Author
Fired Rutherford Circuit Court Clerk employees file suit claiming harassment
Two men terminated by the Rutherford County Circuit Court Clerk, one of them disabled with cerebral palsy, are claiming they were wrongfully fired after suffering harassment and discrimination. Nicholas Trail, who has the physical disability, and Stephen LaQuire filed the lawsuit Thursday, March 4, in Rutherford County Chancery Court against Court Clerk Melissa Harrell, saying […]
Stockard on the Stump: Holt sidesteps moral dilemma with state job handling booze industry
Retired Capitol Hill reporter Tom Humphrey for years wrote a column called “Humphrey on the Hill.” In his stead, Sam Stockard is taking up the mantle with a new report called “Stockard on the Stump,” a collection of briefs, anecdotes and quotes from the latest week in the Tennessee General Assembly. As a state representative, […]
Tennessee Republicans belittle Congress’ voter rights resolution
Tennessee Republican leaders are belittling Congress’ move this week to change voting laws, mainly by bringing more people into the election process and changing the method for redrawing district lines. On a party-line 220-210 vote, the U.S. House on Wednesday passed wide-ranging voting and ethics legislation. The measure faces a higher hurdle in the Senate, […]
Permit-less gun carry bills steamroll through Legislature
Despite opposition from law enforcement officials, permit-less weapon legislation gained momentum in the General Assembly this week, although lawmakers might have to pick Gov. Bill Lee’s bill over one considered to be true “constitutional carry.” The Senate Judiciary Committee passed an amended version of the governor’s bill on a 7-2 vote Tuesday, followed by the […]
Voting rights advocates and Democratic leaders slam GOP efforts to remove judge
A Tennessee plaintiff in the 2020 lawsuit to expand absentee voting during the COVID-19 pandemic says legislation to remove Chancellor Ellen Hobbs Lyle is part of an effort to quell voting rights. Meanwhile, House Democrats contend the move is an unconstitutional effort to remove a sitting judge because Republicans disagree with her rulings. They say […]
House Finance chair laments use of Phoenix Solutions for constituent work
Signal Mountain Republican Rep. Patsy Hazlewood and other House Republicans regret using mysterious out-of-state vendor Phoenix Solutions for a taxpayer-funded legislative mailer in 2020. “It would be good to know who you’re doing business with. I thought I did, but maybe not,” said Hazlewood, appointed by House Speaker Cameron Sexton this year to chair the […]
Stockard on the Stump: Lawmakers on getting Miranda warning and taking the fifth
Retired Capitol Hill reporter Tom Humphrey for years wrote a column called “Humphrey on the Hill.” In his stead, Sam Stockard is taking up the mantle with a report called “Stockard on the Stump,” a collection of briefs, anecdotes and quotes from the latest week in the Tennessee General Assembly. If anyone doubts the FBI […]
Memphis lawmakers: Bolster water lines to avoid crisis
Shelby County legislators say upgrading the Memphis water infrastructure is critical to avert another boil-water advisory the next time the city is hit with a winter storm. Memphis Light, Gas and Water put the advisory into effect last week when water lines across the city sprang leaks, causing water pressure to dwindle and raising concerns […]
From the Hill: Lawmakers enjoy a bottle of Jack at virtual reception
COVID-19 rules remain partially in effect at the Legislature, including a ban on most fundraising receptions. But that didn’t stop Jack Daniel’s from handing out bottles of the state’s top Tennessee sipping whiskey to lawmakers Wednesday. Brown-Forman, the Kentucky-based owner of Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg, was to hold a virtual legislative reception from 7-9 […]
Constitutional amendment would give legislature a hand in attorney general selection
A move for “transparency” and legislative control is butting heads with the concept of separation of powers in an effort to change the way Tennessee selects its top law enforcement officer. With a key vote Tuesday, state Sen. Ken Yager, chairman of the Senate Republican Caucus, is gaining momentum for passage of a constitutional amendment […]
Senate takes school openings out of health officials’ hands, gives school boards, governor authority
Local school boards instead of public health boards would make decisions governing the return of students to in-classroom learning under legislation that passed the Senate in a 27-5 vote Monday. In addition, the legislation would give the governor free rein to order school districts to bring students back to classrooms, a shot at Shelby County […]
Tennessee GOP leaders won’t tap reserve funds
Tennessee’s rainy day fund and total reserves are hitting record highs, but Republican leaders are loath to use them, even amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It also could take months to form a new plan for increasing cash assistance to needy families, even though lawmakers recognize they let the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families reserve grow […]