With apologies to Robert Zimmerman, “the times they are a-changing.”

Unlike Bob Dylan’s 1964 song of rebellion, Capitol Hill isn’t turning into a bed of liberals, although someday the first could be last. In fact, it could turn more conservative this fall before things take a different direction. But leadership down the line in both parties is due for a big turnover.

2. Rotating Forrest Bust Out of Capitol Gains Momentum - Thursday, February 1, 2018

Confederate Lt. Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest’s days in the State Capitol could be numbered. Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, an Oak Ridge Republican, says he could support a move to rotate Forrest’s bust out of the Capitol and make sure Capitol displays are “more reflective of the entire history of Tennessee.”

3. Legislators Not Shy in Pushing ‘Model’ Bills - Thursday, December 14, 2017

The group that brought Tennessee the voter photo ID law could be on the brink of spawning another kink on the voting process, one that cross-checks jury service with voter rolls.

At the behest of the American Civil Rights Union, legislators across the nation who belong to the American Legislative Exchange Council could be sponsoring bills in the next couple of years requiring local election commissions to take a closer look at people who miss jury duty.

4. Despite Massive Turnover, GOP Owns Legislature - Thursday, November 16, 2017

2018 will be a year of change for the Tennessee General Assembly, and 2019 will bring even more, especially in leadership – much depending on the popularity of President Donald Trump.

Not only is the Legislature moving to the Cordell Hull Building, vacating the Legislative Plaza after 45 years or so, a number of legislative faces are changing, too, even before next year’s election.

5. Gilmore to Run for Harper's State Seat in Tennessee Senate - Thursday, April 20, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – State Rep. Brenda Gilmore has announced she will run for the Nashville seat currently held by longtime Sen. Thelma Harper, a fellow Democrat.

6. Records Show $8 Million Spent on Lawmaker Health Premiums Since '92 - Thursday, May 21, 2015

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Newly released records show that Tennessee taxpayers have paid more than $8 million since 1992 for health insurance premiums for sitting lawmakers.

The Tennessean (http://tnne.ws/1Ba8V2j) reports those records show that the state has paid out the most for Johnson City Republican Sen. Rusty Crowe and his family. Records obtained by the newspaper through a public information request show the state paid out $200,000 for Crowe's premiums since he enrolled in the plan in 1992.

7. Is ‘Getting Rid of Public Schools’ Legislature’s Goal? - Thursday, March 26, 2015

Are Tennessee’s public schools headed for extinction? Not if it’s up to Memphis teachers.

A group from Shelby County recently packed a House committee meeting room at the Legislative Plaza in an effort to turn back bills they consider damaging to their profession and the future of public education.

8. Tennessee School Voucher Bill Headed for Full Senate Vote - Wednesday, March 18, 2015

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – The House sponsor of a proposal to create a school voucher program in Tennessee says he's taking his time moving it through the legislative process after it failed in the last two legislative sessions.

9. Harper Stays Focused on Constituents - Friday, March 28, 2014

When her children were small, Thelma Harper spent long hours at their school.

As a room mother, she found plenty of ways to utilize her time and talents. As her children grew up, however, they didn’t want Mom around quite as much.

10. 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.

11. Tenn. Senate Requires Insurance Cover Hearing Aids - Friday, May 6, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – The Senate on Thursday approved a bill that would require Tennessee insurance companies to include hearing aids for individuals up to 18 years of age in their policies despite opponents who say the mandate could drive up health care costs.

12. Tenn. Bill Would Require Photo ID From Voters - Wednesday, February 9, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – Voters would be required to show photo identification before they can cast ballots under a proposal passed on to the full Senate Tuesday.

The measure sponsored by Republican Sen. Bill Ketron of Murfreesboro passed the State and Local Government Committee on a 6-3 vote along party lines and will be scheduled for a vote on the Senate floor.

13. Voter Registration Could Require Citizenship Proof - Wednesday, March 25, 2009

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris says his proposal to require proof of citizenship in order to register to vote in Tennessee is not meant to restrict access to the ballot box.

14. Senate Panel: Quick Start Uncorking Wine Proposal - Wednesday, February 11, 2009

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Tennessee lawmakers are wasting little time uncorking a proposal to allow wine sales in supermarkets.

Tennessee currently only allows wine to be sold in liquor stores, and several bills are expected to be filed this year to loosen those restrictions.

15. Breakdown of Bill Reflects Rift on Judicial Selection Process - Wednesday, April 16, 2008

NASHVILLE (AP) - The rejection of a bill that would have made meetings of the Tennessee Judicial Selection Commission public has exposed a rift over the panel's future.

The bill being carried on behalf of Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen was struck down by a House subcommittee last week, with opponents saying that the board needs candor to properly interview judicial candidates.

16. Bill Would Require Parental Consent Before Prevention Discussion - Friday, February 15, 2008

NASHVILLE (AP) - A proposal that would require parental consent before child care agencies can discuss sexual abuse prevention with a child is advancing in the Legislature.

The measure sponsored by Sen. Jack Johnson, R-Brentwood, passed the Senate 26-6 on Wednesday. The companion bill remains in a House committee.

17. Senate Votes to Extend State Commission on Indian Affairs - Tuesday, February 12, 2008

NASHVILLE (AP) - The state Senate has voted to extend the state's commission on Indian affairs by another year.

Senators voted 20-10 to overturn a committee's recommendation to repeal the commission at the end of June.

18. Senate Delays Vote on Abortion Resolution to Consider Amendment - Friday, January 25, 2008

NASHVILLE (AP) - A resolution that would change the state's constitution to allow more limits on abortion has been delayed in the Senate so lawmakers can review an amendment added to the measure.

19. Senate Approves Bill Allowing Guns Where Alcohol Served - Thursday, January 17, 2008

NASHVILLE (AP) - Tennessee is a step closer to joining more than 30 other states that allow individuals with handgun permits to carry the weapon in establishments that serve alcohol.

The measure sponsored by Sen. Doug Jackson, D-Dickson, passed the Senate 24-6 on Wednesday. The House bill remains in a subcommittee.

20. Archived Article: Minority Biz Committee - Thursday, September 17, 1998
Sunquist creates minority business advisory committee Sunquist creates minority business advisory committee Gov. Don Sundquist announced Tuesday the establishment of the Minority Business Development Advisory Committee. The committee is designed to ...