Gov. Bill Lee Breaks Little New Ground In State Of The State

His budget includes funds for transportation, crisis pregnancy centers, and children’s services.

Gov. Lee Proposes $55.6 Billion Budget Plan

The proposal would add $3.3 billion for roads statewide and $125 million for teacher pay while offering $412 million in tax breaks.

Tennessee Democrats Wade Into Nonpartisan Elections

The move is likely a response to Republican legislation to increase the role of partisan elections.

GOP Lawmaker: TBI Is Investigating Current And Former DCS Employees

The agency has been under fire for more than a year over its inability to adequately care for abused or neglected children in state custody.

Hearing Set On Suit Brought By Former Vaccine Chief Against TDOH

Michelle Fiscus' ouster from state government during the pandemic came amidst political pushback on vaccinating teens.

DCS Seeks $26.6M To Add Suitable Places For Abused, Neglected TN Kids

Every night, up to 30 kids are sleeping in state offices or other temporary shelters, DCS Commissioner tells lawmakers.

TN GOP State Senators Sent Message To Interim Correction Commissioner

Lawmakers likely to file legislation if new commissioner doesn’t reinstate program.

Juvenile Justice Recs From TN Legislature Lean Heavily On Institutions

Committee suggests therapists on hand 24 hours a day, but also a new facility and transfer of “incorrigible” kids to DOC at age 17.

TN Health Commissioner Declines To Answer Media Questions On HIV Funds

The state’s new policy ends federal funding to nonprofits for HIV services.

Tennessee House Speaker Lays Out Legislative Priorities

“Choice roads,” corporate tax cuts and charter schools top Sexton’s list of priorities.

TN Lawmakers Look For Motive In HIV Funding Shift

Gov. Lee says some nonprofits will receive funds, along with metro health departments.

Gov. Lee Broaches Paid Family Medical Leave – Again

However, the details of the proposal aren't clear yet.

Calls By TN Veterans Double After Expansion Of VA Healthcare Benefits

The workload of the state division that aids veterans in applying for benefits — or appealing denials of benefits — has increased by 30%.

Bill Lee Sworn Into Second Term As Tennessee’s 50th Governor

Despite his claims of success, his first term was marked by controversy over several of his initiatives.

Pending TN Bill Could Invoke Death Penalty For Fentanyl Homicide

Also in this week's Stockard on the Stump: The Tennessee Department of Health is cutting back on HIV funding.

TN Legislation Introduced Jan. 16-20, 2023

Each week during the legislative session, the Tennessee Lookout will provide a rundown of bills filed during the prior week.

Tennessee Supreme Court Suspends Kelsey’s Law License After Conviction

The Board of Professional Responsibility will determine the final discipline for the former state senator.

TN Legislation Aims At Averting Excessive Jailing Of Juveniles

Rutherford County settled for $6M in illegal detention case.

TN House Leader Pushes Resolution To Move County Elections To November

Some worry about long ballots and effort to consolidate power.

Interim Director Leads TN Domestic Violence Nonprofit

Jennifer Escue joined the Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence two years ago as director of programs.

Stockard On The Stump: Metro Council, ‘Get Thee To A Nunnery’

Also in this week's column: raising a ruckus about kids in foster care.

TN Agency Declines To Regulate Trotline, Despite Claims Of Danger

Critics say this unmanned method of fishing is a threat to canoers, kayakers and swimmers.

Advocates Decry Conservative Measures As TN Legislature Convenes

Rally-goers near the Capitol demanded change in abortion law and passage of Medicaid expansion.

Report: There's High Levels Of Instability Among TN Foster Children

Tennessee has twice the national average in shuffling kids from one temporary home to another during their first year in state foster care.

Cooper Opposed Pelosi’s Management Style But Received Key Appointment

Pelosi harbored no hard feelings and gave the Tennesse Congressman the honor of serving on the House intelligence committee.

TCS Now Must Cover Tennessee Young Adults Leaving State Custody

Kids aging out of foster care with no support are especially vulnerable to financial instability, homelessness and human trafficking.

Stockard on the Stump: Lawmakers Set To Add Exceptions To Abortion Law

In other political news, an investigation found that hundreds of Nashville voters were put in the wrong district last year.

Tennessee Advisory Group Recommends Task Force For Waterway Conflicts

There's an increasing number of conflicts between anglers, boaters, paddlers and swimmers.

Lee Appoints New Correction Commissioner In Wake Of Lethal Injection

This marks the first move to shore up execution protocol in Tennessee.

Need For Immigration Legal Help Far Outweighs Demand In Tennessee

Local leaders seek to replicate publicly funded legal support initiatives underway in other cities and states.

Stockard On The Stump: Lee Sends Mixed Message On Clemency, Asylum

The Tennessee governor grants clemency for drug offenders but vilifies asylum seekers.

Report Urges Tennessee DCS To Pivot From Institutionalizing Kids

Disability Rights Tennessee and the Youth Law Center recommend focusing on providing needed services to families instead.

Public-Private Partnerships Work Their Way Into State Government

Tennessee Democrats are likely to balk at allowing private firms to control roadways.

Refugee, Faith Groups Respond To TN GOP Uproar Over Asylum Seekers

“Fear mongering” rhetoric runs counter to Volunteer values, advocates say.

Audit: Eastman Chemical In Violation Of Clean Air Act

The company has been emitting unsafe levels of sulfur dioxide into the communities surrounding its Kingsport, Tenn. plants.

In West Tennessee, A Group Of Black farmers Take On Tyson Foods

The Southern Environmental Law Center files suit on behalf of farmers, alleging the USDA is illegally subsidizing Tyson chicken farms.

State Holds Release Of Independent Report On Executions

Gov. Bill Lee put a hold on executions in May after finding out the state didn't follow guidelines on the testing of lethal injection drugs.

Former TN Democratic Caucus Chair Claims House Speaker Pushed Him Out

Also in this week's Stockard on the Stump: The Tennessee Senate Democratic Caucus is being led by Black women for the first time.

Third-grade Retention Law Could Pit TN Republicans Against Each Other

Education chairs take different view of literacy requirements.

Tennessee DCS Commissioner Outlines Efforts To Address Ongoing Crises

Margie Quin, tapped to lead the troubled Department of Children's Services in September, spoke to a legislative committee on Wednesday.