The 114th Tennessee General Assembly kicked off the 2025 legislative session last week, beginning the first year of a two-year legislative session and implementing some significant changes in the structure and membership of House and Senate committees.

In the House, Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, adjusted both the ranks of committee chairs and the structure of committees themselves. Rep. Debra Moody, R-Covington, is now chair of the Calendar & Rules Committee, replacing Rep. Jason Zachary, R-Knoxville, who is now deputy speaker. Rep. Gary Hicks, R-Rogersville, is chair of the Finance, Ways and Means Full Committee, a position previously held by former Rep. Patsy Hazlewood, R-Signal Mountain, who was defeated in last year’s election. Rep. Tandy Darby, R-Greenfield, is chair of the Banking & Consumer Affairs Subcommittee of Commerce. The former chair, Rep. Dennis Powers, R-Jacksboro, now chairs the newly formed Private Acts Committee.

One of the most significant changes this session is the restructuring of House committees. In previous years, there were multiple judiciary, education and state and local government committees. This year, those have been consolidated, leaving three main committees. The leadership indicated the restructuring was designed to promote greater efficiency. The Judiciary Committee, chaired by Rep. Andrew Farmer, R-Sevierville, will have three subcommittees: Civil Justice, Criminal Justice and Children & Family Affairs. Rep. Mark White, R-Memphis, will chair the Education Committee, which will have four subcommittees: Education Administration, Higher Education, Education Instruction and K-12. Finally, Rep. John Crawford, R-Bristol, is chair of the newly combined State & Local Government Committee, which has four subcommittees: Department & Agencies, Public Service, Cities & Counties and Elections & Campaign Finance. See the roster of all House committee leaders.

The Senate experienced significant changes as well. Sen. Shane Reeves, R-Murfreesboro, takes over as chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, succeeding Sen. Steve Southerland, R-Morristown. Sen. Ed Jackson, R-Jackson, is chairing the Government Operations Committee, replacing Sen. Kerry Roberts, R-Springfield. Additionally, following Sen. Jon Lundberg's, R-Bristol, electoral defeat, Sen. Dawn White, R-Murfreesboro, has taken over as chair of the Education Committee. See the roster of all Senate committee leaders.

The General Assembly adjourned on Jan. 16 in preparation for the special session, which will begin on Jan. 27.