Following the deadly shootings at an Oregon community college, WKRN reports that Sen. Mae Beavers, R-Mt. Juliet, plans to re-introduce to the Tennessee General Assembly a re-worked measure of the Constitution Carry Bill. The legislation would allow those with handgun permits to take their weapons openly anywhere. “Would I mind teachers being armed in school? No. I think we need the protection nowadays. They have got to have the back-up in case something like this happens,” she said.

A new software system for state lawmakers’ constituent communications and casework will be optional for use, the Times Free Press reports. The clarification comes after some Democrats expressed concerns over the software’s security. Scott Gilmer, chief of staff for Republican House Speaker Beth Harwell, said the software system is similar to that used in the governor’s office and U.S. Congress to manage constituent issues and calls.

The Greene County Commission on Monday passed a resolution asking the Tennessee General Assembly “through legislative and legal action” to reaffirm the state’s authority to regulate marriage as it is defined in the state’s constitution, The Greeneville Sun reports. "This resolution was an attempt to do what we could do as a county," county attorney Roger Woolsey said. "This was our attempt, or stab, at trying to take the proper approach.”

An editorial published in the Knoxville News Sentinel says state Sen. Mae Beavers, R-Mt. Juliet, and state Rep. Mark Pody, R-Lebanon, have no authority to nullify the Supreme Court’s same-sex ruling through new legislation. The editorial cites the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution and outlines cases where the Supreme Court has responded to such state legislative efforts.

Senate Speaker Pro Tempore Bo Watson, R-Hixson, called for legislative hearings over the Volkswagen emissions scandal to be held in Tennessee, the home of the German automaker's massive facility in Chattanooga, The Tennessean reports. Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn said that the company intentionally installed software that allowed its cars to cheat in emissions tests. "While all of the relevant facts may remain unreported at this time, I am very concerned as to the financial impact these violations could present to the state of Tennessee," Watson said.

The Knoxville News Sentinel reports the state is paying a combined $47,000 per month to three consultants developing the governor’s privatization plan. According to the report, the consultants’ monthly salaries are more than the amount paid to four state employees assigned to the privatization effort, where reports show the highest pay is $12,000 per month. 

Talking Points Memo predicts a banner year for state legislatures “trying both new and well-established ways to bully, politicize or pack impartial courts.” Liz Seaton, Interim Executive Director for Justice at Stake Campaign, points to recent efforts in Wisconsin, North Carolina and Kansas – where a law threatens to shut down the state court system. “The executive and legislative branches must be reminded of their duty to respect and understand the role of the courts,” Seaton writes.

Rep. Mark Pody, R-Lebanon, and Sen. Mae Beavers, R-Mt. Juliet, introduced the "Tennessee Natural Marriage Defense Act" today at the "Religious Liberty Rally" in Nashville, a bill they believe voids the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to legalize same-sex marriage, The Tennessean reports. "Natural marriage between one (1) man and one (1) woman as recognized by the people of Tennessee remains the law in Tennessee, regardless of any court decision to the contrary," the bill states. 

Southern Political Report has ranked the Tennessee Bar Association as one of the top five Lobbyist/Government Affairs Firms in Tennessee. The magazine surveyed lobbyist and government affair specialists across 13 Southern states to compile its listings for each state. The TBA’s ranking was in the associations category. Also recognized was Adams & Reese LLP, which represents the TBA at the General Assembly. It was at the top of the listings for law firms. 

Most Tennesseans oppose a legislative proposal to charge taxpayers to view public records, the Washington Times reports. The Office of Open Records Counsel held public meetings this week in Knoxville and Nashville where citizens, journalists and public servants testified, most of whom oppose the the change. WSMV reports Mount Juliet City Recorder Sheila Luckett defended the fee, saying, “When numerous files are requested, it can take several hours or days, and depending on staffing level, it could hamper something else from being done." A final hearing is scheduled tonight in Jackson. The Office of Open Records is also accepting online comments.