News

With organizational tasks out of the way, the General Assembly can now get to work on the issues facing Tennessee.  Although state spending in a tight budget year will be the predominant driver for legislative action, other top issues on the legislative agenda in 2015 are jobs, education, public safety and legislation stemming from the ratification of the constitutional amendments … Read More

  (NASHVILLE) — The State Senate voted on Friday to approve a resolution sponsored by Senator Jack Johnson (R-Franklin) recognizing the accomplishments of the late James Cecil “Little Jimmy” Dickens.  Dickens was a country music legend of matchless fame and the oldest living member of the Grand Ole Opry at the time of his passing on January 2, 2015.   … Read More

The Senate approved the Tennessee Anti-Meth Production (TAMP) Act during the final hours of the 2014 legislative session, which is designed to combat the manufacture of methamphetamine in the state. Tennessee ranks second in the nation, behind Indiana, in meth lab seizures last year. The state spends approximately $2 million annually on meth lab clean-up, and in 2013, 1,691 labs … Read More

In major K-12 education action this week, the Senate adopted a Conference Committee report to ensure Tennessee maintains sovereignty over how students are educated. The Data Accessibility, Transparency and Accountability Act states the federal government has no constitutional right to set educational standards and any partnership is totally at the discretion of the state. The bill further states that state … Read More

NASHVILLE, (April 17, 2014) — The 108th General Assembly adjourned to become a part of Tennessee history with the state budget and education highlighting this year’s action. Although underperforming revenues limited the number of initiatives approved this year, the 2014 legislative session will be remembered for passage of several other important measures such as a ban on forced annexation, legislation … Read More

The State Senate passed several bills this week to protect and give more rights to crime victims, including a bill giving victims of rape the power to keep their identity private. The action came as the nation recognized National Crime Victims’ Week, an annual observance to promote victims’ right and honor crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf. … Read More

The Senate gave final approval to several bills aiming to protect the privacy of citizens, including legislation regarding the improper use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) to collect images or video. Senate Bill 1892 is a proactive measure as the Federal Aviation Administration, which currently has authority over UAVs, is in the process of lifting their regulations, creating a vacuum … Read More

NASHVILLE, (April 10, 2014) – The Tennessee Senate passed several key bills this week, including the state budget and legislation aiding crime victims, as the 2014 session of the Tennessee General Assembly draws to a close. The State Senate has completed the vast majority of its business with most of the remaining action pending on bills that have passed the … Read More

The Community Safety Act, which aims to curb gang crime, has been approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee, as the General Assembly acted on several major law and order bills this week. Senate Bill 1634 would clarify that a petition for the abatement of gang-related conduct may be filed against a criminal gang itself to which the members belong. The … Read More

(NASHVILLE, Tenn.), April 3, 2014 — The State Senate approved major law and order legislation this week as the General Assembly worked diligently towards adjournment of the 2014 legislative session. The state budget also moved front and center this week, as Governor Bill Haslam presented an amendment to his fiscal year 2014-2015 spending plan, identifying $160 million in reductions due … Read More