Tennessee General Assembly information, click HERE. For information on State Senators, including phone numbers and email addresses, click HERE; for House members, click HERE. For information on legislation, click HERE.
Don't forget that you can now watch the Senate committee meetings and floor sessions online by going HERE; House committee meetings and floor sessions online HERE.
Phone calls can go to the legislative Switchboard at 615-741-3011 or to the Toll Free number 1-800-449-8366+1 last four digits of office phone number (available online).
 

DON'T KNOW WHO YOUR SENATOR OR REPRESENTATIVE IS?  
Just go HERE and you can find out!!

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FOR YOUR PRAYER LIST:
Now, as the first session of the 114th General Assembly unfolds, the committees get organized, the bills get filed for action, the presently serving legislators meet and get to know the 'freshmen' Senators and House Members, the rest of us rushing from office to office, to see folks, meet folks, let us be faithful to pray for every detail of work that is undertaken on Capitol Hill. EVERY decision that comes out of that process impacts some or all the citizens of Tennesseans and sometimes, goes further. That is a huge responsibility and the legislators and the Administration DESERVE our prayer support. 

 

GWEN ADAMS, TEF Executive Director

As Bobbie and I went from office to office visiting newly elected legislators, it was astonishing how many times we left and looked at each other smiling.        If ever there was a time to turn the tide of our state and nation, to stand strongly for what we believe to be right and true, that time is now. Their ranks include a mom, a pharmacist, a minister, a retired police chief, small business owners, and others who are stepping forward to serve in the legislature.
       A servant's heart is a beautiful gift to this state and nation. Let's pray that God leads them and blesses their efforts with His favor as they join the many others who prayerfully serve Tennessee.          
       May 2025 be a landmark year for legislation that God uses to bring healing, protection, and blessing to the people of Tennessee.
 

ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT STUDENTS
SB 0836 by *Watson , Yager, Johnson, Stevens
HB 0793 by *Lamberth , Garrett, Capley, Butler, Todd, Martin G, Rudd, Zachary, Reeves, Lafferty, Doggett, Fritts, Cepicky
Local Education Agencies - As introduced, authorizes LEAs and public charter schools to refuse to enroll students who are unlawfully present in the United States. - Amends TCA Title 4 and Title 49.

Lawmakers introduce bill to keep undocumented students out of public schools

By  Sarah Grace Naylor, Nashville Banner  | February 5, 2025, 10:07am CST

In the latest overt challenge to Supreme Court precedent, Tennessee Republican lawmakers have introduced a bill that would allow school districts to deny undocumented students from enrolling. The bill runs counter to the 1982 U.S. Supreme Court Plyler v. Doe decision, which entitled all children to public education despite immigration status.

The bill, introduced Tuesday by Tennessee House Majority Leader Rep. William Lamberth (R-Portland) and state Sen. Bo Watson (R-Hixson), would directly challenge more than 40 years of precedent by allowing local education authorities, like school boards, to bar students without legal citizenship from attending public schools.

In an accompanying statement, Watson and Lamberth say the bill intentionally “seeks to challenge” the court decision, citing the cost of public education.

“The flood of illegal immigrants in our country has put an enormous drain on American tax dollars and resources. Our schools are the first to feel the impact,” Lamberth said. “Tennessee communities should not have to suffer or pay when the federal government fails to secure our borders. Our obligation is to ensure a high-quality education for legal residents first.”

VIOLATING STATE LAW:

SB 0845 by *Lowe - HB 1097 by *Sexton
Local Government, General - As introduced, requires the attorney general and reporter, at the request of a member of the general assembly, to investigate an ordinance, regulation, order, or other official action adopted or taken by the chief executive officer or governing body of a local government or any written policy, written rule, or written regulation adopted by any agency, department, or other entity of the local government that the member alleges violates state law or the Constitution of Tennessee; creates penalties for violations. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 8 and Title 9.
 

Tennessee speaker’s bill would defund local governments for violating state law

Republican leaders threatened to punish Memphis for placing gun-control referendums on 2024 ballot

By: Sam Stockard - February 7, 2025

Tennessee’s House speaker is pushing legislation that would cut state funds to local governments that pass measures violating state laws, potentially renewing threats against Memphis over gun-control measures voters approved in 2024.

“The Tennessee Constitution is clear – the legislature has oversight of cities and counties,” House Speaker Cameron Sexton said in a statement. “If local governments refuse to follow state law or circumvent state laws, they should not expect to benefit from state resources. This legislation makes it clear that political stunts will not be tolerated at the expense of law-abiding Tennesseans.”

Sexton and Lt. Gov. Randy McNally promised to punish Memphis last August by cutting its share of sales tax revenue – more than $75 million – if the city put referendums on the November ballot restricting weapons. Memphis refused to back down, and voters subsequently approved changes to the city charter requiring a handgun permit, restricting gun storage in cars, banning assault weapons and enacting extreme risk protection orders, which are often called red flag laws. 

WE WILL NOT BE SUPPORTING THESE BILLS:

TENNESSEE CANNABIS ACT:
SB 0809 by *Yarbro - HB 0836 by *Miller
Controlled Substances - As introduced, enacts the "Tennessee Cannabis Act." - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 29; Title 33; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 41; Title 43; Title 45; Title 50; Title 53; Title 63; Title 67; Title 68 and Title 71.
Marijuana legalization up for debate again in Tennessee

"POT FOR POTHOLES ACT"
SB 0921 by *Campbell - HB 0703 by *Behn
Controlled Substances - As introduced, enacts the "Pot for Potholes Act"; establishes a regulatory structure for the cultivation, processing, and retail sale of marijuana and marijuana products in this state to be administered by the department of agriculture. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 29; Title 33; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 41; Title 43; Title 45; Title 50; Title 53; Title 54; Title 63; Title 67; Title 68 and Title 71

TN lawmakers push for pothole repairs through legalizing marijuana

"RIGHT TO DIE"
SB 0640 by *Campbell - HB 0598 by *Freeman
Right to Die - As introduced, creates a process whereby an adult suffering from a terminal disease may request medication for the purpose of ending the adult's life in a humane and dignified manner if certain requirements are met. - Amends TCA Title 32; Title 39; Title 56; Title 63 and Title 68.

Tennessee lawmaker reintroduces bill to legalize medically assisted death

Gov. Lee to Deliver Seventh State of the State Address on February 10

Friday, January 24, 2025 | 02:13pm

Nashville, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced he will deliver his seventh State of the State address to the General Assembly and fellow Tennesseans on Monday, February 10 at 6 p.m. CST. The joint session will take place in the House Chamber of the Tennessee State Capitol.

“Tennessee is continuing to lead the nation as a beacon of opportunity, security and freedom,” said Gov. Lee. “It’s time for us to innovate to create a brighter future for our state, and in the coming year, I look forward to a continued partnership with the General Assembly to accomplish our legislative priorities and provide greater opportunity for all Tennesseans.”

The address can be found on Lee’s Facebook and YouTube channels and will be aired statewide.

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