Republicans, positioned to make major changes to state law with the governorship and a supermajority in the General Assembly, ended the session with some high-profile measures derailed by infighting.

2. Casada Abandons Revival of Campaign Finance Bill - Monday, April 22, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – The sponsor of a bill seeking to boost the amount of money political groups can give to candidates and to do away with reporting requirements for donations by corporations on Thursday dropped an effort to revive the failed measure.

3. Casada Faces High Hurdle on Campaign Finance Bill - Saturday, April 20, 2013

An effort to revive a failed bill to boost the amount of money political groups can give to candidates and to do away with reporting requirements for donations by corporations faces a high hurdle in the House.

4. Casada Faces High Hurdle on Campaign Finance Bill - Friday, April 19, 2013

An effort to revive a failed bill to boost the amount of money political groups can give to candidates and to do away with reporting requirements for donations by corporations faces a high hurdle in the House.

5. House Panel Advances Welfare Penalty for Parents - Thursday, April 11, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – A Tennessee House committee on Tuesday recommended passing a bill that would dock the welfare payments of parents of children who fail at a school despite Republican Gov. Bill Haslam's opposition to the measure.

6. Most Top Issues Decided as Session Hits Final Lap - Tuesday, April 09, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – The path may have been rocky at times for the new Republican supermajority in the General Assembly, but leaders are pleased that many of the most contentious issues have been decided as lawmakers enter the final few weeks of the session.

7. House GOP Leader Against Resurrecting Wine Bill - Monday, April 01, 2013

House Majority Leader Gerald McCormick says he favors a bill to allow wine to be sold in Tennessee supermarkets and convenience stores, but would oppose efforts to hold a re-vote in a committee where it narrowly failed.

8. Harwell Travels to Pennsylvania for Mother's Funeral - Friday, March 15, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – Rep. Curtis Johnson is presiding over the Tennesee House while Speaker Beth Harwell is away to attend to her mother's funeral.

9. Supermarket Wine Bill Fails by 1 Vote in House - Wednesday, March 13, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – A proposal to loosen wine sale laws in Tennessee has failed by a single vote in a House committee after members of the panel refused to grant the sponsor a week's delay to negotiate a final version.

10. Judicial Redistricting Plan Leaves Shelby Same - Wednesday, March 13, 2013

About a year after the Tennessee legislature set new district lines for itself and the state’s nine members of Congress, it is about to set the district lines for civil and criminal trial court judges at the state level.

11. Renewed Bid Would Dilute Tennessee Open Meetings Law - Monday, March 11, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – A renewed push is under way to get Tennessee lawmakers to allow local official to hold more closed-door meetings.

Williamson County Commissioner Bob Barnwell, who also spearheaded a similar attempt last year, has written to local government colleagues around the state urging them to encourage state lawmakers to pass a bill to allow private meetings among officials as long as a quorum isn't present.

12. Harwell Vote Rescues Grocery Store Wine Bill - Thursday, March 07, 2013

House Speaker Beth Harwell has rescued a bill to allow supermarket wine sales by casting the deciding vote in a subcommittee where the measure faced defeat.

13. Tennessee GOP Lawmakers Seek to Back Away From 'Fringe' - Tuesday, March 05, 2013

Before a House vote to give final approval to a contentious firearms bill last week, Speaker Beth Harwell implored her Republican colleagues to ignore demands from what she deemed “fringe” groups to make major changes to the measure.

14. Tennessee House Sends Parking Lot Guns Bill to Governor - Saturday, March 02, 2013

The Tennessee House has voted to send to the governor’s desk a bill to allow the state’s nearly 400,000 handgun carry permit holders to store firearms in their vehicles no matter where they are parked.

15. House Sends Parking Lot Guns Bill to Governor - Friday, March 01, 2013

The House has voted to send to the governor’s desk a bill to allow the state’s nearly 400,000 handgun carry permit holders to store firearms in their vehicles no matter where they are parked.

16. Supermarket Wine Bill Advances by 1 Vote in Senate - Tuesday, February 26, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – A proposal to allow wine to be sold in Tennessee supermarkets and convenience stores scored its first legislative victory on Tuesday after years of frustration.

