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.
New House rules for Tennessee’s legislative session could limit speech and silence lawmakers for speaking off topic
Each year, lawmakers vote on a rules package that lays out the policies and procedures that must be followed. In the past, approving rules was not contentious, for the most part. But the current leadership has made several changes limiting speech on the Tennessee House floor.
New Tennessee House policy limits public access to gallery, raises concerns
The Tennessee General Assembly began its 2024 legislative session Tuesday. In the House, new procedures were put in place that limit the public’s access to floor hearings.
A lawsuit involving a former Tennessee lawmaker raises questions about a current one
A Davidson County judge ruled that the Tennessee General Assembly does not have to release files related to sexual harassment complaints against state lawmakers.
Tennessee’s legislature made waves in 2023. Here’s a review of the year’s top stories in state politics.
Tennessee politics got national attention in 2023. There were protests, expulsions, culture wars and one official’s interesting social media activity brought to light. Below is a list of some of the top events from the year.
What bipartisan interest in involuntary commitment means for the system’s most vulnerable
In a rare show of bipartisanship, Tennessee’s statehouse and Nashville’s city hall are pushing for a change to state law that would make it easier to detain people who are deemed a threat to themselves or others. But experts say that could leave the criminal justice system’s most vulnerable at greater risk.
Tennessee House Speaker blames Senate inaction during special session for death of Belmont student. The Senate disagrees.
Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton says the Senate’s refusal to pass mental health legislation during special session played a factor in the fatal shooting of Belmont University student Jillian Ludwig. Senators on both sides of the aisle refute the claim and look to pass laws to prevent future tragedies.
Will Tennessee lawmakers reject $1B+ in annual federal education funds? Deliberations begin Monday.
Lawmakers will meet at the capitol Monday to examine the impact that federal education funding has on the state and what restrictions are attached to it. The move comes as some are pushing for the state to reject the funding.
Justin Jones sues House speaker over rule barring floor speech
Nashville Rep. Justin Jones is suing the Tennessee House Speaker for silencing him during the special session. Jones was the only member silenced due to the new House rules enacted in August.
House Speaker Cameron Sexton says Tennessee should do everything it can to be independent from the federal government
Federal funding for education in Tennessee is under scrutiny by state lawmakers. Speakers of both the state House and Senate have announced that they’re putting together a working group to study the impact of federal education funding in and out of the classroom.
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