County Mayor-elect Lee Harris announced his resignation from the state Senate on Wednesday, a day before he is sworn-in for the county post he won earlier this month.

2. If Only Legislators Could Focus on Important Issues - Thursday, May 24, 2018

A year-old law enabling Tennessee colleges and universities to keep secret the “proprietary” fees they pay money managers for handling risky investments is likely to be reviewed this year.

3. Social Media Ad Disclosure Bill Fails in Tennessee - Wednesday, April 18, 2018

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A Tennessee bill that would require the disclosure of who paid for political ads on social media websites such as Twitter and Facebook is likely dead for the year after failing to get enough votes in the House on Monday.

4. Lawmakers OK Bill to Ban State Money to Abortion Providers - Monday, April 2, 2018

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – It's up to Republican Gov. Bill Haslam whether to sign legislation seeking federal approval to ban TennCare payments to abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, for non-abortion services.

5. State Senate OKs Changes to University of Tennessee Board - Wednesday, March 28, 2018

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – The Republican-led state Senate has approved a bill that would reshape the University of Tennessee's board of trustees.

Senators cast a 27-3 vote Monday for Republican Gov. Bill Haslam's proposal.

6. Dems Need Viable Candidates to Catch Blue Wave - Thursday, March 22, 2018

Republicans called it the “kickoff” to what they hope will be a great election season.

Democrats are downplaying a lopsided loss in the 14th Senate District special election, saying it won’t represent results later this year in President Donald Trump’s midterm.

7. Tennessee Senate OKs Social Media Political Disclosure Bill - Wednesday, March 21, 2018

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – The Tennessee Senate has passed a bill that would spell out requirements to disclose who paid for sponsored political content on social media platforms.

The Republican-led Senate approved the legislation in a 17-8 vote Monday. It heads to the House.

8. State Lawmakers Revive Child Marriage Ban Bill - Saturday, March 17, 2018

A Republican-led Tennessee House panel has revived legislation to ban child marriage.

A House subcommittee advanced the bill Wednesday, March 14, after amending it to let 17-year-olds continue to marry, but only with judicial approval, parental permission, proof of maturity and high school completion, and other requirements.

9. Small Cell Legislation Advancing, But Rural Options More Limited - Monday, March 19, 2018

NASHVILLE – Unable to get cell-phone service at a football game in Nashville or Knoxville? Can’t send a text from a Broadway honky tonk or Beale Street blues bar? Wondering how autonomous cars will ever work?

10. Tennessee Lawmakers Revive Child Marriage Ban Proposal - Friday, March 16, 2018

A Republican-led Tennessee House panel has revived legislation to ban child marriage.

A House subcommittee advanced the bill Wednesday, March 14, after amending it to let 17-year-olds continue to marry, but only with judicial approval, parental permission, proof of maturity and high school completion, and other requirements.

11. Florida’s Epiphany On Guns Means Little in Tennessee - Thursday, March 15, 2018

Memphis resident Stevie Moore has been waging a war to take illegal guns off the streets since someone shot his son in the head with an AK-47 15 years ago.

“It’s my mission to fight these guns whatever way I can,” says Moore, who founded the organization Freedom From Unnecessary Negatives in an effort to steer youth away from violence.

12. Bill Removing Sterilization From Sentencing Advances - Saturday, March 10, 2018

A proposal by state Sen. Brian Kelsey, R-Germantown, and Rep. Raumesh Akbari, D-Memphis, to prohibit Tennessee judges from offering defendants reduced jail time in exchange for sterilization passed the Senate on Thursday, March 1.

13. Digest - Tuesday, March 6, 2018

Memphis Grizzlies Suffer 15th Consecutive Loss

The Grizzlies lost their 15th straight game, 119-110 at Chicago, on Wednesday, March 7.

The team has not won since defeating the Phoenix Suns at FedExForum on Jan. 29.

14. Tennessee Panel Kills Bill to Outlaw Child Marriage - Friday, March 9, 2018

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – A Republican-led Tennessee House panel has killed a bill to ban child marriage because a socially conservative lobbyist argued it interferes with his state legal challenge of same-sex marriage.

