Gov. Bill Lee Issues Executive Order Declaring State of Emergency in Response to COVID-19

Order will free up funds, resources to help combat coronavirus spread

Contact: Gillum Ferguson (615) 253-4516 or email: gillum.ferguson@tn.gov

For Immediate Release: March 12, 2020

NASHVILLE – Today, Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order No. 14 declaring a state of emergency in Tennessee to facilitate the treatment and containment of COVID-19.

Senate Judiciary Committee passes major criminal justice reform legislation

Contact: Darlene Schlicher (615) 741-6336 or email: darlene.schlicher@capitol.tn.us

For Immediate Release: March 12, 2020

NASHVILLE – The Senate Judiciary Committee passed major criminal justice reform legislation this week with approval of two key bills in Governor Bill Lee’s legislative package. This includes legislation streamlining and appropriately leveraging alternatives to incarceration, namely Recovery Courts and felony probation. The bill is sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin), Senate Republican Caucus Chairman Ken Yager (R-Kingston), and Senator Steven Dickerson (R-Nashville).

Lawmakers work to provide resources to tornado victims

Contact: Darlene Schlicher (615) 741-6336 or email: darlene.schlicher@capitol.tn.us

For Immediate Release: March 5, 2020

NASHVILLE -- Passage of key legislation in the Senate Judiciary Committee, including comprehensive pro-life legislation to prohibit abortion when a fetal heartbeat exists, topped a busy week on Capitol Hill. Senate committees also heard updates from various officials of state government regarding the emergency response to help victims of the devastating tornadoes and storms that ripped through Tennessee in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Lawmakers join Governor Lee to Introduce Constitutional Carry Legislation

Contact: Darlene Schlicher (615) 741-6336 or email: darlene.schlicher@capitol.tn.us

For Immediate Release: February 27, 2020

NASHVILLE -- Members of the General Assembly joined Governor Bill Lee at a press conference on Thursday to announce major legislation cracking down on criminals who steal guns or possess them illegally, while allowing law-abiding citizens to exercise their constitutional right to carry firearms without a permit. The move would make Tennessee the 17th state in the nation to pass a “constitutional carry” law.

Senate Judiciary Committee approves legislation strengthening penalties against child sex offenders

Contact: Darlene Schlicher (615) 741-6336 or email: darlene.schlicher@capitol.tn.us

For Immediate Release: February 20, 2020

NASHVILLE -- It was a short, but busy week on Capitol Hill as lawmakers returned from observing the President’s Day holiday to act on a wide variety of bills. This includes legislation sponsored by Senator Dawn White (R-Murfreesboro) strengthening Tennessee’s laws against the “worst of the worst” child sex offenders. Under current law, sex offenders can be charged with aggravated rape of a child if their victim is zero to three years old. Senate Bill 1800 raises that age range to zero to eight years old.

Legislation stiffens penalties for those convicted of drug-facilitated sexual assault

Contact: Darlene Schlicher (615) 741-6336 or email: darlene.schlicher@capitol.tn.us

For Immediate Release: February 13, 2020

NASHVILLE -- Senate Committees worked at full steam this week as state senators examined the budgets of 16 agencies and departments of state government and approved a number of important bills. The budget hearings, which will continue through March 11, are part of the process of reviewing how taxpayer dollars are spent to determine if the money is being used efficiently and effectively to meet the state's goals. They also provide lawmakers with an opportunity to talk with state officials about a wide variety of important state issues.

Education remains top priority as Governor Lee unveils his 2020 legislative vision in State of the State  

Contact: Darlene Schlicher (615) 741-6336 or email: darlene.schlicher@capitol.tn.us

For Immediate Release: February 6, 2020

NASHVILLE -- This week’s action on Capitol Hill was highlighted by Governor Bill Lee’s second State of the State Address on Monday evening where he presented his budget for the upcoming fiscal year and outlined his 2020 legislative vision for Tennessee. Improving K-12 education emerged as the top item from the night, as Governor Lee proposed a record $600 million in new funds for a series of initiatives to help students learn and reach their maximum potential.

Budget moves front and center as General Assembly prepares to meet for State of the State Address on Monday

Contact: Darlene Schlicher (615) 741-6336 or email: darlene.schlicher@capitol.tn.us

For Immediate Release: January 30, 2020

NASHVILLE -- The pace quickened on Capitol Hill this week as lawmakers put the finishing touches on legislative proposals before next Thursday’s bill filing deadline and prepare to receive Governor Bill Lee’s budget proposal on Monday night. Senate committees also heard testimony this week regarding several important issues before the General Assembly, including Tennessee’s health status and progress being made to ensure mental health parity. In other action, state senators advanced a Right to Work Constitutional Amendment resolution, legislation to help Middle College Scholarship recipients and first-time homeowners, and a proposal to officially recognize Tennessee’s long-held nickname as the Volunteer State.

Lawmakers stand with Governor Lee in support of comprehensive pro-life legislation

Contact: Darlene Schlicher (615) 741-6336 or email: darlene.schlicher@capitol.tn.us

For Immediate Release: January 23, 2020

NASHVILLE -- Republican lawmakers from across Tennessee joined Governor Bill Lee at a press conference this week to show their support for comprehensive pro-life legislation he will introduce in the General Assembly this year. The proposal, which includes the prohibition of an abortion where a fetal heartbeat exists, would make Tennessee one of the most pro-life states in the country.