The Senate State and Local Government Committee voted 5-4 to advance the bill that would allow cities and counties to hold referendums next year to decide whether to expand wine sales beyond the state's nearly 600 licensed liquor stores.

17. Nashville School Board Chair Calls Bill ‘Horrid’ - Wednesday, February 20, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – A plan that would let state officials overrule local school board decisions about charter schools in the state's two largest cities is being sharply criticized.

The Tennessean reported members of the Metro Nashville Council, the board of the Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools and opposing state legislators gathered Monday at Legislative Plaza in Nashville, where school board chairwoman Cheryl Mayes derided the bill as "horrid."

18. Despite Wide Legislative Power, Harwell Has Plenty of Work Ahead - Thursday, January 31, 2013

Tennessee House Speaker Beth Harwell today sits at the pinnacle of legislative power, overseeing a House Republican majority of better than 2-1.

19. White to Chair House Education Subcommittee - Saturday, January 19, 2013

Republican state Rep. Mark White of Memphis has been named chairman of the House Education Subcommittee by House Speaker Beth Harwell.

20. White to Chair House Education Subcommittee - Friday, January 18, 2013

Republican state Rep. Mark White of Memphis has been named chairman of the House Education Subcommittee by House Speaker Beth Harwell.

21. Turner Calls for Investigation of Department of Children’s Services - Monday, January 14, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – House Democratic Caucus Chairman Mike Turner is calling for a special meeting to investigate the Department of Children's Services' refusal to release records related to the abuse and death of children under its care.

22. House OKs Limiting Lawmakers to 15 Bills a Year - Friday, January 11, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – The House has approved setting a cap on how many bills each lawmaker can file each year.

The chamber on Thursday approved the new 15-bill limit on a voice vote. Previously there were no limits on the number of measures each member could introduce, and Speaker Beth Harwell said the flood of legislation conflicted with Republican ideals of lesser government.

23. Top Chairwoman Out in Senate Committee Shakeup - Friday, January 11, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey on Thursday replaced the chairwoman of the powerful judiciary committee with a key ally, while some opponents of a proposal to allow wine sales in grocery stores lauded committee assignments in the lower chamber.

24. Harwell's Bill Limit Proposal Finds GOP Resistance - Wednesday, January 09, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – House Speaker Beth Harwell's attempt to reel in the number of bills introduced each legislative session was met with resistance among some of her Republican colleagues as the legislative session got under way on Tuesday.

25. Tennessee Lawmakers Convene for 108th General Assembly - Wednesday, January 09, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – State lawmakers convened Tuesday for the 108th Tennessee General Assembly that is expected to take up measures ranging from allowing wine in supermarkets to permitting teachers to be armed in school.

26. Department of Children’s Services Seeks $8 Million From State - Friday, November 09, 2012

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Children's Services requested more than $8 million on Thursday to hire new staff and make other improvements to the agency that has been highly scrutinized over children's deaths.

27. Deberry Defends Head of Department of Children's Services - Wednesday, October 10, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) – A Democratic lawmaker who played a role in the formation of the embattled Tennessee Department of Children's Services says the agency's commissioner shouldn't be blamed for deeply rooted problems that she inherited.

28. Utility Regulatory Agency Missing Staff - Friday, July 06, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) – The state agency responsible for setting rates and service standards for privately-owned utilities is lacking an executive director and board quorum.

Among new laws that took effect July 1 is a statute that revamps the Tennessee Regulatory Authority. Gov. Bill Haslam backed the legislation that created a part-time board and requires a fulltime executive director.

29. Lawmakers Adjourn Session Without Gun Showdown - Thursday, May 03, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) – The 107th Tennessee General Assembly adjourned Tuesday without a final showdown over a contentious gun issue and the governor said he will decide in the next couple of days whether to veto a bill targeting Vanderbilt University's policies on religious student groups.

30. Lawmakers Send Budget to Governor - Wednesday, May 02, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) — The state’s more than $31 billion annual spending plan is headed to the governor after Republicans rejected Democratic efforts to make further changes to the compromise legislation.

31. Lobbyist Email Sent From Committee Chair's Account - Thursday, April 19, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) – A lobbyist has used a House chairman's email to urge lawmakers to vote against a bill to tax roll-your-own cigarettes.