15. Bill Removing Sterilization From Any Sentencing Advances - Monday, March 5, 2018

A proposal by state Sen. Brian Kelsey, R-Germantown, and Rep. Raumesh Akbari, D-Memphis, to prohibit Tennessee judges from offering defendants reduced jail time in exchange for sterilization passed the Senate by a vote of 22-4 on Thursday, March 1.

16. State Lawmakers Propose Ban on Child Marriages - Saturday, March 3, 2018

Two Democratic lawmakers are proposing a ban on child marriages in Tennessee.

During a news conference Monday, Sen. Jeff Yarbro of Nashville and Rep. Darren Jernigan of Old Hickory discussed legislation to require people getting married to be at least 18.

17. State Lawmakers Propose Ban on Child Marriages in Tennessee - Wednesday, February 28, 2018

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Two Democratic lawmakers are proposing a ban on child marriages in Tennessee.

During a news conference Monday, Sen. Jeff Yarbro of Nashville and Rep. Darren Jernigan of Old Hickory discussed legislation to require people getting married to be at least 18.

18. Details Slow Plan to Shrink UT’s Board of Trustees - Thursday, February 15, 2018

Gov. Bill Haslam’s plan to restructure the University of Tennessee board of trustees appears to be a work in progress.

Timing is critical, too, with the 2018 session of the General Assembly moving at a snail’s pace and UT President Joe DiPietro’s contract set to run out in mid-2019.

19. State Democrats Targeting Domestic Abuse With Bills - Thursday, February 15, 2018

Tennessee House Democrats are sponsoring legislation designed to bolster support for domestic violence victims amid a dismissive attitude toward abuse by President Donald Trump.

“We’re all familiar with the situation with Rob Porter and his former spouses showing pictures and reports about domestic violence, and the White House response has not been one that condemns the abuser but instead says we have to be careful with how we ruin someone’s reputation,” said state Rep. Raumesh Akbari during a Tuesday, Feb. 13, press conference. “So I think that shows a complete disregard for taking the complaints and the legitimate concerns of these abused women seriously.”

20. State Voters Have More to Fear Than Russian Meddling - Thursday, January 25, 2018

About 30 years ago, my wife and I were hanging out with another couple and decided to make a big night of it. We’d go out for Mexican food and then rent a movie.

After we had some Mexican grub, we went to Kroger to find a flick. As we perused the selections, my friend said, “What about a Russian spy movie?” To which his girlfriend (future wife, now ex-wife) whined, “John, you know I don’t speak Russian.” (His name is changed to protect the innocent.)

21. Democrats Look to Cooperate on Key Issues - Thursday, December 28, 2017

With the state’s budget projected to be tight and lawmakers lining up to run for re-election in 2018, the coming legislative session isn’t expected to yield many surprises.

But the 110th General Assembly still has a long row to hoe as the session starts Jan. 9 with new legislative offices and committee rooms in the renovated Cordell Hull Building in downtown Nashville.

22. Source: Former Tennessee Gov. Bredesen Running for Senate - Thursday, December 7, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Former Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen has been calling potential donors to let them know he plans to join the race to succeed Republican Bob Corker in the U.S. Senate.

23. Source: Former Tennessee Gov. Bredesen Running for Senate - Thursday, December 7, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Former Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen has been calling potential donors to let them know he plans to join the race to succeed Republican Bob Corker in the U.S. Senate.

A prominent supporter confirmed he had spoken to Bredesen, the most recent Democrat to win a statewide race in Tennessee, about the decision Wednesday. He spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because an official announcement wasn't expected until Thursday.

24. Medical Marijuana Might Finally Get Past Objections - Thursday, November 2, 2017

Medical marijuana legislation is evolving, not to ease people’s debilitating pain but to help it pass the General Assembly, where it’s giving some lawmakers heartburn.

State Rep. Jeremy Faison, an East Tennessee Republican ferrying the bill through the House, is offering several changes to a bill he is sponsoring with Sen. Steve Dickerson, a Nashville Republican, to soothe the nerves of state bureaucrats and lawmakers who get shaky when the word marijuana is mentioned.

25. Democrats Hope Bredesen Run Will Reinvigorate Party - Thursday, October 26, 2017

Tennessee Democrats are canvassing the state to find candidates at every political level, but their next star is a well-known veteran who has people of all political stripes holding their breath.

Phil Bredesen, the former mayor of Nashville and a two-term governor, could alter the landscape of Tennessee politics if he enters the race for U.S. Senate to fill the void by departing Republican Sen. Bob Corker in 2018.

