NASHVILLE (AP) — A bill designed to ban LGBTQ+ Pride flags in Tennessee public school classrooms was spiked Tuesday after it failed to attract enough support in the GOP-controlled Senate.

The proposal had easily cleared the Republican-dominant House nearly two months prior after the bill's sponsor said he had parents complain about "political flags" in classrooms.

2. Tennessee lawmakers propose changes to how books get removed from school libraries - Friday, March 8, 2024

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee's Republican-controlled Statehouse is once again looking to tweak how books can be removed from school library shelves despite concerns that the latest proposal could result in the Bible being possibly banned.

3. Events - Friday, February 16, 2024

Gallatin Young Professionals. Join other Young Professionals and venture out to local eateries & grow your networks. This event takes place at a new venue each month on the third Wednesday. Jonathan’s Grille, 224 Maharris Drive. Information

4. After school shooting, Gov. Lee signs bill to shield gun firms against lawsuits - Friday, May 12, 2023

NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has signed off on additional protections for gun and ammunition dealers, manufacturers and sellers against lawsuits within a bill that lawmakers passed after a deadly school shooting in March.

5. Tennessee moves to shield gun firms after school shooting - Friday, April 14, 2023

NASHVILLE (AP) — In the wake of a deadly school shooting last month, Republican lawmakers in Tennessee awarded final passage Tuesday to a proposal that would further protect gun and ammunition dealers, manufacturers and sellers against lawsuits.

6. Despite push, states slow to make Juneteenth a paid holiday - Friday, June 10, 2022

NASHVILLE (AP) — Recognition of Juneteenth, the effective end of slavery in the U.S., gained traction after the police killing of George Floyd in 2020. But after an initial burst of action, the movement to have it recognized as an official holiday in the states has largely stalled.

7. Transgender athlete penalty bill heads to Gov. Lee's desk - Friday, April 8, 2022

NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee will soon decide whether to sign off on adding harsh penalties against public schools in his state that allow transgender athletes to participate in girls' sports.

8. Tennessee lawmakers mull making Juneteenth state holiday - Friday, February 18, 2022

NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee lawmakers are mulling a proposal advocated by the governor to make Juneteenth a state holiday.

On Tuesday, a Senate panel advanced the legislation backed by GOP Gov. Bill Lee. House lawmakers briefly stalled the bill hours later, but supporters say the bill has not been spiked. The June 19 holiday celebrates the end of slavery in the U.S.

9. Events - Friday, February 11, 2022

Nashville Chamber West: Speed Networking. Expand your network, build new relationships and grow your business with this in-person networking opportunity. Bring plenty of business cards for the connections you will make at this event. Capacity is limited. Registration required. Hampton Inn & Suites- Green Hills, 2324 Crestmoor Road. Wednesday, 8:30-9:30 a.m. Information

10. GOP-led Tennessee Senate expels Democrat convicted of fraud - Friday, January 28, 2022

NASHVILLE (AP) — The Republican-led Tennessee Senate voted Wednesday to remove Democratic Sen. Katrina Robinson from office because of her recent wire fraud conviction, the first time the chamber has removed a senator since at least the Civil War. She angrily denounced her expulsion as a "procedural lynching."

11. Bill would allow students to opt out of LGBT curriculum - Friday, March 26, 2021

NASHVILLE (AP) — A Tennessee Senate panel on Wednesday advanced legislation requiring school districts to alert parents of any instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity, allowing them to opt their student out of such instruction.

12. Senate advances Tennessee student discipline bill - Friday, March 12, 2021

NASHVILLE (AP) — The Tennessee Senate on Thursday advanced a proposal that would allow teachers to remove students from the classroom permanently despite concerns that the bill could unfairly punish some vulnerable students.

13. Tennessee Senate OKs anti-trans athlete bill - Friday, February 26, 2021

NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee's GOP-dominant Senate advanced legislation Monday that would ban transgender athletes from participating in girls' sports.