The Knoxville News Sentinel reports that the email was sent from the email account of Republican Rep. Bob Ramsey of Maryville, the chairman of the House State and Local Government Committee.

32. House Panel Advances Gun Bill - Wednesday, April 18, 2012

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A proposal to strip employers of the right to ban firearms on company property is advancing again in the House, even though Gov. Bill Haslam says he doesn’t think it will pass.

33. Tenn. House Advances Gun Bills - Wednesday, April 11, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) – The House has rushed four bills out of subcommittee to guarantee workers the right to store firearms in vehicles parked on company lots.

The measures were advanced to the full Consumer and Employee Affairs Committee on Tuesday after a truncated debate.

34. Haslam Measure on Selecting Judges Awaiting Action - Tuesday, April 03, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) – When the top three Republicans in the Statehouse coalesced behind a plan to cement Tennessee's current selection process for Supreme Court justices into the state constitution, there seemed to be a smooth path ahead for getting the measure before voters in 2014.

35. House Panel OKs 1 Voter ID Change, Balks at Others - Thursday, March 15, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) – A House panel on Wednesday advanced one Democratic proposal to change Tennessee's new voter ID law, but rejected a second bill and delayed a third.

The House State and Local Government Subcommittee voted 4-3 in favor of a measure that would allow people without government-issued identification to vote after being photographed at the polling place.

36. Naifeh to Retire After 38 Years in House - Friday, March 09, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) – Rep. Jimmy Naifeh announced Thursday that he won't seek re-election after 38 years in the House of Representatives, saying it's time to "pass the torch to the next generation of leaders."

37. NRA Aims to Shoot Down Parking Lot Gun Exceptions - Wednesday, March 07, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) – The National Rifle Association is pressuring Republican lawmakers to abandon proposed limitations to a measure that would let workers store firearms in vehicles parked on their employers' lots.

38. House Sponsor Stands by 'Don't Say Gay' Bill - Wednesday, February 29, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) – The Republican sponsor of a proposal to ban the teaching of gay issues to elementary and middle school students said Tuesday that he's not backing off the legislation despite concerns from GOP leaders.

39. GOP Discuss Need for 'Don't Say Gay' Ban - Monday, February 27, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) – Legislation that would ban the teaching of gay issues to elementary and middle school students may be stalled, as Republican lawmakers discuss whether they should proceed with the bill.

40. Tenn. GOP Puts Off 'Don't Say Gay' Ban in House - Thursday, February 23, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) – Supporters of a measure to ban the teaching of gay issues to elementary and middle school students have put off consideration of the proposal after being told of fellow Republican Gov. Bill Haslam's concerns.

41. Haslam Hopes Waiver Will Boost Morale of Teachers - Friday, February 10, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) – Gov. Bill Haslam said Thursday that he hopes Tennessee's waiver from the No Child Left Behind education law boosts the morale of teachers and other educators frustrated by the federal measure's strict and sweeping requirements.

42. Haslam Plan on Judges Survives Early Challenge - Wednesday, February 08, 2012

MOUNT PLEASANT, Tenn. (AP) – Gov. Bill Haslam's plan for writing the state's judicial selection system into the Tennessee Constitution survived a challenge Tuesday from a fellow Republican in the state House.

43. Support Builds for Special Session on Health Care - Friday, February 03, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) – Republican lawmakers are building support for a plan to wait until the end of the year to take action on state requirements set by President Barack Obama's federal health care law.

44. MBA To Spend Year Educating Public on Law - Thursday, February 02, 2012

The Memphis Bar Association is gearing up for a major public outreach program in the form of an educational campaign.

Gary Smith, the 2012 president of the attorneys’ group, along with secretary Tommy Parker and member Porter Feild, have developed a program they’re calling “Law Rules: The Importance of the American Legal System.”

45. Photo Collage Adds Color to Halls of Legislature - Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Workers have installed a new floor-to-ceiling photo collage of Tennessee vistas and landmarks in a hallway between the Legislative Plaza and War Memorial buildings in Nashville.

The collage was commissioned by House Speaker Beth Harwell. The Nashville Republican cleared out the vending machines previously located on the landing between the two buildings.

46. Haslam, Speakers Want to Keep Judge Appointments - Thursday, January 26, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) – The state's top Republicans want to place a ballot measure before Tennessee voters to eliminate any constitutional questions about the current system for appointing judges.

