A recent revision to Tennessee's school library law, passed in 2023, has led to the removal of more than 1,100 books across the state, according to a survey by the Tennessee Association of School Librarians. The Tennessee Lookout reports that the law requires periodic reviews of catalogs to ensure materials are appropriate for the ages and maturity levels of the students who can access them. It also broadened the definition of what school library materials are prohibited. Kathy Sinback, executive director of the ACLU of Tennessee, suggests that the law is vulnerable to a legal challenge, alleging it is vague and applied unevenly across the state. While some school districts have removed books proactively, others are using a more deliberate review process. Sen. Joey Hensley, R-Hohenwald, a sponsor of the law said its intent is "simply to ensure public schools do not give children access to materials that are not appropriate for their ages.”

The Hamilton County Jail has launched a new electrical vocational program in partnership with Chattanooga State Community College, aiming to reduce recidivism by providing inmates with job training. Participants in the eight-week program will receive instruction mirroring Chattanooga State's courses and earn college credit applicable towards vocational programs, according to the Chattanooga Times Free Press. Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp said funding for reentry programs comes from opioid abatement dollars. Organizers believe the initiative can offer inmates a pathway to employment outside the criminal justice system.

Kimberly Lund was sworn in as chancellor of the newly created 19th Judicial District Chancery Court, which covers Montgomery and Robertson counties, last week. She will share the workload of the court, which covers Montgomery and Robertson counties, with Chancellor Ben Dean. Appointed by Gov. Bill Lee, Lund previously served as an assistant district attorney in the district for nearly two decades. Lund earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Kentucky and her law degree from Michigan State University. Smokey Barn News has more on the story.

U.S. Attorney Kevin Ritz announced his resignation today, effective immediately. Ritz, who has served as the U.S. attorney for the Western District of Tennessee since 2022, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate this week to the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. In announcing his resignation, Ritz said, "It has been such a tremendous honor to serve our country in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for 19 years — and to lead the office for the last two years. I’m especially lucky to have served as an Assistant United States Attorney and as United States Attorney in my hometown of Memphis. I am immensely proud to say that the United States is the only client I have ever had.” Read more in a press release from the office.

The Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians will honor retired Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Sharon G. Lee at a luncheon on Oct. 3. According to Knox TN Today, Lee, a former Girl Scout herself, is being recognized for her achievements in law and her role as a role model. “Justice Lee is a great example of a Girl Scout who grew into a distinguished leader in her field and paved the way for future generations, which is the very essence of what Girl Scouting represents,” said CEO Lynne Fugate. The luncheon will be held at The Foundry in Knoxville and is open to the public. Tickets are available at TrefoilSociety.org. Last week, the group honored Johnson City Juvenile Court Judge Judge Sharon Green. WJHL has a report from that event.

A new program is being launched nationwide to provide incarcerated individuals with the opportunity to earn high school diplomas through virtual classes on tablets. The initiative, a partnership between ViaPath, Promising People and American High School, aims to increase educational access and reduce recidivism rates. According to News Channel 5 Nashville, advocates say the program is promising, as many inmates are reported to lack basic literacy skills. The devices' functions are limited by design for security purposes. Tony Lowden, chief social impact officer for ViaPath, said the company's tablets will not carry note taking apps due to security risks like inmates communicating covertly.

During a closed-door meeting of the U.S. Judicial Conference on Tuesday, Sen. Dick Durbin, Democrat of Illinois and chair of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, urged U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts to implement an enforceable ethics code for the court. Durbin argued that the court's recently adopted code — its first formal set of ethical guidelines for the nine justices — lacks necessary enforcement mechanisms, according to Reuters. Adopted in November 2023 after reports that justices received undisclosed gifts and luxury trips, the new code allows members of the court to self-regulate their recusal decisions, unlike the binding standards for lower-court judges. Durbin emphasized that while the new code represents a step forward, it must be made enforceable. President Joe Biden also has called on Congress to establish a binding code for justices. Others argue, however, that the U.S. Constitution does not give Congress the authority to regulate the court.

On Sept. 13, the Tennessee Supreme Court denied a petition to dissolve a suspension against Knox County Mark Steven Graham. The court had suspended Graham’s license on May 20 for “substantial noncompliance with a Tennessee Lawyers Assistance Program.” Graham filed a petition on May 4 to dissolve the suspension, which the court dismissed. Graham then filed a request for reconsideration alleging additional facts. That petition was referred to the Board of Professional Responsibility, which held a hearing, with members of the panel recommending that Graham remain suspended.

If you missed the TBA's Legislative Update CLE this summer, the program will be rebroadcast on Oct. 3 from noon to 1:30 p.m. CDT.  Tune in to hear members of TBA's Government Affairs team discuss legislation affecting Tennessee lawyers and share insights into the most recent session of the Tennessee General Assembly. As part of its grassroots advocacy effort, TBA also is seeking to build a network of engaged lawyers across the state to advocate for issues relevant to the practice of law in Tennessee. Learn more and get involved in that effort. To register for the CLE visit the TBA's online course catalog.

The easiest way to have access to client and matter data anywhere is with cloud-based practice management. An internet-connected device is all you need. Use this chart to determine which vendors have the features you desire. Find this and more in the Practice Management section of TBA’s Law Practice Management Center.