With the start of Tennessee’s legislative session less than a week away, Gov. Bill Lee is deciding whether the General Assembly will have a special session to focus on expanding school vouchers and providing relief for areas hard hit by the remnants of Hurricane Helene.
Tennessee rolls back police reform passed after the death of Tyre Nichols
Police reform passed in the wake of Tyre Nichols’ death at the hands of Memphis police is now null and void. Republican Gov. Bill Lee signed into law a measure Thursday that prevents local governments from passing anything that would interfere with police stopping crime.
Tennessee stalls a bill that would increase penalties for transporting undocumented immigrants
Legislation filed in Tennessee’s statehouse would increase the penalty for people that give a ride to an undocumented immigrant.
Black leaders call out hypocrisy and racism after vote to expel Jones and Pearson from Tennessee House
Last week, two young Black Democrats were expelled from the state legislature for breaking decorum rules while protesting for gun control on the house floor. Black leaders across Tennessee — and beyond — are calling out the expulsions as racist.
Tennessee Democrats want tighter gun policy after Covenant School shooting; Republicans say don’t politicize it
After Monday’s mass shooting at Covenant School, Tennessee Democrats are calling on their Republican counterparts to limit access to guns. But Republicans do not want to talk about it.
Tennessee Democrats demand DCS release children taken from Black family after a traffic stop
Tennessee Democrats are demanding the state’s Department of Children’s Services return five Black children taken from their parents following a traffic stop in Coffee County last month, the details of which quickly went viral after the Tennessee Lookout first reported the story on Thursday.
The age limit for permitless carry could drop to 18, as Tennessee’s AG sides with gun rights
Permitless carry, sometimes referred to as constitutional carry, allows an individual to carry a gun without undergoing background checks or training. In 2021, Tennessee passed a law allowing permitless carry for adults 21 and over. A recent decision by the attorney general may soon pave the way for 18- to 20-year-olds to do the same.
Lee’s New Executive Order Is Meant To Appeal To Those Who’ve Ignored Previous COVID Guidance
A day after making a rare address to the state and signing a new executive order, Gov. Bill Lee told reporters he really wants people to listen to his message: social distancing and masks work. But his latest order, signed Sunday, lacks enforcement. It essentially serves as an additional plea to those who have ignored […]
Bill That Would Eliminate Nathan Bedford Forrest Day Heads To Vote In Tennessee House
A bill that would eliminate Tennessee’s observance of Nathan Bedford Forrest Day has passed its first challenge in the House. But that’s the only measure regarding specifically the Confederate general that is moving forward in the General Assembly.
Tennessee Democrats Celebrate Ruling On Absentee Voting For All
Tennessee Democratic lawmakers are celebrating a recent ruling that could allow universal absentee voting in the state. And they are pushing back against Republicans claiming the judge is legislating from the bench.