When Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee called for a special session on public safety, he left out a chance for any gun reform legislation to be passed. With that off the table, Republican lawmakers focused on bills related to mental health and juvenile sentencing. Now, session is over, and many feel not enough was done.
Nashville judge blocks new statehouse rules after a woman was removed for holding a gun safety sign
A judge has temporarily blocked a new Tennessee House rule that prohibited spectators from holding signs in the gallery.
Amid calls for gun reform, Tennessee Republicans say the state needs to crack down on juvenile crime. The numbers say otherwise.
Over the past decade, juvenile crime where a gun was involved has increased by 26%, according to data from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
Advocates want gun reform passed at special session. Tennessee’s House Speaker wants to toughen juvenile sentencing.
Lawmakers are set to reconvene later this month for a special legislative session on public safety. The regular session earlier this year drew protesters, demonstrating for gun reform after the Covenant School shooting.
DCS gets approval to add more beds for kids in state custody, but not without being told to think bigger in the future
The Tennessee Department of Children’s Services got approval to add 72 more beds for housing juvenile inmates. And they plan to ask for 500 more next session. But some lawmakers think they will need even more.
Watchdog group requests investigation into House speaker over use of state tax dollars
During the last weeks of session, House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, told reporters that he resides in Nashville along with his family during session. Now a nonprofit watchdog has asked for a criminal investigation into Sexton’s use of state tax dollars.
Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton owns houses in Crossville and Nashville. Questions rise over which is his ‘home.’
Where does the Speaker of the House live? Democrats want to know after a recent report revealed Rep. Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, owns a home in Nashville.
After expulsions, Tennessee Democrats are relishing new momentum, while Republicans retreat
The world now knows them as the Tennessee Three. But just a few weeks ago, not many people outside of the state knew of Democratic Reps. Justin Jones, Justin J. Pearson and Gloria Johnson.
Gov. Bill Lee, in pivot, to sign order strengthening background checks, calls for red flag law
Gov. Bill Lee is calling on the Tennessee legislature to pass a law that would restrict people who pose a threat to themselves or others from having access to guns. But while he is the chief of command in the state, if lawmakers aren’t on board, it won’t happen.
Tennessee House Republicans expel 2 young Black Democrats for gun protests after Covenant School shooting
Protesters are gathering Thursday morning ahead of the vote to expel three Democratic lawmakers. The Democrats are accused of disrupting House proceedings to call for new gun laws following a deadly mass shooting at the Covenant School.
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