47. Bill to Strip Courts' Power to Block Laws Dropped - Wednesday, January 25, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) – The sponsor of a proposal to strip state courts of the power to block laws enacted by the Tennessee General Assembly quietly withdrew the bill on Monday after receiving heavy criticism from both sides of the political aisle.

48. GOP Proposals Take Aim at Tennessee Courts - Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Republicans in the Tennessee Legislature are taking a close look at the judiciary branch this year, with several proposals expected to be taken up early in the session.

Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey told reporters last week that he plans to get fellow lawmakers to take the first step toward approving a constitutional amendment to resolve legal questions about the way appeals judges are appointed and retained.

49. State Orders 54,600 Copies of Tenn. Blue Book - Monday, January 23, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) – The latest edition of the Tennessee Blue Book are being delivered being delivered to the state Capitol.

Secretary of State Tre Hargett said Friday that the state has ordered 54,600 copies of the official guide to Tennessee government and history.

50. Harwell Opposes Changes to Tenn. Open Meetings Law - Wednesday, January 18, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) – House Speaker Beth Harwell has voiced opposition to efforts to water down Tennessee's open meetings law and has called on a Republican colleague to drop a bill seeking to make changes to the current rules.

51. Tenn. Lawmakers Want More Time on Redistricting Plans - Thursday, January 12, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) – State lawmakers opposed to legislative redistricting plans are questioning the desire of Republican leaders to pass them so quickly.

GOP leaders hope their redistricting plans can come up for a vote early as Thursday, Jan. 12, after the judiciary committees in both chambers passed the plans on to the House and Senate floors.

52. Tenn. Lawmakers Want More Time on Redistricting Plans - Wednesday, January 11, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) – State lawmakers opposed to legislative redistricting plans are questioning the desire of Republican leaders to pass them so quickly.

GOP leaders hope their redistricting plans can come up for a vote early as Thursday after the judiciary committees in both chambers passed the plans on to the House and Senate floors.

53. General Assembly Back in Session - Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Tennessee lawmakers went back to work Tuesday, Jan. 10, opening their session for the second year of 107th General Assembly.

House Speaker Beth Harwell and Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey called the two chambers into order shortly after noon.

54. Haslam, Harwell Hesitant on Drug-Testing Proposal - Wednesday, December 28, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey says he expects lawmakers will pass a bill requiring drug tests for Tennesseans who get government assistance or workers' compensation. Other high-ranking Republicans aren't so confident.

55. Haslam Wants to Put Off Estate Tax Cut Over Cost - Monday, December 26, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – Raising Tennessee's estate tax exemption by $500,000 would cost the state about $23 million in lost revenues, according to projections by Gov. Bill Haslam's administration.

56. Rep. DeBerry Says She’s Free of Cancer - Wednesday, December 21, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – State Rep. Lois DeBerry of Memphis has a lot to be thankful for this holiday season – mainly being alive.

57. Tenn. GOP Leaders Press for Hall, Estate Tax Cuts - Wednesday, December 14, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – Republican leaders in the General Assembly plan to forge ahead with efforts to reduce the state's inheritance and Hall income taxes despite Gov. Bill Haslam's concerns that Tennessee's economic situation isn't healthy enough to make up for the lost revenues.

58. Todd Returns to Legislature After DUI, Gun Arrest - Thursday, October 20, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – State Rep. Curry Todd has returned to the Legislature for the first time since his arrest on drunken driving and gun charges.

The Collierville Republican did not address his Oct. 11 arrest upon joining the proceedings of the Fiscal Review Committee on Wednesday morning. Todd left through the back of the hearing room afterward and did not speak to reporters.

59. Todd Apologizes for ‘Mistake’ - Tuesday, October 18, 2011

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (AP) – Gov. Bill Haslam said Monday, Oct. 17, that Tenn. Rep. Curry Todd has apologized for a “bad mistake” in being arrested on drunken driving and gun charges last week.

60. Tenn. Gun Bill Sponsor Faces DUI, Firearm Charges - Thursday, October 13, 2011

The Collierville sponsor of the law that made it legal to carry a gun into bars in Tennessee is facing charges of possession of a handgun while under the influence and drunken driving.