26. Tennessee Gov. Haslam Considering US Senate Bid - Thursday, September 28, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam said Thursday that he had been holding out hope that his friend Bob Corker would run for a third term in the U.S. Senate. But now that Corker has decided to retire from Congress, the governor said he's been thrust into the position of having to give a Senate bid serious consideration.

27. Opioid Committee on Right Track, Obstacles Remain - Thursday, September 14, 2017

Smyrna Police Chief Kevin Arnold can remember the first time his detectives brought a heroin case to him three or four years ago.

“Of course, my reaction immediately was, ‘I thought that went away in the late 70s.’ But we’re seeing it. In fact, we are averaging approximately five heroin overdoses a month just in the town of Smyrna,” adds Arnold, whose city about 10 miles southeast of Nashville has a population of nearly 48,600.

28. Micromanaging Nashville is Job 1 for Legislature - Thursday, July 6, 2017

Metro Nashville is used to getting hammered by the Legislature’s Republicans.

Nearly every time the Metro Council tries to come up with a solution to growing problems, conservatives in the General Assembly swoop in and save the rest of the state from Music City’s attempts to better handle its success.

29. Medicaid Cuts Could Hit Rural Children Hardest - Thursday, June 15, 2017

As Congress fiddles with an Obamacare replacement, one likely to cut billions in Medicaid spending, health care experts warn a decrease in funding could be hard on Tennessee.

During a recent forum in Jackson, Andy Schneider of the Georgetown Center on Children and Families reported that 50 percent of Tennessee’s children in small towns and rural areas are covered by Medicaid, a higher percentage than the rest of the nation, and more than in Tennessee’s urban areas where 39 percent have Medicaid.

30. A New Life Made Possible by a $170 Discount - Thursday, June 8, 2017

A harassment conviction lingered on the record of Memphis resident Brenda A. for 10 years, the high cost of expungement making it difficult to erase the past.

Like many people convicted of misdemeanors and felonies, she paid her court fees and fines, along with probation costs, years ago, but had trouble cobbling together the money to expunge her record, making it hard to land a good job and make a fresh start.

31. Law Could Allow Guns at Nashville Bus Hub Used By Schools - Tuesday, June 6, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Police and security guards keep watch as thousands of children zigzag through Nashville's downtown bus hub each morning and afternoon, catching buses between home and school.

32. Tennessee Governor Signs NRA-Backed Metal Detector Gun Bill - Monday, May 29, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Many Tennessee city and county buildings, parks and buses will either have to buy metal detectors, hire security guards and check people's bags, or let handgun permit holders bring in their guns, under a law signed Friday by Gov. Bill Haslam.

33. View From the Hill: Haslam Credits GOP ‘Experiment’ for Tennessee’s Success - Thursday, May 18, 2017

If you ask Gov. Bill Haslam, Republican government is the best thing since sliced bread.

Not only is GOP leadership responsible for a myriad of tax cuts leading to record surpluses and a $37 billion budget funding better K-12 and higher education, shoring up the rainy day and TennCare funds, shrinking state debt and building an economic environment for job creation, Haslam says. It’s even bringing us the cleanest air since before the industrial revolution.

34. House Committee Postpones Action on Short-Term Rentals - Thursday, May 11, 2017

A day after the House targeted Nashville with a tough bill on short-term rentals, the Senate deferred action on legislation blocking the Metro Council from enacting any prohibitions.

The Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee postponed a bill by Sen. John Stevens until January 2018, ending the debate this year on a measure singling out Davidson County efforts to restrict short-term rentals such as Airbnb.

35. House Approves Education Fund Concept, But Senate Action Put on Hold - Thursday, May 11, 2017

House Minority Leader Craig Fitzhugh pushed his K-12 education fund to passage Tuesday, May 9, but the possibility of funding and Senate approval will have to wait until 2018.

Dubbed the “K-12 Block Grant Act,” the measure calls for setting aside $250 million in excess state revenue for interest-generating investment to provide grant money for school systems statewide. Each system could use the funds for state-approved programs such as reading coaches or dual enrollment, items not funded through Tennessee’s Basic Education Program.

