Tennessee House advances bill to ban reappointing lawmakers booted for behavior
Source: NBC News/AP
Feb. 27, 2024, 8:01 AM EST
NASHVILLE, Tenn. Republicans in the Tennessee House voted Monday to advance a bill that would prevent local governments from reappointing state lawmakers who were expelled due to behavior.
The proposal is one of several restrictions being considered after the GOPs high-profile expulsion proceedings last April against Democratic state Reps. Justin Jones and Justin Pearson. It would bar what happened after: Jones and Pearson were reappointed and quickly went back to work.
One of the Legislatures staff attorneys expressed concerns about the bill last week, telling House lawmakers during a committee hearing that it raises constitutional questions and suggesting proposing the change to voters in a constitutional amendment instead. Rep. Johnny Garrett, a Goodlettsville Republican who sponsored the bill, argued that the Tennessee Constitution would allow the change. I believe that the language is absolutely clear, Garrett said.
Toughening restrictions on expelled lawmakers likely will face more scrutiny in the Senate, where Speaker Randy McNally says his chamber will await the Houses action before considering any of the proposals. Pearson, who proposed multiple amendments that were voted down, said the proposal amounted to a government overreach that strips constitutional power from local officials.
Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/tennessee-house-advances-bill-ban-reappointing-lawmakers-booted-behavi-rcna140641
samnsara
(17,635 posts)..when my dtr moved from Seattle to Gallatin Tenn I visited often and sometimes during elections..... and I was very impressed with the Dems down there and all the crapolla they have to endure.
I bought their swag and donated and subscribed to the newsletters. Great group.
OldBaldy1701E
(5,157 posts)I hope your doc learned how to dodge tornadoes... Gallatin gets them more than they should. Hendersonville as well.
Attilatheblond
(2,201 posts)Wake up, America. They are taking democracy apart one stupid law at a time. STOP THEM! VOTE THEM OUT!
Karma13612
(4,554 posts)Trouble with Trumps behavior.
Hypocrisy at its finest.