What makes a political scandal criminal? Plus, the local news for December 20, 2024.
Appeals panel keeps 21-month sentence for ex-Tennessee lawmaker
The Republican had pleaded guilty to charges related to his attempts to funnel campaign money from his state legislative seat toward his failed 2016 congressional bid. Defense attorneys have argued that federal prosecutors violated Kelsey’s plea agreement when they said a harsher sentence could be applied after he attempted to withdraw his guilty plea in March 2023.
Former Tennessee state Sen. Brian Kelsey sentenced to 21 months in prison
Former state Sen. Brian Kelsey has been sentenced to 21 months in prison for campaign finance violations. The Germantown Republican admitted to illegally funneling hundreds of thousands of dollars from his state campaign to his failed bid for Congress in 2016, according to court documents.
Tennessee Sen. Brian Kelsey to change plea in campaign finance violation case
Tennessee Sen. Brian Kelsey is changing his plea more than a year after he was indicted on campaign finance violations. Prosecutors say the Republican lawmaker moved hundreds of thousands of dollars from his state campaign to his failed bid for Congress in 2016.
Tennessee state senator federally indicted on campaign finance charges
A Tennessee state senator has been federally indicted on campaign finance charges. Brian Kelsey, R-Germantown, faces a five-count indictment related to his unsuccessful 2016 campaign for U.S. Congress.
Tennessee Lawmakers Pass New Anti-Abortion Bill In Last-Minute Vote
In a late-night, last-minute vote, the Tennessee Senate passed what would become one of the most restrictive anti-abortion bills in the country. The measure (SB2196/HB2263) had been championed by Gov. Bill Lee, although he said it was not a priority once the coronavirus pandemic struck in the state.
Tennessee Lawmakers Make Renewed Push To Pay College Athletes
There’s a renewed, bipartisan effort to allow college athletes in Tennessee to get endorsement deals. The legislative package would also provide funds for those who have graduated but haven’t gone pro.
Maybe Wedding Photographers In Tennessee Can Already Refuse To Work With Gay Couples
A proposal giving businesses such as wedding photographers a legal way to refuse service to gay couples has been shelved for the year in the Tennessee legislature. The sponsor says it may be redundant.
Moderate Republicans Vote To Leave Medicaid Expansion To Tennessee’s Governor
Moderate Republicans may have kept Tennessee’s Governor from having his hands tied regarding Medicaid expansion. They voted with Democrats Tuesday on the powerful Senate Finance Committee to leave the state’s options open.
TN Senate passes ‘neutered’ teacher arming bill
The Tennessee Senate has signed off on a plan to allow retired police officers who are teachers to carry a gun in class. But several Republican lawmakers objected, saying the proposal doesn’t go far enough.
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