Laws on abortion are out of step with public opinion. One Republican legislator in Tennessee is working to establish exceptions to his state’s strict abortion laws, but he faces a tough battle.
Moms sued for the right to hold up signs in the TN House. A new proposal would take that option away.
From a sign ban during the fall’s special legislative session, to this session’s new ticketing process, spectators have taken issue with Tennessee statehouse rules made behind closed doors. Now, a new proposal could eliminate one of the only avenues that constituents have for recourse: the courts.
Involuntary commitment laws could change in Tennessee. A forensic psychiatrist weighs the pros and cons.
Since the shooting death of a Belmont University freshman in the fall, lawmakers have been re-thinking Tennessee’s laws around involuntary commitment and access to firearms.
‘This is a ploy:’ Tennessee rule requires former felons to have gun rights restored before voting rights
The Secretary of State’s Office in Tennessee says formerly incarcerated felons must get their gun rights restored before their voting rights. This is due to an update in the state’s voter restoration process, and the rule is causing a split between Republicans and Democrats in the House.
Tennessee ranks in the bottom 5 states for psychiatric bed space, report finds
Tennessee ranks in the bottom five states for psychiatric bed space, according to a new report by the Treatment Advocacy Center.
Death penalty for child rape convictions advances in Tennessee House
One Tennessee House Republican wants child rapists to face the death penalty. However, a 2008 U.S. Supreme Court ruling bars states from doing so unless the crime involves a child’s death. Rep. William Lamberth wants it to be state law anyway.
Tennessee Democrats call on education commissioner to resign over qualifications
“She has zero experience in school administration, as you saw from her resume. She’s not qualified to teach,” said John Ray Clemmons (D-Nashville).
Sledding and bill writing: Tennessee lawmakers say they’re working from home this snowy week
This week’s snow not only warranted schools shutting down, but also the state capitol. But lawmakers say they’ve still been working — from home.
Tennessee Democrats say limiting debate and public access is an unnecessary move by Republican Supermajority
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.
How Many of Your State’s Lawmakers Are Women? If You Live in the Southeast, It Could Be Just 1 in 5
A record number of women were elected to statehouses last year. But in the Southeast, where some legislatures are more than 80% male, representation is lagging as lawmakers pass bills that most impact women, like near-total abortion bans.
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