36. Bill Approved to Open Officer-Involved Shooting Death Cases to the Public - Tuesday, April 25, 2017

The House overwhelmingly approved legislation Monday, April 24, requiring records about officer-involved shooting deaths be open to the public.

Sponsored by Rep. G.A. Hardaway and Sen. Lee Harris, both Memphis Democrats, the move opens the curtain on Tennessee Bureau of Investigation records, which are exempt from the Tennessee Open Records Act and confidential. Generally they are disclosed to the public only through a court order.

37. View From the Hill: Tearful End for Non-Citizen Tuition Relief Bill - Thursday, April 20, 2017

State Rep. Raumesh Akbari grew so emotional she couldn’t speak. On the verge of tears, the Memphis Democrat started to talk about a high school from her Shelby County district with a large number of undocumented immigrant students.

38. GOP Happy to ‘Wait and See’ on Medicaid - Thursday, April 6, 2017

Republicans say ho, Democrats say go. In the wake of Trumpcare’s congressional crash, states such as Kansas and North Carolina are joining the majority of the nation in expanding Medicaid rolls.

39. Senate Campaign War Chests Could Swell - Thursday, April 6, 2017

NASHVILLE – Legislation enabling state lawmakers to raise campaign funds during even-year session recesses evolved into a markedly different bill this week – one allowing significant contribution increases for Senate candidates.

40. Democrats Put Squeeze on Republicans To Defeat Outsourcing of State Assets - Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Legislative Democrats are calling on Republicans to join them in passing a slate of bills to combat Gov. Bill Haslam’s outsourcing plans for everything from state parks to facilities management at universities.

41. Democrats Put Squeeze on Republicans to Defeat Outsourcing - Tuesday, April 4, 2017

Legislative Democrats are calling on Republicans to join them in passing a slate of bills to combat Gov. Bill Haslam’s outsourcing plans for everything from state parks to facilities management at universities.

42. Plan to Dig Up President Polk's Body – Again – Stirs Trouble - Monday, March 27, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – President James K. Polk did big things for America, dramatically expanding its borders by annexing Texas and seizing California and the Southwest in a war with Mexico. Achieving undisturbed eternal rest has proved more difficult.

43. Trump: Next Old Hickory or Carnival Barker - Thursday, March 23, 2017

For those who ignore the news – fake or otherwise – Donald Trump won the presidency last November.

While he didn’t capture a majority of the vote, he did win the electoral vote, causing many detractors to call for the elimination of this outdated voting method.

44. Tennessee Lawmakers Weigh In on Trump Visit - Friday, March 17, 2017

NASHVILLE – While state lawmakers recognized the historical significance of President Donald Trump visiting the home of President Andrew Jackson in Hermitage Wednesday, March 15, the review is mixed on comparisons between the two as well as the Jackson legacy.

45. Norris Presents Amended Fuel-Tax Bill With Larger Sales Tax Cut - Tuesday, March 14, 2017

NASHVILLE – Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris pushed a revised fuel-tax bill through the Transportation Committee on Monday, March 13, making a sharper cut in the grocery tax to offset phased-in increases at the gas pump.

46. Norris Presents Amended Fuel-Tax Bill With Larger Sales Tax Cut - Tuesday, March 14, 2017

NASHVILLE – Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris pushed a revised fuel-tax bill through the Transportation Committee on Monday, March 13, making a sharper cut in the grocery tax to offset phased-in increases at the gas pump.

47. Tennessee Senate Changes Bill That Was Deemed Discriminatory - Friday, March 10, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Tennessee senators have watered down and passed legislation that critics still deem discriminatory.

The Senate amended and approved Republican Sen. Mark Green's bill Thursday. It heads to the House.

48. Senate Panel Defeats Tennessee Pot Decriminalization Bill - Thursday, March 9, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – A bill seeking to reduce the penalty for possessing small amounts of marijuana in Tennessee has been extinguished in a state Senate committee.

The Judiciary Committee voted 6-3 on Tuesday against the measure sponsored by Sen. Jeff Yarbro. The bill would have made possession of less than one-eighth of an ounce of marijuana a Class C misdemeanor punishably by a fine of no more than $50.

49. Senate Advances Bill to Require Vertical Licenses for Minors - Friday, February 24, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Drivers under the age of 21 would be issued driver's licenses printed in a vertical format under a bill advancing in the Tennessee Senate.