Rep. Curry Todd, a Collierville Republican, was pulled over in Nashville late Tuesday, according to court documents. Police said he failed a roadside sobriety test and refused to take a Breathalyzer test. A loaded .38-caliber gun was found in a holster stuffed between the driver's seat and center console.

61. Amazon.com Deal Changes Incentives for Company - Tuesday, October 11, 2011

The first tip last week that the latest jobs announcement by Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam would be a little different was that he did it in the old Tennessee Supreme Court chambers in Nashville.

The chambers are usually the setting for announcements of statewide importance with a broad political impact and sometimes a new direction for state government.

62. Schools Planning Commission Begins Work - Thursday, September 29, 2011

The 21-member schools consolidation planning commission goes to work Thursday, Sept. 29, in a conference room at the city-county Office of Construction Code Enforcement in Shelby Farms.

63. Countywide School Board List Hits 100 - Wednesday, September 07, 2011

Shelby County Commissioners are preparing for a long afternoon Wednesday, Sept. 7, as they interview applicants for the seven seats the commission will fill on the new countywide school board.

The interview sessions before the general government committee chaired by commissioner Mike Carpenter begin at noon.

64. Haslam Picks Cates for Consolidation Group - Tuesday, September 06, 2011

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam has picked Memphis philanthropist and business leader Staley Cates as his nominee for the 21-member schools consolidation planning commission.

Cates is president of Southeastern Asset Management Inc.

65. Haslam Picks Cates for Consolidation Group - Friday, September 02, 2011

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam has picked Memphis philanthropist and business leader Staley Cates as his nominee for the 21-member schools consolidation planning commission.

Cates is president of Southeastern Asset Management Inc.

66. Candidates Prep for Annual HobNob Event - Wednesday, August 31, 2011

It began its run at the old Libertyland theme park at the Mid-South Fairgrounds in the 1990s as such traditional picnic political forums as the old St. Peter’s picnic in Midtown were winding down.

Libertyland is now gone too, but the Greater Memphis Chamber gathering “HobNob In The Park” continues its run Sept. 7 in the courtyard at AutoZone Park at Third Street and Union Avenue, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

67. Harwell Stops Payment for Some Legislator Travel - Tuesday, July 26, 2011

NASHVILLE – House Speaker Beth Harwell, who donates her own legislative expense payments to charity, has moved to curtail the expense money other state representatives collect for out-of-state traveling.

68. Words of Warning - Wednesday, July 20, 2011

FedEx Express president and chief executive officer David J. Bronczek told a group of state legislators and elected leaders from 15 states that the U.S. needs an “oil strategy long term.”

Bronczek spoke Tuesday, July 19, at the closing session of the Southern Legislative Conference at The Peabody hotel about oil dependence as a national security issue.

69. Picnic Kicks Off Political ‘Offseason’ - Tuesday, July 19, 2011

There is no campaign literature in Pleasantville. The family spread in Arlington of former state Rep. Bubba Pleasant drew several hundred people – most politicians or the politically minded – over the weekend for the annual “Pleasantville” picnic hosted by Pleasant and state Rep. Ron Lollar.

70. Haslam Wants 700 Fewer Bills Introduced Next Year - Thursday, June 23, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – Gov. Bill Haslam wants Tennessee lawmakers to file 700 fewer legislative proposals next year.

The Republican governor said in a speech Tuesday that he would like the number of bills reduced by one-third, or from the about 2,200 filed this year to the 1,500 range.

71. Obama Trip Highlights Local School Concerns - Wednesday, May 18, 2011

President Barack Obama’s visit to Memphis this week comes at an important time for education reform in Memphis as well as the state.

It also comes as local, state and federal voices in the reform discussion are asking some very specific questions about what standards matter in judging the value of a high school diploma.

72. Bill to Curb Teacher Bargaining Advances in House - Thursday, May 12, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – A proposal to limit teacher's collective bargaining rights is advancing after the House speaker stepped in once again to cast a tiebreaking vote.

The measure sponsored by Republican Caucus Chairwoman Debra Maggart of Hendersonville passed the House Finance Committee 13-12 on Wednesday. Republican House Speaker Beth Harwell of Nashville said she broke the tie because of a commitment to GOP caucus members to give them a chance to vote on the bill on the House floor.

