TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Stacey Shrader Joslin on Apr 19, 2021

Some Tennessee lawmakers want control over when the state should challenge the federal government in court, proposing to remove the solicitor general from the attorney general’s office, giving the position exclusive authority to represent the state in federal court, and making the post accountable to the General Assembly. The new solicitor general would be elected by lawmakers and hold a four-year term., the Tennessean reports. The power to file suit currently rests with the attorney general and reporter's office. The proposal, SB350/HB506, passed the Senate State and Local Government Committee after the sponsor promised to amend it to address some of the concerns expressed. The bill has drawn concerns from Democrats, the attorney general's office and legal experts, who argue the measure could be unconstitutional and lead to inefficiency.