Gov. Lee’s charter authorizer could reshape rural school districts—against local will
Republican Gov. Bill Lee’s bill to create a new government agency in charge of approving charter school appeals could reshape rural districts. Under the law, the new charter school commission only exists to authorize charter school applications rejected by local school boards. The commission would also provide oversight as the school board for the charters…
Read More‘Slate of Hate’ business bill against LGBTQ community clears House
Bill awaits Senate hearing This week, two pieces of legislation designed to permit and protect discrimination against members of the LGBTQ community advanced in the state legislature. Four years after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled same-sex marriage bans to be unconstitutional, conservatives, reeling in Tennessee, are still writing legislation to permit the unequal treatment of…
Read MoreFriends of dog fighting? 20 lawmakers vote against harsher penalty for animal fighting
Proposal still passes General Assembly, moves to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk Despite 20 votes in opposition, a proposal to increase the penalty for training animals to fight in illegal gambling rings passed both chambers of the Tennessee General Assembly. House Bill 233 passed the lower chamber on March 7 and Senate Bill 222 passed the…
Read MoreDeath row fast track: Conservatives eliminate criminal appeals court in death penalty cases
Bill heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for final approval Conservatives in the Tennessee General Assembly passed a bill to eliminate the court of criminal appeals in death penalty cases. The bill sponsor, Rep. Mary Littleton, R-Dickson, said the purpose of the bill was to expedite the death penalty. Opponents said removing the criminal court…
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