The bill has been heavily criticized by Democrats and civil rights advocates, who have warned that Tennessee will likely face costly legal challenges if signed into law, pointing to a similar measure in Idaho that's currently blocked from being enacted as opponents argue it's unconstitutional in court.

14. Board: Lawmaker violated ethics while acting as a physician - Friday, November 6, 2020

NASHVILLE (AP) — A medical board has found a Tennessee Republican lawmaker violated ethical standards while acting as a physician.

The unanimous decision Wednesday by the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners came after a three-day hearing and led the panel to order professional probation for the medical license of Tennessee Sen. Joey Hensley.

15. Tennessee's newly unemployed hit benefits site in droves - Friday, April 3, 2020

NASHVILLE (AP) — Jody Hull had been editing youth sports images for a photography company in Tennessee until the coronavirus forced schools — and their athletics — to shut down. Now she's laid off, and like many thousands of Tennesseans is trying to navigate the state's flooded unemployment claim process.

16. Tennessee lawmakers look to change sex offender legislation - Friday, February 21, 2020

NASHVILLE (AP) — A federal lawsuit questioning the constitutionality of a Tennessee statute that made it a felony for sex offenders to live with their own young children has prompted moves by the GOP-dominant Statehouse to amend the 2019 law.

17. Tampon tax break faces resistance in Tennessee - Friday, February 7, 2020

NASHVILLE (AP) — A proposal to include feminine hygiene products during Tennessee's annual sales-tax holiday faced resistance Tuesday from lawmakers concerned about the lack of limit on such purchases.

18. No training, big problem - Friday, January 17, 2020

Even as firearms instructors, gun sellers, gun owners and potential owners get used to a new law that cuts the cost and level of training required for a concealed-carry gun permit, state lawmakers are preparing to push a bill to make it possible to carry a weapon with no permit at all.

19. Look for fewer bills as legislators eye early adjournment, re-election - Friday, January 3, 2020

So far, fewer than 100 bills have been filed for consideration in this year’s session of the 111th Tennessee General Assembly, but they include laws on hot-button issues such as school vouchers, vaping, immigration, guns and gender.

20. Tennessee senator faces unethical medical conduct charges - Friday, July 19, 2019

NASHVILLE (AP) — Health officials are accusing a Tennessee Republican lawmaker of engaging in unethical conduct as a physician and are urging the state to take disciplinary actions.

In June, the Department of Health submitted the charges against Sen. Joey Hensley of Hohenwald to the Board of Medical Examiners. The case will now go to a hearing in September.

21. Bill requiring state defense of schools bathroom policy axed - Friday, April 26, 2019

NASHVILLE (AP) — A bill authorizing Tennessee's attorney general to defend a public school's transgender bathroom and locker room policy is dead for the year.

The state Senate cast a voice vote Wednesday to delay consideration of Republican Sen. Joey Hensley's bill until 2020. Some senators were heard voting to keep the bill alive.

22. Tennessee closed primary bill GOP backers voted in Dem races - Friday, March 1, 2019

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Two Republican Tennessee lawmakers sponsoring a bill to limit primary elections to registered party voters have each voted in a Democratic primary.

The Tennessean reports that Rep. Andy Holt voted in a May 2006 local Democratic primary and Sen. Joey Hensley voted in the August 2000 Democratic primary.

23. Events - Friday, February 15, 2019

Business Studio: Marketing Your Brand Through Creative Partnerships. Enjoy a panel discussion on the unique business advantages of creative marketing partnerships by walking through the branding story of Studio Bank. Business Studio gathers Nashville’s small business community, entrepreneurs and creators for monthly events centered on growth and scaling, strategic marketing and networking. Studio Bank, 124 12th Ave. S., Suite 400. Thursday, 4-6 p.m. Information

24. Sex Week seems tame compared to Legislature's antics - Friday, April 20, 2018

Why should UT Knoxville be limited to its annual Sex Week when Tennessee legislators are celebrating year-round?

Based on the scurrilous reports published in these parts over the last couple of years, state legislators are doing more than collecting per diems in Nashville, and there’s plenty of evidence to prove it.

