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.
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.
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.
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.
GOP quarterback, zookeeper, Tennessee House majority leader: Who is William Lamberth?
Most people only know politicians for the bills they sponsor. It’s not often people think about their lives outside of politics. For this story, WPLN News sat down with Tennessee House Majority Leader William Lamberth and talked about his life outside the capitol and his life leading up to becoming a state elected official.
Fire or active shooter? Tennessee teachers could be tasked with determining the difference when the alarm goes off
During the Covenant school shooting, 911 calls show at least one teacher stepped into the hallway after hearing alarms go off, thinking it could be a fire drill.
The first bills are filed for Tennessee’s special session on public safety. Here’s what lawmakers want to do.
Tennessee’s legislative special session on public safety begins Aug. 21 and lawmakers have started to file proposals.
House punts bill to arm teachers as Republicans seek speedy end to tumultuous session
Protestors are keeping the pressure on Republican lawmakers to pass gun control legislation. They’ve been showing up every day to the Capitol for nearly three weeks since the Covenant School shooting that left six dead. Their persistence could be working after House Republicans postponed hearing a controversial bill that would allow teachers to carry guns.
A top Republican pauses Gov. Bill Lee’s attempt to disband the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth
A bill, which seemed to be retaliatory, would’ve dissolved a commission made to audit the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services. The idea came straight from the governor’s office, but it is no longer being pursued.
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