General Assembly Will Consider Putnam’s Adoption Resolution This Session
The General Assembly will consider passing a Private Act that would add Putnam County adoptions to the General Sessions Court jurisdiction. Currently, adoptions are filed in the Circuit and Chancellor Court. County Attorney Jeff Jones said the goal is to alleviate the work load on those courts while also providing more options. “Our circuit judges […]
State Representative Ed Butler Preparing For First General Assembly Session
Newly Elected State Representative Ed Butler preparing for his first General Assembly gathering January 10th. Butler said he has spent his time in office speaking with constituents about their concerns. One in particular he wants to address is the jail in Morgan County. “I have some adoption legislation that I have been working on that […]
Vehicle Registration Fees Waived Starting July 1st, But Not Completely Free
State fees will be waived for vehicle registration renewals beginning July 1st. The General Assembly approved the statewide initiative as a relief for citizens during the latest session. Putnam County Clerk Wayne Nabors said while most motorists will receive a discount, normal renewals will still have a small cost. “Everybody is still going to be […]
Sexton: Lawmakers Looking At Phased Approach To Restore Shared Sales Tax With Cities
House Speaker Cameron Sexton said sharing more state revenue with cities is something the General Assembly could work on in the future. The state’s new budget does not include funding to restore the historic sharing of state sales tax income with cities. Sexton said lawmakers are looking at adding the funding incrementally. “On the state […]
State Rep Sherrell Bringing Some Local Issues To Nashville
State Representative Paul Sherrell said the election of school directors is something he plans to bring to Nashville Tuesday as the General Assembly reconvenes. Sherrell said he first filed for the legislation last year. “People would like to see their superintendents of school elected instead of appointed,” Sherrell said. “I cover White County and about […]
Speaker Sexton: Redistricting First Item To Be Addressed In General Assembly
The Tennessee General Assembly will reconvene this Tuesday with redistricting being the most pressing issue. House Speaker Cameron Sexton said he sees the first three weeks being spent on the matter. “For the House we release the map at the end of last year, which is the first time we have ever done it that […]
State Rep. Williams On Special Session: Finding Balance A Daunting Task
State Representative Ryan Williams said finding a balance in personal responsibility and personal liberty is the goal of this week’s special called session. The General Assembly will debate on legislation related to vaccines, masks and other COVID restrictions starting this week. Williams said it will be a daunting task. “I think what legislature is incoming […]
Speaker Sexton Called Special Session Regarding COVID Mandates
House Speaker Cameron Sexton said the special session he called focusing on COVID-19 mandates has a tentative date of October 27th. The General Assembly is already slated to convene October 18th the Ford Company Memphis site. Sexton said with officials already in Nashville, it serves as a good time to enter a second session. “The […]
Rep. Weaver Pleased With Session But Wants Teacher Shortages Addressed
Representative Terri Lynn Weaver said she wants to bring back a state bill next General Assembly to address teacher shortages. Weaver said she is pleased with the education funding, but she wanted to make it easier for teachers to add other subject areas to an existing license. “Just to take a lot of the bumps […]
State Senator Pody Emphasizes Importance Of Rural Infrastructure During Session
State Senator Mark Pody said the $100 million towards broadband expansion highlights legislative accomplishments. Pody said he was pleased to see fiscally conservative work done during this period. Pody said that serving a rural area put infrastructure at the forefront during the pandemic. “It’s disappointing that some of our students, that they were forced to […]
