In the News
Rep. Haynes Interview
WATE-TV KnoxvilleRep. Ryan Haynes previews the legislative session and talks about the State of the State Address.
'Don't Say Gay' bill advances
The Nashville TennesseanA bill to restrict teaching about homosexuality before high school cleared its first hurdle in the state House of Representatives, setting the stage for a second year of debate on the appropriate way to handle discussion about gays and lesbians with schoolchildren.
Occupy Nashville preps for fight before ouster
The Nashville TennesseanOccupy Nashville protesters received an unexpected reprieve Thursday, but the group nevertheless said it is prepping for another confrontation that would challenge the state’s power to oust their camp from the grounds of the Tennessee Capitol.
State seeks input on Mid-South's involvement in projects
Memphis Commercial AppealFunding to help local governments increase energy efficiency and reduce harmful emissions is a breath of fresh air for local leaders in the Mid-South. Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner Robert J. Martineau Jr. made a stop in the Mid-South Jan. 27 to meet with area government leaders as part of his statewide listening tour to address concerns and discuss the region's involvement in the Clean Tennessee Energy Grant Program as well as the Energy Efficiency Projects.
Legislative Notebook: 'Don't say gay,' civil service bills advance
Knoxville News SentinelNASHVILLE — The so-called "don't say gay" bill cleared its first House committee hurdle Wednesday after Knoxville's Rep. Bill Dunn contended critics had reached "the hysteria point" in exaggerating the measure's impact.
TN House Passes Bill Aimed At Occupy Nashville Protesters
WTVF - TV NashvilleNASHVILLE, Tenn. – It's a showdown on Capitol Hill to decide where to draw the rights of protesters. "It's so disrespectful to what has happened in the last few weeks and months," said bill sponsor Rep. Eric Watson, (R) of Cleveland. Watson believes anyone has the right to protest, but not by camping. His bill, that would outlaw tents on some state-owned property, has plenty of support.
Amazon bill passes House
Nashville Business JournalThe state House of Representatives passed a bill solidifying Gov. Bill Haslam’s sales tax deal with Amazon today. House Bill 2370 creates requirements for when a business has a “nexus” or physical presence for taxing purposes. It codifies a planned scenario in which Amazon will begin collecting sales taxes in Tennessee starting in 2014 if the federal government doesn’t pass legislation establishing a national standard.
State Lawmakers Promise UCDD Investigation
WTVF-TV NashvilleNASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Lawmakers are now promising a full investigation of what some are calling a full-blown scandal involving the Upper Cumberland Development District. It follows an exclusive NewsChannel 5 investigation of the Cookeville-based agency that's supposed to create jobs and help the poor. Those lawmakers say their constituents are demanding answers -- the same message being heard on talk radio.
Deal saves state wildlife commission, gives it a new name
Knoxville News SentinelNASHVILLE — A legislative impasse that threatened existence of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Commission was potentially eliminated Tuesday with House committee approval of a bill that would change the commission's name but not its basic functions.
Bill would back teachers' rights
The Nashville TennesseanState Rep. Phillip Johnson has introduced
legislation that would allow school
employees to participate in student-led
religious gatherings that are held before
and after school.