Gov. Lee Pushes Reopening, Focus on Economic Recovery – Ends Public Health Orders and Local Mask Authority
Tuesday, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced the end of statewide public health orders and signed Executive Order 80 to address economic and regulatory functions. EO 80 also ends the local authority to issue mask requirements in the 89 counties directed by the state health department. “COVID-19 is now a managed public health issue in Tennessee […]
Tennessee Department of Health To Resume Administration of Johnson & Johnson Vaccine
After an extensive analysis of the risks and benefits of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted today to recommend to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that jurisdictions may resume their administration of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine without restrictions. The recommendation from the ACIP […]
County Unemployment Rates Inch Upward in March
Following a slight rise in the statewide unemployment rate in March, jobless statistics experienced minor increases in most of Tennessee’s 95 counties, according to newly released data from the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD). Five counties across the state did experience lower unemployment for the month, while rates went up in 86 counties, […]
Market Study Explores Tennesseans’ Perspectives on COVID-19 Vaccine
The Tennessee Department of Health released results from a third party, statewide quantitative and qualitative survey of more than 1,000 adult Tennesseans exploring sentiments around the COVID-19 vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine is voluntary in Tennessee and this survey explored perspectives associated with choosing to receive the vaccine, like hesitancy or unwillingness in an effort to […]
Untold Tennessee: Gov. Lee Announces Year-Long 225 Celebration
Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced “Untold Tennessee” as the theme for a yearlong celebration commemorating 225 years of statehood. Tennesseans are invited to attend events and activities in all 95 counties and submit stories that showcase their area of the state. Gov. Lee will kick off a 95-county tour and year of celebration by […]
Tennessee Department of Health Statement on Johnson & Johnson Vaccine
The Tennessee Department of Health is acting upon recent guidance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to pause administration of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. Our vaccine supply continues to surpass demand and we do not anticipate this shift will impact our efforts to […]
Tennessee, Kentucky File Lawsuit against Biden Administration State Tax Policy
Attorney General Herbert H. Slatery III today joined Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron in a lawsuit challenging a mandate from the Biden Administration in the American Rescue Plan Act (the Act). The lawsuit, filed against Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky, argues that the tax […]
The General Assembly Approves Constitutional Carry
House Republicans this week passed historic legislation restoring Tennesseans’ constitutional right to self-defense. House Bill 786 removes encroachments on law-abiding citizens who wish to exercise their Second Amendment right to carry a handgun while increasing penalties for criminals who steal guns or possess them illegally. Tennesseans who are at least 21-years-old, or are honorably discharged […]
STRONG Act expands opportunities for Tennessee Guardsmen
The House chamber this week unanimously approved legislation that will expand eligibility for tuition reimbursement for Tennessee National Guardsmen under Tennessee’s Support, Training, and Renewing Opportunity for National Guardsmen (STRONG) Act. The STRONG Act provides eligible service members in the Tennessee National Guard with tuition reimbursement for coursework completed as a full-time student in pursuit […]
Business Fairness Act protects businesses in state of emergency
Legislation that seeks to protect small businesses during a state of emergency passed unanimously in the House Chamber on Monday. The Covid-19 pandemic presented many challenges for small businesses across the state. Those that were not deemed essential suffered while their bigger competitors were allowed to remain open, ultimately giving government the authority to pick […]
Legislation addressing teacher shortage passes in the House
Legislation that addresses Tennessee’s teacher shortage passed the House on Monday. House Bill 533 simplifies the process for teachers who are moving to Tennessee to receive an appropriate teaching license, helping qualified teachers get into classrooms quicker. The bill allows out-of-state educators who possess the equivalent of a Tennessee professional teacher’s license in their current […]
Republican leaders continue to advance Constitutional Carry
Constitutional Carry legislation is continuing to move through the House, passing the Finance, Ways, and Means Subcommittee on Wednesday. House Bill 786 allows Tennesseans to exercise their constitutional right to defend themselves and their families while cracking down on criminals who steal guns or possess them illegally. The bill also includes sentencing enhancements and increases […]
David Crockett to be honored with statue on Capitol grounds
Legislation honoring Tennessee legend David Crockett with a statue on the Capitol grounds passed the House on Monday. The General Assembly created the David Crockett Commission in 2012, tasking them with the responsibility of finding a home for a statue of David Crockett on the grounds of the Capitol. House Bill 220 designates the desired […]
Secretary Hargett Named to National Commission to Restore Trust in Elections
Secretary of State Tre Hargett has been named to serve on the Republican State Leadership Committee’s (RSLC) Commission on Election Integrity, a national commission comprised of state election leaders committed to restoring trust in the election process. The RSLC commission will bring together leading policymakers to share and discuss current laws and future reforms to […]
Tennessee State Constitution Transferred To New Home
Tennessee’s founding documents were transported to the new Tennessee State Library and Archives (TSLA) with much fanfare and a parade in Nashville this week. Secretary of State Tre Hargett led the procession escorted by the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), THP Honor Guard and Tennessee National Guard color guard who transported the state’s three constitutions from […]
Rep. Andrew Farmer appointed to Southern Legislative Conference committee
Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, has appointed State Rep. Andrew Farmer, R-Sevierville, to serve on the Human Services & Public Safety Committee of the Southern Legislative Conference (SLC) of the Council of State Governments (CSG). “Chairman Farmer stands for law and order, and he is an effective leader in our General Assembly,” said Speaker […]
