Expanded voting by mail killed by GOP House subcommittee

Republican lawmakers shot down an effort to allow every Tennessee voter to vote by mail. The legislation, sponsored by Rep. John Ray Clemmons, D-Nashville, District 55, would have expanded Tennessee’s absentee voter rules, which currently limit voting by mail to 14 separate and somewhat random qualifications. The Republican-controlled subcommittee would not even allow the bill…

Read More

Republican bill undercuts companies paying higher wages, more benefits and fostering inclusive workplaces

Republican members of the General Assembly struggled vocally to comprehend legislation that legally undermines companies paying higher wages, offering better benefits and fostering more inclusive workplaces than business peers. House Bill 0563, sponsored by Rep. Jason Zachary, R-Knoxville, District 14, eliminates “internal business policies” as factors that can be considered by local governments seeking to…

Read More

N.E.S. seeks law to cut customer protections in electricity shutoffs

Nashville Electric Service wants to make customer power shutoffs easier, according to a lawmaker sponsoring the legislation to eliminate a consumer protection rule. Rep. Pat Marsh, R-Shelbyville, District 62, told members of the House Commerce Committee on Tuesday, Feb. 26 that Nashville Electric Service “asked for this bill” because the utility wants to remove the…

Read More