The bill sponsored by Republican Sen. Becky Massey of Knoxville was approved by the Senate Transportation Committee on an 8-0 vote on Wednesday. Democratic Sen. Jeff Yarbro of Nashville abstained.

50. View From the Hill: ‘Moral Mondays’ Draw Crowds, But Are Lawmakers Listening? - Thursday, February 23, 2017

Johnny and Julie Erwin don’t look like typical protesters, but the senior couple joined the “moral Mondays” ruckus recently at the State Capitol, Johnny wearing his Air Force cap and Julie holding a list of social legislation they oppose.

51. Norris Filing Catch-All Bill for Variations of Proposed IMPROVE Act - Monday, February 13, 2017

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris is filing legislation for the Haslam administration to catch all transportation tax and revenue-related bills in an effort to “start anew” and minimize confusion.

52. Tennessee Democrats Push to Phase Out Grocery Tax - Friday, February 10, 2017

Calling the governor’s fuel-tax plan a “slap in the face” of working Tennesseans, legislative Democrats are making a move to offset increased costs at the pump by phasing out the grocery tax.

53. View From the Hill: Legislators Feel Free to Work Against Haslam - Thursday, February 9, 2017

Democrats appear delighted about division within Republican ranks concerning Gov. Bill Haslam’s proposed fuel-tax increase, detecting a possible chink in the armor.

“How many times does the supermajority have to stab the governor in the back and undermine his core proposals before the people of the state of Tennessee wonder whether they need a different group up here?” asks Mike Stewart, House Minority Caucus chairman.

54. State Democrats Propose Eliminating the Grocery Tax - Wednesday, February 8, 2017

NASHVILLE – Calling the governor’s fuel-tax plan a “slap in the face” of working Tennesseans, legislative Democrats are making a move to offset increased costs at the pump by phasing out the grocery tax.

55. View From the Hill: Haslam Facing Tough Sell on Tax Hikes, Cuts - Thursday, January 26, 2017

An interesting thing happened just a couple of hours before Gov. Bill Haslam unveiled his fuel-tax increase plan amid great fanfare at the State Capitol. 

As the governor started explaining the proposed IMPROVE Act to reporters during a short media briefing, he apparently realized more people were poring over a handout than paying attention. They were trying to get a jump on writing stories while digesting the numbers combined with an array of tax breaks designed to make tax increases more palatable.

56. New Year, New Resolutions for Legislators - Thursday, December 29, 2016

Some Tennesseans recall the days when the state Legislature met every other year and wonder if it should revert to that schedule. Considering the General Assembly pushes most of its work into 3 1/2 months, it might be worth a try.

57. BCBS Bombshell Leaves Insurance Seekers in Bind - Thursday, October 20, 2016

Nashville resident Jennifer Murray is caught in the snare of uncertainty looming over Tennessee health insurance coverage.

Self-employed as a health care consultant, the single 48-year-old bought individual coverage through BlueCross BlueShield Tennessee’s marketplace plans each year since the Affordable Care Act took effect in 2014. The company offered the widest range of physicians, and its insurance was accepted in most places.

58. No Quick Fix in State Health Insurance Issue - Thursday, September 15, 2016

State Rep. Ron Travis is perplexed.

On one hand, the Republican from Dayton is concerned with escalating premiums for Tennesseans participating in the insurance marketplace, worried costs are increasing to the point people simply can’t afford health insurance.

59. Democrats Seek Hearings Exchange Rate Increases - Saturday, September 3, 2016

The state’s Democratic Caucus has requested hearings in the House and Senate Commerce and Insurance committees to probe how insurance rates for the 2017 Tennessee Health Care Marketplace could rise so high year to year.

60. Democrats Seek Hearings On Large Exchange Rate Hikes - Friday, September 2, 2016

The state’s Democratic Caucus has requested hearings in the House and Senate Commerce and Insurance committees to probe how insurance rates for the 2017 Tennessee Health Care Marketplace could rise so high year to year.

61. Red State, Blue Mayors - Thursday, July 28, 2016

Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, a Democrat in Tennessee’s sea of red, finds herself adapting to the control Republicans hold over the state Legislature.

62. Legislators Sweating the Small Stuff - Thursday, May 26, 2016

My late father kept a paper weight on his desk at home that read: “Don’t sweat the small stuff.”

