Tagged: tennessee general assembly

Bills in the Tennessee legislature that attempt to block the enforcement of federal gun laws in the state are unconstitutional. That’s according to a just-released opinion from the state’s top lawyer.

The Tennessee General Assembly votes for Republican leaders today. House Speaker Beth Harwell is unopposed in her bid for another term the head of the lower chamber. Although no one has stepped up to challenge Harwell, there are challengers for the number two position, House Speaker Pro Tempore. Curtis Johnson of Clarksville is running against incumbent Judd Matheny of Tullahoma.

Tennessee State Representative Judd Matheny says he’s no longer considering a challenge to fellow Republican Beth Harwell for House speaker next year.  Matheny announced last month he was looking into a bid for the House’s top post because he felt marginalized by other GOP leaders.  He says he will instead seek another term in his current position as House speaker pro tempore.

Heavy debate on a series of bills in the Tennessee House has delayed the conclusion of the General Assembly. The chamber recessed after 10:00 last night, but is scheduled to return at 8:00 this morning. Republican House Speaker Beth Harwell says the early start should give lawmakers every chance to conclude their business by the end of the day. The lower chamber had more than 45 bills remaining on its calendar, including a measure to require drug testing for welfare recipients and a proposed overhaul of the Tennessee Regulatory Authority.

A Tennessee House committee has voted to kill a guns measure that has pitched firearms advocates against business groups.  The House Calendar Committee voted 15-8 Tuesday to send the bill to a study committee after the Legislature adjourns for the year.  The measure backed by the National Rifle Association would allow anybody with a state-issued handgun carry permit to store loaded firearms in their vehicles parked on company lots - regardless of their employers' wishes.  NRA lobbyist Darren LaSorte says he will push for calling the bill directly to the House floor.