TBA Law Blog

TBA Law Blog

2,386 Posts found
Previous • Page 128 of 239 • Next

House Minority Leader to Back Resolution Denouncing White Nationalism

Posted by: Katharine Heriges on Aug 20, 2019
With a special session of the legislature three days away, House Minority Leader Karen Camper, D-Memphis, says the timing is right for a resolution condemning neo-Nazis and white nationalists, the Daily Memphian reports. Camper said she will support a resolution by Rep. John Ray Clemmons, D-Nashville, calling out 37 white nationalist and neo-Nazi groups. The measure urges law enforcement to recognize them as terrorist organizations and go after their criminal elements with the “same fervor” they would other terrorist groups to protect the country. Clemmons’ resolution failed in a subcommittee in 2018 after failing to receive enough support to open discussion.

Resolution to Expel Rep. Byrd Not on House Calendar for Special Session

Posted by: Katharine Heriges on Aug 20, 2019
The likelihood of the House hearing a resolution calling for Rep. David Byrd's expulsion on Friday is waning, the Tennessean reports. Rep. Gloria Johnson, D-Knoxville, filed a resolution to be heard during Friday's special legislative session that would oust Byrd, but House Minority Leader Karen Camper confirmed the item will not be placed on the House calendar. House Majority Leader William Lamberth, R-Portland, said that it would need to be brought up under the "unfinished business" portion of the meeting. It's unclear who made the decision not to include the resolution on the calendar, the paper reports.

State Officials Launch Probe into Casada Campaign Finances

Posted by: Katharine Heriges on Aug 14, 2019
State officials initiated a probe today of embattled former House Speaker Glen Casada's campaign finances, as well as other prominent elected officials, the Tennessean reports. Hank Fincher, a member of the Registry of Election Finance, said the audit was necessary, given news reports about Casada's spending, notably his use of a state plane 10 times in the last three months. The registry will also audit former Republican state senator and Rutherford County Mayor Bill Ketron, as well as Rep. Joe Towns, D-Memphis, the Daily Memphian reports.

Former Shelby GOP Chair to Seek District 99 House Seat

Posted by: Katharine Heriges on Aug 8, 2019
Former Shelby County Republican Party Chair Lee Mills announced this week his plans to seek the District 99 seat in the Tennessee House, currently occupied by freshman Republican lawmaker Rep. Tom Leatherwood, the Daily Memphian reports. The district includes Arlington, portions of Bartlett, Lakeland, Millington and unincorporated northeast Shelby County. Mills is an airline captain for FedEx.

Speaker Nominee Sexton Open to Talks on Removal of Forrest Bust

Posted by: Katharine Heriges on Aug 7, 2019
The Tennessee House Republican that's been nominated to replace outgoing Speaker Glen Casada said that he's opening the door for talks on removal of the Nathan Bedford Forrest bust from the State Capitol, the Daily Memphian reports. Rep. Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, said he would be willing "to sit down" with Gov. Bill Lee and Lt. Gov. Randy McNally to talk about the controversial statue. Sexton is expected to take the reins as Speaker on Aug. 23.

Rep. Dunn to Fill Speaker Role Until Special Session

Posted by: Barry Kolar on Aug 2, 2019

Republican State Rep. Bill Dunn has taken over the duties of the Speaker of the House following today’s resignation of Speaker Glen Casada, the Tennessee Journal reports. The Knoxville legislator, who is the body’s Speaker Pro Tem, will be in charge until a new leader is chosen Aug. 23 during a special session. The GOP Caucus has already selected Rep. Cameron Sexton to fill the post.

Voucher Legislation Could Be Revisited Under New House Speaker

Posted by: Katharine Heriges on Jul 29, 2019
Last year’s controversial voucher legislation could make its way back to the House next year with a key opponent, Rep. Cameron Sexton, set to take the reins as Speaker, the Daily Memphian reports. Republicans and Democrats alike voted against the measure this year, as it passed only after House Speaker Glen Casada and his staff twisted arms and made promises while holding a 49-49 vote open for 45 minutes before persuading one member to change his mind. “I would certainly be open to revisiting the ESA bill, even if a Democrat does carry it,” said state Rep. Jim Coley, a Bartlett Republican who voted against the measure in committee and twice on the House floor.

Tennessee Rep. Sanderson to Resign

Posted by: Katharine Heriges on Jul 24, 2019
Tennessee House Rep. Bill Sanderson, R-Kenton, says he is stepping down from the statehouse, citing a family matter and demands of his business, the Tennessean reports. Sanderson, who owns a winery in Kenton, said his business has increased significantly in recent years and he's been unable to adequately maintain it while being a part-time lawmaker. Additionally, he cited his son-in-law's battle with throat cancer and a need to spend time with his family. Sanderson also rejected rumors circulating around the legislative that House Speaker Glen Casada had tried to pressure him with compromising information, the Tennessee Journal reported.

Tennessee House GOP Elects Sexton as House Speaker Nominee

Posted by: Jarod Word on Jul 24, 2019
After four rounds of voting, the Tennessee House Republican Caucus today elected current Caucus Chairman Cameron Sexton of Crossville as its nominee for the new House Speaker, The Tennessean reports. Sexton was one of six candidates considered for the position, including Deputy Speaker Matthew Hill of Jonesborough, Rep. Mike Carter of Ooltewah, Rep. Curtis Johnson of Clarksville, Rep. Ryan Williams of Cookeville and Rep. Jay Reedy of Erin. He received 41 votes in his favor.

Casada Faces Campaign Finance Probe

Posted by: Katharine Heriges on Jul 23, 2019
The Registry of Election Finance is expected to launch an examination of House Speaker Glen Casada's financial records at its upcoming August meeting, the Tennessean reports. Casada, who maintains a political action committee in addition to his personal campaign committee, has in excess of $560,000 at his disposal. Casada is expected to resign from his role as Speaker on Aug. 2, though he will retain his elected position. House Republicans will meet tomorrow to decide who will replace Casada in the top leadership position in the House.
Previous • Page 128 of 239 • Next

Law-Related Blogs AND PODCASTS

Check out other law-related blogs and podcasts generated from the Tennessee legal community or of interest to the Tennessee lawyers.