Well, we’re sweating the small stuff – from the federal government down to the states – with this harangue over transgender bathrooms.

63. Tennessee Passes Resolution to Sue Feds Over Refugees - Thursday, April 21, 2016

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – A resolution that would direct Tennessee to sue the federal government over its refugee resettlement program passed Tuesday in the state Legislature.

The measure was approved in the Senate after lawmakers agreed to a change that would allow a private law firm to file a lawsuit on behalf of Tennessee if the state attorney general refuses to sue. It stipulates that the use of the private firm could not cost taxpayers.

64. Bill to Let Counselors Deny Services on the Way to Governor - Wednesday, April 13, 2016

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – A Tennessee bill that would allow mental health therapists to turn away patients based on the counselors' religious beliefs and personal principles passed Monday and is on its way to the governor.

65. Lawmakers Lure Us In With Momentary Sanity, And Then... - Thursday, April 7, 2016

Just when it appears the Tennessee Senate is made up of sensible people – as evidenced by the killing of de-annexation legislation – the body is changing course with a Bible-thumping measure.

66. Haslam Shakeup of Public Universities Gains Final Approval - Wednesday, April 6, 2016

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Republican Gov. Bill Haslam's plan to spin off four-year public universities from the Tennessee Board of Regents system gained final approval in the state Legislature on Monday.

67. Bill to Make Bible Tennessee's State Book Heads to Governor - Wednesday, April 6, 2016

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Derided by critics as everything from unconstitutional to sacrilegious, Tennessee lawmakers nevertheless plowed ahead with designating the Holy Bible as the state's official book.

68. Bipartisan Skeptics Doubt Haslam’s Outsourcing Plan - Thursday, March 17, 2016

Poor timing and questionable numbers: That’s how legislators are viewing a business justification plan for outsourcing facilities management across Tennessee.

The Office of Customer Focused Government tells state senators, if all departments opt in, the state could save $35.8 million by the second year of a contract under study for building operations and services – without laying off state workers or cutting pay and benefits.

69. Tennessee Designates Barrett As Official State Rifle - Thursday, February 25, 2016

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – While Tennessee lawmakers balked last year at making the Holy Bible the official state book, they showed little hesitance Wednesday in designating an official state rifle.

70. Bill Seeks Private Transportation Partnerships in Tennessee - Friday, February 5, 2016

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A bipartisan legislative proposal would clear the way for public-private partnerships on transportation projects in Tennessee.

Republican Sen. Bill Ketron of Murfreesboro said at a press conference at the state Capitol on Wednesday that the bill would allow state and local governments to enter into agreements with private vendors to build and operate light rail and roads to help alleviate traffic congestion.

71. Minority Leader Harris Confident Even on Wrong Side of Supermajority - Thursday, February 4, 2016

Lee Harris says he ran for state Senate because he felt Memphis could do better on Capitol Hill, defeating Ophelia Ford in 2014.

72. Tennessee Dems Want Eligibility Check on Presidential Ballot - Monday, January 25, 2016

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Two Tennessee Democrats want to pass a law to require the state to enforce the U.S. Constitution's "natural born citizen" requirement on this November's presidential ballot.

73. Tennessee Senate Votes to End Emissions Tests for New Cars - Friday, January 22, 2016

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The state Senate overwhelmingly passed a bill Thursday to end emissions testing in Tennessee for new cars, brushing aside concerns that relaxing standards might be a bad idea in light of the Volkswagen scandal.

74. Refugees, Regents, Privatization On Tap for New Session - Friday, January 1, 2016

State Sen. Ken Yager isn’t quite ready for the state of Tennessee to reclaim the Refugee Resettlement Program from Catholic Charities.

75. Corker Says Visa Waivers a Bigger Risk Than Refugees - Thursday, December 17, 2015

U.S. Sen. Bob Corker says he believes the nation needs to stop admitting Syrian refugees until security problems are solved, but the nation’s “bigger risk” in letting terrorists slip into the country lies with the nation’s Visa Waiver Program.

76. Bipartisan Brakes for Governor Haslam’s Privatization Push - Thursday, October 29, 2015

Plans to put Tennessee’s real estate and government operations in the hands of private business are much further along than Gov. Bill Haslam would like people to think.

A master of downplaying big issues, Haslam says he’s simply looking for ways to make government run more efficiently and save money.