73. Collective Bargaining Bill Passes Tenn. Senate - Wednesday, May 04, 2011

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – A proposal to repeal Tennessee teachers' collective bargaining rights passed the Senate 18-14 on Monday after a measure failed that would allow school boards to maintain them if they choose.

74. Collective Bargaining Bill Affects Teacher Morale - Friday, April 29, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – A proposal to repeal Tennessee teachers' collective bargaining rights has hurt their morale and is making others reconsider the teaching profession, the lobbyist for the Tennessee Education Association said Thursday.

75. Collective Bargaining Bill Headed to Full State Senate - Friday, April 22, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – A proposal to replace Tennessee teachers' collective bargaining rights with a policy manual is "insulting to teachers" and could create chaos, said the lobbyist for the Tennessee Education Association.

76. WKNO to Air Interview with Speaker of Tenn. House - Monday, April 18, 2011

In a half-hour exclusive sit-down interview, WKNO/Channel 10 will explore the life of Beth Halteman Harwell, Tennessee Republican Representative of Davidson County’s District 56 since 1988 and the first woman to be elected Speaker of the House in the 2011 General Assembly.

77. Events - Monday, April 18, 2011

Agape Child & Family Services will hold its annual Kids Classic Golf Tournament Monday at noon at TPC Southwind, 3325 Club at Southwind. Teams of four are $1,600 and individuals are $400. Sponsorships are available and start at $500. For more information or to register, call 323-3600 or visit www.apagemeanslove.org.

78. Haslam Meets With House GOP; No Bargaining Talk - Wednesday, April 13, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – Gov. Bill Haslam met with Republicans in the state House on Monday, but said they didn't discuss a measure that would curb Tennessee teachers' collective bargaining rights.

79. Events - Friday, April 08, 2011

Health Memphis Common Table will present a Community Partners Forum Friday from 8:30 a.m. to noon at St. Francis Hospital, 5959 Park Ave. Dr. Calvin Johnson, president of Altre Strategies Solutions Group LLC, will speak on the topic “Eliminating Health Disparities by Focusing on Quality.” For more information, contact Patti Tosti at 273-2665 or patti.tosti@healthmemphis.org.

80. Events - Thursday, April 07, 2011

The Mid-South Area Business Travelers Association will meet Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, 6120 Poplar Ave. Laurie Rusin will present “Road Warrior Packing and Travel Secrets Revealed.” To register, visit www.msabta.org.

81. Tenn. Charter School Bill Advancing in Senate - Thursday, March 31, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – Legislation that seeks to create more charter schools in Tennessee would hurt public schools, critics said of the proposal that advanced in the Senate on Wednesday.

The measure, which is one of Gov. Bill Haslam's top priorities, passed the Senate Education Committee on a 7-2 vote and is now headed to the Senate Finance Committee. The companion bill was to be heard in the House Education Subcommittee also on Wednesday.

82. Collective Bargaining Bill Advances in Tenn. House - Wednesday, March 23, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – A proposal that restricts the collective bargaining rights of Tennessee teachers is advancing in the House.

The measure sponsored by House Republican Caucus Chairwoman Debra Maggart of Hendersonville passed the House Education Committee 12-6 on Tuesday and now goes to the House Finance Committee.

83. Haslam, Ramsey Post Dueling Facebook Messages - Tuesday, March 22, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – Gov. Bill Haslam and Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey have taken to Facebook to make competing arguments about education proposals pending before the General Assembly.

84. Tenn. Ethics Panel Doesn't Have Quorum to Meet - Tuesday, March 22, 2011

KNOXVILLE (AP) – Spokesmen for the governor and House speaker say they're working to fill vacancies on the Tennessee Ethics Commission that hasn't met since November because it doesn't have a quorum.

85. Teachers' Bargaining Bill Advances in House - Friday, March 18, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – The lobbyist for the Tennessee Education Association said Wednesday he's not completely satisfied with a proposal that would restrict the collective bargaining rights of Tennessee teachers, but is grateful they still have an opportunity to bargain.

86. Next Moves - Monday, March 14, 2011

The two tracks to schools consolidation are about to cross now that Memphis voters have settled the consolidation referendum that is the mainline for the journey to one public school system in Shelby County.

