s laws.
“We’re elected to come up here and have a thoughtful discussion to represent the people who elected us. Any limit on any debate of any type, whether it’s targeting one or two people, it’s limiting the entire body,” said Clemmons.
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