25. Lawmaker halts Tennessee bill to keep autopsy reports secret - Friday, March 9, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — A state senator has halted efforts on his bill to make autopsy reports no longer public records in Tennessee.

Republican Sen. Joey Hensley of Hohenwald made a motion in a Senate panel that generally ends consideration of a bill for the year.

26. McNally announces committee changes - Friday, January 5, 2018

Lt. Gov. Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge) today announced state Senate committee assignment changes for the second annual session of the 110th General Assembly.

The changes come as a result of the resignation of three Senate members since the legislature adjourned in May. Two of the resigning senators, Doug Overbey and Jim Tracy, accepted presidential appointments.

27. Legislators can’t get past threat of medical marijuana - Friday, January 5, 2018

Heading into the 2018 legislative session, Rep. Jeremy Faison is looking to send a message about his medical marijuana bill: Tennessee won’t open the door to recreational pot without General Assembly action.

28. Top Middle Tennessee residential sales for November 2017 - Friday, December 15, 2017

Top residential real estate sales, November 2017, for Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson and Sumner counties, as compiled by Chandler Reports.

29. Medical marijuana might finally get past objections - Friday, November 3, 2017

Medical marijuana legislation is evolving, not to ease people’s debilitating pain but to help it pass the General Assembly, where it’s giving some lawmakers heartburn.

State Rep. Jeremy Faison, an East Tennessee Republican ferrying the bill through the House, is offering several changes to a bill he is sponsoring with Sen. Steve Dickerson, a Nashville Republican, to soothe the nerves of state bureaucrats and lawmakers who get shaky when the word marijuana is mentioned.

30. Top Middle Tennessee residential transactions for July 2017 - Friday, August 18, 2017

Top residential real estate sales, July 2017, for Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson and Sumner counties, as compiled by Chandler Reports.

31. Legislature losing some powerful, familiar members - Friday, July 14, 2017

A shakeup in leadership is looming for the state Legislature, though it may portend more of a change in personalities than party strength.

In the House, longtime Rep. Craig Fitzhugh, the affable Democrat from Ripley in West Tennessee, is preparing for a 2018 gubernatorial run, a move that would knock him out of his House seat, at least temporarily, and the position as Democratic Caucus leader.

32. Bill to ban abortions at 20 weeks passes in Senate - Friday, April 28, 2017

NASHVILLE (AP) — The Tennessee Senate on Monday voted to pass a bill that would ban abortions after 20 weeks if doctors determine the fetus is viable. The ban would not apply in medical emergencies or if the mother faces risks of death or serious damage to a major bodily function.

33. Tennessee AG to defend abortion bill if it becomes law - Friday, April 21, 2017

NASHVILLE (AP) — The Tennessee attorney general's office says it would defend an amended abortion bill in court if it becomes law, despite previously calling the legislation's key restrictions "constitutionally suspect."

34. Tennessee Senate committee passes abortion bill - Friday, April 14, 2017

NASHVILLE (AP) — A bill that would ban some abortions at 20 weeks passed in a Senate committee Wednesday, despite Tennessee's attorney general previously calling the measure "constitutionally suspect."

35. House short of votes to needed to pass Haslam's gas tax/tax cut - Friday, April 14, 2017

Votes aren’t adding up in the House of Representatives for passage of the governor’s gas tax/tax cut legislation.

With floor debate scheduled Wednesday morning, not only is a Republican head count showing lack of support, Democrats aren’t exactly lining up behind the measure. The minority party says it wants concessions on other items from the governor before it can vote for the IMPROVE Act, and some Democrats say they won’t go for a combination of tax cuts for wealthy investors tied to a higher gas tax.

36. Lawmakers shrug off real voices - Friday, February 24, 2017

Johnny and Julie Erwin don’t look like typical protesters, but the senior couple joined the “moral Mondays” ruckus recently at the State Capitol, Johnny wearing his Air Force cap and Julie holding a list of social legislation they oppose.