87. State GOP Open to Discussing Concerns About Shariah Bill - Monday, March 07, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – Tennessee Republican leaders say they're willing to talk with concerned Muslims about legislation that would make it a felony to follow some versions of the Islamic code known as Shariah, even though activists say their requests for discussion have gone unheard.

88. State House to Take Up Haslam Education Proposals First - Wednesday, March 02, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – House Speaker Beth Harwell says the lower chamber of the General Assembly plans to take up Gov. Bill Haslam's proposals on tenure and charter schools before taking up a measure to do away with teachers' collective bargaining rights.

89. Schools Forums Hit Other Notes In Controversy - Friday, February 18, 2011

Shelby County Commissioner Mike Ritz says Germantown leaders and taxpayers should form a municipal school district now if they are going to.

“I think what they need to do is get immediately very selfish for themselves,” Ritz said at a Memphis Area Association of Realtors forum Thursday.

90. Schools Standoff Bill Clears House Committee - Friday, February 04, 2011

The state House education committee has approved the bill that would bar any consolidation of city and county schools until August 2013 and open the door to special school district status for Shelby County Schools.

91. Gov. Haslam Enters Local Schools Fray - Wednesday, February 02, 2011

After studiously trying to stay out of the local schools standoff for a week, Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam on Tuesday got involved in a carefully chosen way.

Haslam’s involvement came the day before two state Senate committees are scheduled to vote on legislation that would lengthen the process for consolidating the city and county school systems and require that county voters outside Memphis be involved in any referendum.

92. Complete Shelby Delegation Preps for Expanded Leadership - Wednesday, January 26, 2011

When the Tennessee Legislature returns on Feb. 7 from its three-week recess, the 22-member Shelby County legislative delegation will be at full strength.

The newest member, District 98 Democrat Antonio Parkinson, won appointment by the Shelby County Commission to the seat he claimed in this month’s special Democratic primary election.

93. GOP Leaders Plan Changes to Education This Year - Thursday, January 20, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – Tennessee Republican leaders say they plan to reform the state's education system, including possibly lifting the cap on charter schools and re-evaluating when high school teachers should get tenure.

94. Tenn. House Members Remember Ulysses Jones Jr. - Friday, January 14, 2011

Members of the Tennessee House of Representatives have held a ceremony to remember Memphis Democratic Rep. Ulysses Jones Jr.

A memorial ceremony on Thursday was held during the House session.

95. Tenn. House Speaker Harwell Announces Committees - Friday, January 14, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – Tennessee Republican House Speaker Beth Harwell has announced legislative committees.

96. Timing An Issue in Schools Standoff - Tuesday, December 28, 2010

The schools standoff that has followed the metro consolidation charter debate is proving to be more a creature of timing than that campaign ever was.

As the New Year approaches, there isn’t a plan for what a consolidated countywide public school system would look like if Memphis voters surrender the Memphis City Schools charter.

97. Ex-GOP Lawmaker Bunch Named Administrative Judge - Wednesday, December 15, 2010

NASHVILLE (AP) – A former state lawmaker who was a vocal critic of Tennessee's laws on appointing judges has been named an administrative law judge.

The Chattanooga Times Free Press reports for Tuesday's editions that Republican Sen. Dewayne Bunch of Cleveland has been appointed an administrative law judge by Secretary of State Tre Hargett, a fellow former state lawmaker.

98. Harwell Names Fellow Lawmaker McCord as Clerk - Friday, December 10, 2010

NASHVILLE (AP) – Republican state Rep. Beth Harwell, the GOP nominee for state House speaker, has named a fellow lawmaker who didn't seek re-election this year as chief parliamentarian of the lower chamber.

99. 'High Regard' - Friday, December 03, 2010

As chairwoman of the Tennessee Republican Party, Beth Harwell targeted Memphis Democratic state Rep. Mike Kernell by recruiting candidates to run against him.

100. Shelby Legislators Prepare Return to Nashville - Thursday, November 11, 2010

Shelby County’s legislative delegation to Nashville remained intact following the Nov. 2 election.

But the group of 22 will return to the capital in Nashville changed by the death this week of veteran Democratic state representative Ulysses Jones Jr. The Shelby County Commission will appoint someone to fill the vacancy.