A majority of the members of the State Executive Committee of the Tennessee Democratic Party approved adding unelected “ex-officio members” as full members of the Executive Committee with voting rights. A group of dissenting Executive Committee members brought suit, claiming that the addition of voting members of the Executive Committee in this manner violated statutory provisions governing the composition of state party executive committees, codified at Tennessee Code Annotated section 2-13-101 et seq. In response, the Executive Committee argued the statutory provisions permit adding ex- officio members as full voting members and invoked constitutional avoidance principles in support of the Executive Committee’s interpretation of the statutory scheme. The Executive Committee filed a counterclaim challenging the constitutionality of the statutory scheme based on freedom of association principles. Both parties sought judgment on the pleadings. The trial court granted the Executive Committee’s motion for judgment on pleadings, construing the statutory scheme as permitting the Executive Committee’s actions. Accordingly, the trial court pretermitted the constitutional issue, dismissing the Executive Committee’s counterclaim as moot. The dissenting members appealed. We conclude the trial court erred in its interpretation of the statutory scheme. Accordingly, we reverse and remand for further proceedings.

A developer failed to use proper erosion control measures, resulting in recurring sediment runoff into a pond owned by neighboring landowners and increasing accumulation of sediment therein. The trial court concluded that developer’s actions constituted a temporary, not permanent, nuisance and awarded injunctive relief and damages. Damages for emotional distress were included among the damages the trial court awarded. The developer appeals, challenging the trial court’s finding as to proximate causation and asserting that its actions, if a nuisance, were a permanent and not temporary nuisance, and accordingly the landowners’ suit was barred by the statute of limitations. The developer also asserts that the trial court erred as to the remedies awarded, challenging both the injunctive relief and emotional distress damages. We affirm the trial court’s findings as to proximate causation and its conclusion that the nuisance is temporary. We also affirm the trial court’s imposition of an injunction. However, we reverse the award of damages for emotional distress based upon deficient pleading.

The defendant was involved in a motor vehicle collision with a tractor-trailer truck in another state. The insurance company that insured both the truck and the trailer filed a lawsuit in the Shelby County circuit court based on negligence. The defendant filed a motion to dismiss for improper venue pursuant to Tennessee Rule of Civil Procedure 12.02(3). The trial court held that the terms of Tennessee Code Annotated section 20-4- 101(a) did not provide for venue in Shelby County because the action did not arise there and the defendant did not reside there. The insurance company appeals. We affirm.

The employee questions the trial court’s denial of medical and temporary benefits in this interlocutory appeal. The employee reported pain in her shoulder from an incident at work. She received authorized medical treatment, and upon placing her at maximum medical improvement, the authorized treating physician opined the employee’s condition and need for future medical treatment were not primarily caused by the injury with the employer. Thereafter, the employee sought treatment with an unauthorized physician, who opined that the employee’s condition was caused by her work injury. After an expedited hearing, the court found the employee did not come forward with sufficient evidence that she would likely prevail at trial in establishing that the work injury was the primary cause of her condition and need for additional medical treatment and denied her request for benefits. The employee has appealed. Having carefully reviewed the record, we affirm the trial court’s interlocutory order denying benefits and remand the case.

March 23, 2026 - March 27, 2026.

Thank you for your continued support of the Tax Law Section. It has been a busy year, led by section chair Brad Sagraves. The executive council is busy planning CLEs for late May and into the summer and fall, so keep an eye out for more information to be announced soon! As a reminder, the Tax Law 2025: Divorce & Taxes webcast is available on demand now, and all section members receive a discount on all section-sponsored CLE! Additionally, the section's executive council currently has open positions. The executive council meets monthly to develop and implement section initiatives, discuss relevant legislation as needed, and provide feedback to TBA leadership on tax law issues. If you are interested in getting involved, please email section coordinator Jamie Rhode with your bio for consideration.

In the meantime, you do not have to wait to connect with colleagues. The section directory is a great resource for meeting other government attorneys or for referrals. We hope to see you at the annual forum, and if you have thoughts or ideas about future section initiatives, please do not hesitate to reach out to Jamie Rhode.

Changes at the Shelby County Youth Justice and Education Center — following its transfer from the sheriff’s office to the Division of Corrections in October 2025 — are aimed at improving conditions for juveniles in custody, the Daily Memphian reports. Officials said reforms include replacing traditional prison-style uniforms with khaki clothing to promote a more normalized environment, and providing full-size hygiene items such as toothbrushes, deodorant and soap. Additional changes include adjustments to facility policies intended to reduce contraband risks while addressing morale and behavioral outcomes. Judge Tarik Sugarmon said the transition has improved logistics and daily operations for juveniles appearing in court, while corrections officials emphasize that the updated approach incorporates mental health considerations.

Make plans now to join colleagues from across the state at the TBA’s 2026 Annual Convention, set for June 10-13, in downtown Knoxville. Annual favorites such as the Public Service Breakfast, Lawyers Luncheon, compelling CLE and swearing in of TBA’s new president will return, as will the Wednesday night welcome reception and a Thursday evening reception at Knoxville’s minor league ballpark, home of the Smokies. Again this year, the Tennessee Lawyers' Association for Women (TLAW) and Tennessee Alliance for Black Lawyers (TABL) will hold meetings and events in conjunction with the convention. This year’s convention also will include TBA’s first-ever Tech Showcase and several lunch and learn opportunities with tech vendors on Thursday. The four-day event will take place at the Crowne Plaza Knoxville. Don’t miss this annual gathering of Tennessee lawyers! Access registration, hotel reservation information and more on the event website. Day passes for the Tech Showcase on June 11 also are available for those who unable to attend the full convention. Learn more about that option.

The Tennessee Centralized Immigration Enforcement Division has distributed nearly $900,000 in grants to local law enforcement agencies participating in federal immigration enforcement efforts, according to a report obtained by the Tennessee Lookout. The division, established in 2025 under the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, oversees coordination with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement through 287(g) agreements, which authorize local officers to perform certain immigration enforcement functions. Between August and December, the division allocated $866,843 in funding for equipment and operational expenses, though it has not disclosed the agencies receiving the grants. The office, led by Chief Immigration Enforcement Officer Ryan Hubbard, was created by state lawmakers to support expanded immigration enforcement. It has faced criticism over limited transparency, as some records are exempt from public disclosure under state law.

Brett Windrow has announced that he will run for the Tennessee House of Representatives District 13 seat. Windrow, an attorney and graduate of Belmont University College of Law, said he is seeking the office to address economic, infrastructure and education challenges facing the district, which includes parts of Rutherford County. Windrow has prior experience working with the General Assembly and said he aims to improve affordability, support public schools and represent the interests of working families. “Government’s most basic job is to make people’s lives better. For too long in Tennessee, it has failed to do so. I’m running to change that,” Windrow said. Read more in a press release and on his campaign website.