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.
The battle between state Republicans and Nashville is coming to a head
Republicans in the Tennessee General Assembly seem to have it out for Davidson County this session. They’ve introduced several bills that would hand over power of local boards to the state, make it harder for Nashville to pay for their convention center, and slice the size of the Metro Council in half.
Republicans advance bills targeting transgender care and drag shows at contentious first hearings
Two bills opposed by LGBTQ advocates are already advancing in the state legislature in the early days of session. One prevents minors from being at drag shows, and the other would stop some medical care for transgender minors.
A top Republican lawmaker files legislation to downsize the Metro Council
A proposal filed Monday would cut the Nashville Metro Council in half — from 40 members to 20. Supporters of the bill believe reducing the council would make it more efficient.