37. Top Middle Tennessee residential transactions for June 2016 - Friday, July 22, 2016

Top residential real estate sales, June 2016, for Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson and Sumner counties, as compiled by Chandler Reports.

38. Senate OKs denying counseling based on religious beliefs - Friday, February 12, 2016

NASHVILLE (AP) — Therapists and counselors in Tennessee could decline to treat patients on the basis of "sincerely held religious beliefs" under a bill passed by the state Senate on Wednesday.

39. Tennessee’s most powerful politician - Friday, May 29, 2015

Senate Speaker and Lieutenant Gov. Ron Ramsey laughs at the notion he’s changed since being elected to the Legislature 23 years ago, that he’s lost touch with the common man or become “arrogant” as lieutenant governor of Tennessee.

40. Tennessee Senate passes 48-hour waiting-period abortion bill - Friday, April 10, 2015

NASHVILLE (AP) - Women would have to wait 48 hours before an abortion, under legislation approved by the Senate on Wednesday after lawmakers rejected an amendment to exempt cases of rape or incest.

41. Bill would add school teachers to Little Hatch Act - Friday, April 3, 2015

NASHVILLE (AP) - Legislation to prohibit Tennessee teachers from engaging in political campaigning during work hours is headed to the governor.

The measure sponsored by Republican Sen. Joey Hensley, of Hohenwald, was approved 27-6 in the Senate on Wednesday. The companion bill passed the House 68-27 earlier this month.

42. Legislators find reasons to deny in-state tuition - Friday, March 27, 2015

La Vergne High School graduate Cesar Bautista, who has lived in Tennessee since he was 8 years old, is among a group of students who’ve been here most of their lives but are still forced to pay out-of-state college tuition because they don’t have legal status.

43. Senate panel advances Haslam's Insure Tennessee proposal - Friday, March 20, 2015

NASHVILLE (AP) - A revived version of Gov. Bill Haslam's proposal to extend health coverage to 280,000 low-income Tennesseans on Wednesday cleared its first full Senate committee.

The Senate Health Committee voted 6-2 to advance the Insure Tennessee proposal to the commerce committee, where it is expected to face difficult prospects. Republican Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey has predicted that the measure won't make it to a full floor vote.

44. Bid to revive Tennessee Medicaid expansion moving in Senate - Friday, March 20, 2015

NASHVILLE (AP) - An effort to revive Republican Gov. Bill Haslam's Insure Tennessee proposal has received a positive recommendation in a Senate subcommittee.

The resolution sponsored by Democratic Sen. Jeff Yarbro of Nashville would authorize Haslam to pursue his plan to extend health coverage to 280,000 low-income Tennesseans.

45. Sponsor withdraws bill to allow motorcycle lane splitting - Friday, March 13, 2015

NASHVILLE (AP) — A proposal to allow Tennessee motorcyclists to ride between slow-moving cars has been withdrawn by the Senate sponsor.

Senate Transportation Chairman Jim Tracy of Shelbyville said the measure was withdrawn Wednesday by fellow Republican Sen. Joey Hensley of Hohenwald.

46. 6 of 7 who killed Insure Tennessee are on state health plan - Friday, February 6, 2015

NASHVILLE (AP) — Six of the seven Republican senators who voted to kill Gov. Bill Haslam's proposal to extend health coverage to 280,000 low-income Tennesseans are enrolled in the state government health plan.

47. 6 of 7 who killed Insure Tennessee are on state health plan - Friday, January 30, 2015

NASHVILLE (AP) - Six of the seven Republican senators who voted to kill Gov. Bill Haslam's proposal to extend health coverage to 280,000 low-income Tennesseans are enrolled in the state government health plan.

48. Lawmakers pass Haslam free tuition plan - Friday, April 11, 2014

NASHVILLE (AP) — Gov. Bill Haslam's signature proposal to create a program that would cover tuition at two-year colleges for any high school graduate is headed to his desk after passing the House on Tuesday.

