Chairman Andrew Farmer To Carry Legislation On Behalf Of House Leadership, Governor Lee
House Majority Leader William Lamberth (R-Portland) and Assistant Majority Leader Ron Gant (R-Rossville) today announced they have selected House Criminal Justice Subcommittee Chairman Andrew Farmer (R-Sevierville) to serve as co-prime sponsor of House Bill 2260. The measure is part of Governor Lee’s legislative package for the year, which is traditionally sponsored by the House Majority Leader and the Assistant Majority Leader. […]
Tennessee’s Broadband Initiatives Featured in New Pew Broadband Report
Tennessee’s broadband initiatives are highlighted in a new report released today by the Pew Charitable Trusts. The report, ‘How States are Expanding Broadband Access,’ features best practices from nine states that are developing leading broadband programs to address critical connectivity gaps in their communities. Tennessee’s best practices include the Department of Economic and Community Development’s […]
Gov. Bill Lee Introduces Constitutional Carry Legislation
February 27, 2020, Gov. Bill Lee announced that he is proposing legislation toadvance the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Tennesseans by implementing a Constitutional Carry law. “The Second Amendment is clear and concise and secures the freedoms of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms,” said Gov. Bill Lee. “I am pleased to announce […]
MyTN State Services Made Mobile
A new mobile app is making it easier for Tennesseans to access state government services. “MyTN” is now available for download from the Apple and Android store. Visit MyTN.gov to easily download to your device by clicking the Apple or Android store icons. “State government services are utilized by every citizen, and we want to provide access […]
Nashville Weekly Wrap
Governor’s Initiatives Begin Journey Through House This week in Nashville, almost three dozen administration bills began making their way through the House chamber. These initiatives build upon Tennessee’s recent momentum and are key components of Gov. Bill Lee’s agenda for the 2020 legislative year. Some of them include: House Bill 2223: Clarifies the Department of […]
Legislation Lowering Tennessee’s Business Income Tax Gains Support In House
A measure designed to lower Tennessee’s business income tax (excise tax) is gaining support in the House. House Bill 2301 is a fiscally responsible approach to attract new business to our state and to encourage small business owners to reinvest into their communities by beginning the process of lowering the excise tax from 6.5 percent […]
Early Voting Ends Tuesday
Time is running out for Tennesseans planning to vote early in the Presidential Preference Primary election. Early voting ends Tuesday, Feb. 25. Election Day for the Presidential Preference Primary is Tuesday, March 3. “Early voting offers Tennesseans a convenient opportunity to cast their ballots instead of waiting until Election Day,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “Now […]
Legislation Declaring Tennessee The “Volunteer State” Moves Forward
Legislation officially designating the state of Tennessee as the “Volunteer State” is moving forward in the Tennessee General Assembly. House Bill 1562 designates the “Volunteer State” as the official nickname of Tennessee. While Tennessee has held this distinction since 1812, it is not currently documented in state law. The state of Tennessee has been referred […]
Representative Faison Files Proposed Legislation to Protect Farm Tourism Businesses from Liability
State Representative Jeremy Faison (R-Cosby) has filed proposed legislation to protect agritourism businesses from claims of property damage by participants. The proposed legislation amends a Title 43 law that was enacted as part of a sweeping tort reform movement in 2009. House Bill 2371 strengthens protections that were previously enacted to create immunity from liability […]
Tennessee Needs at Least $54.8 Billion of Public Infrastructure Improvements
Tennessee needs at least $54.8 billion worth of public infrastructure improvements during the five-year period of July 2018 to June 2023—a $4.8 billion (9.7%) increase from the year before—according to a new report by the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR). More than $3.7 billion of this year’s increase is attributable to increases in […]
Jefferson County Commission Stands Up for Property Rights, State Legislators File Proposed Bills
After County Commission made a resolution on January 21, 2020 that aims to protect private property rights, bills were filed in the Tennessee General Assembly to better protect property owners from eminent domain that is initiated by government for private benefit and economic development. The framers of the constitution limited property takings to “public use” under […]
Tennessee Cooking Up a Healthier Summer for Rural Children
The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) is seeking rural communities as it opens the application process for organizations to participate in this year’s Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). The goal of the SFSP is to ensure that children 18 and younger who benefit from meal programs during the school year continue to have that […]
Republican Leaders Introduce Right to Work Constitutional Amendment
Republican leaders have introduced a resolution that would add Tennessee’s Right to Work law to the state constitution. The resolution is sponsored by more than a dozen high ranking Republican House members. It guarantees future generations of Tennessee workers their right to work regardless of whether they choose to join a union. Tennessee’s Right to […]
AG Slatery Applauds New Law Curbing Unwanted Robocalls
Attorney General Herbert H. Slatery III applauds the passage of new federal legislation known as the Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence Act (TRACED). The TRACED Act is the first federal law designed to combat the rampant problem of robocalls, which increased by more than 36% in 2018. The law will prioritize industry-wide implementation […]
State Senator Frank Niceley (R-Strawberry Plains) Named 2019 Senate Legislator of the Year
State Senator Frank Niceley (R-Strawberry Plains) was recently named the “2019 Senate Legislator of the Year” by the County Officials Association of Tennessee (COAT). COAT is a is a non-profit association of county clerks, state court clerks, registers of deeds, and trustees which advocate for elected officials and their constituents from all Tennessee counties. “Senator […]
168th Military Police Battalion to Deploy and Honor Local Hero
The Tennessee National Guard announced today that the Dyersburg based 168th Military Police Battalion will deploy to Cuba this winter. More than 100 Soldiers assigned to the unit have been training for over one year in preparation for their year-long deployment to Naval Station Guantanamo Bay. “The 168th is one of the most distinguished and […]