77. Tenn. Senator Calls for Further Investigation Into Inmate Death - Wednesday, September 30, 2015

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A West Tennessee inmate died from natural causes, according to prison officials, but an autopsy showed he died from multiple traumatic injuries — and a state senator said Monday that Gov. Bill Haslam should further investigate the case.

78. Haslam Paying $612,000 Annually to 3 Outsourcing Consultants - Tuesday, September 22, 2015

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Three part-time outsourcing consultants stand to be paid $612,000 annually by the state even as Republican Gov. Bill Haslam insists that no decision has been made about privatization efforts.

79. Southern Heritage Defined Differently Across Tennessee - Thursday, July 2, 2015

Tennessee’s loyalty was divided in the Civil War, and 150 years later, little is changed as the debate over Confederate symbols arises in the wake of the racist-fueled South Carolina church massacre.

80. Will Tennessee Republicans Ever Be Truly Happy? - Thursday, April 30, 2015

Why aren’t Tennessee Republicans happier?

With the GOP so dominate in the Tennessee General Assembly and losses so rare – on the Hill or in elections – the party’s lawmakers should be jubilant with this year’s session. But it’s never enough.

81. Haslam Signs Bill to Allow Guns in All Tennessee Parks - Monday, April 27, 2015

Local governments in Tennessee can no longer bar people with handgun carry permits from bringing firearms to parks, playgrounds and sports fields under legislation signed Friday by Republican Gov. Bill Haslam.

82. Haslam Signs Bill to Allow Guns in All Tennessee Parks - Friday, April 24, 2015

Local governments in Tennessee can no longer bar people with handgun carry permits from bringing firearms to parks, playgrounds and sports fields under legislation signed Friday by Republican Gov. Bill Haslam.

83. Biblical Lessons Lost in Lack of Health Care Debate - Thursday, April 23, 2015

Tennessee’s legislators spent hours this session arguing over guns and whether to pass a law making the Bible the state book of Tennessee.

In fact, the Bible bill took two days of debate in the House, where it passed, and thorough discussion in the Senate, before it died – at least until next year.

84. Legislators Not Moved by Hymns, Reason - Thursday, April 9, 2015

The words of “We Shall Overcome” and “Wade in the Water” resonate through the halls as Insure Tennessee supporters descend on the Legislative Plaza for a key vote on the plan to provide coverage to 280,000 working Tennesseans.

85. State Senate Votes to Allow Handguns at Tennessee Capitol - Thursday, April 2, 2015

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – People with handgun carry permits would be able to carry their weapons on the grounds of the state Capitol under a provision inserted into a guns-in-parks proposal that overwhelmingly passed the Senate on Wednesday.

86. Haslam Undaunted By Difficult Prospects for Insure Tennessee - Friday, March 27, 2015

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Gov. Bill Haslam said Thursday that he is willing to risk a second defeat of his Insure Tennessee proposal to highlight the need for improving health standards in the state.

87. Haslam Encouraged By Insure Tenn. Revival; Ramsey Skeptical - Wednesday, March 25, 2015

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Gov. Bill Haslam said Tuesday that he's pleased to see his Insure Tennessee proposal revived in the Legislature, but the top Republican in the Senate called it unlikely that the measure will reach an up-or-down vote by the full chamber.

88. Bid to Revive Tennessee Medicaid Expansion Moving in Senate - Tuesday, March 24, 2015

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – An effort to revive Gov. Bill Haslam's Insure Tennessee proposal is advancing in the state Senate.

The Senate subcommittee on TennCare voted 3-2 on Monday to recommend a resolution sponsored by Democratic Sen. Jeff Yarbro of Nashville that would grant Haslam the power to strike a deal with the federal government on Medicaid expansion.

89. 6 of 7 Who Killed Insure Tennessee are on State Health Plan - Friday, February 6, 2015

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Six of the seven Republican senators who voted to kill Gov. Bill Haslam's proposal to extend health coverage to 280,000 low-income Tennesseans are enrolled in the state government health plan.

90. 39-Year Sen. Douglas Henry to Face Dem Challenge - Wednesday, September 30, 2009

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Nashville lawyer Jeff Yarbro announced Tuesday he will mount a Democratic primary challenge to state Sen. Douglas Henry, the chamber's longest serving member.