49. Bill pushed to protect college student counselors - Friday, March 15, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) — The Senate has approved legislation that would protect student counselors at public higher education institutions who withhold their services because of religious beliefs.

The measure passed Thursday 22-4. Republican Sen. Joey Hensley of Hohenwald sponsored the bill.

50. Bill approved to protect college student counselors - Friday, March 8, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) - The Senate has approved legislation that would protect student counselors at public higher education institutions who withhold their services because of religious beliefs.

The measure passed Thursday 22-4. Republican Sen. Joey Hensley of Hohenwald sponsored the bill.

51. GOP gets supermajority in Tennessee Legislature - Friday, November 2, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee Republicans secured a supermajority in both chambers of the Legislature in Tuesday's election, the first time that has happened since Reconstruction.

The GOP claimed at least two seats necessary in both chambers to gain the supermajority. The margins are now 24-9 in the Senate and 67-24 in the House, with one independent.

52. Key legislative races in Tennessee - Friday, November 2, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) — Here's a list of vote margins in key legislative races in early returns in Tuesday's election in the Tennessee General Assembly.

SENATE:

District 10 with 100 percent of precincts reporting: Republican Todd Gardenhire had 35,540 votes or 54 percent compared with Democrat Andrae' McGary's 30,740 votes or 46 percent.

53. Top residential real estate transactions for June, 2012 - Friday, July 20, 2012

June 2012 real estate transactions for Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson and Sumner counties, as compiled by Chandler Reports.

Chandler Reports has been publishing Real Estate Market Data since 1968. That year, Chandler began collecting residential sales information for the Chandler Residential Report, considered the authoritative source for residential real estate sales information. Over the next three decades, the publications have been continually refined, enhanced and expanded, growing to include lot sales data, new residential construction and absorption information, and commercial sales. In 1987, Chandler Reports began one of the first on–line real estate market data services in the country, and is a nationally recognized leader in the industry. In 2004, Chandler Reports was purchased by The Daily News Publishing Co. In 2007, Chandler introduced RegionPlus, including property research for Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Visit online at chandlerreports.com.

54. Tenn. lawmakers still trying to conclude business - Friday, April 27, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) - Tennessee lawmakers edged closer Sunday to adjourning several weeks earlier than usual, but they continued to engage in end-of-session wrangling as intense as ever.

Budget disagreements between the two chambers led to the first conference committee on the spending plan since the acrimonious debate over the income tax more than a decade ago.

55. House OKs judicial selection plan on 70-24 vote - Friday, April 27, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) - A proposal to change the Tennessee Constitution to give the Legislature power to reject the governor's appointments to the state Supreme Court cleared the House on Thursday.

The House voted 70-27 in favor of the resolution sponsored by Republican Rep. Jon Lundberg of Bristol. The Senate passed the measure on a 23-8 vote earlier this week.

56. House OKs judicial selection plan on 70-24 vote - Friday, April 20, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) - A proposal to change the Tennessee Constitution to give the Legislature power to reject the governor's appointments to the state Supreme Court cleared the House on Thursday.

The House voted 70-27 in favor of the resolution sponsored by Republican Rep. Jon Lundberg of Bristol. The Senate passed the measure on a 23-8 vote earlier this week.

57. 'Don't Say Gay' ban advancing in House - Friday, April 13, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) — A proposal that would ban the teaching of gay issues to elementary and middle school students is once again advancing in the House even though opponents insist it's unnecessary.

The measure, known as the "Don't Say Gay" bill, passed the House Education Committee 8-7 on Tuesday. In a confusing sequence of events, the proposal initially failed on a voice vote, but a roll call vote was requested and the measure advanced.

58. Medical marijuana bill advances in Tenn. House - Friday, March 23, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) - A proposal to legalize medical marijuana is advancing in the state House.

The House Health Subcommittee approved the measure on a voice vote on Tuesday after similar measures had quickly failed in previous years.

59. 'Don't Say Gay' bill stalls again in Legislature - Friday, March 9, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) — The House sponsor of a proposal to ban the teaching of gay issues to elementary and middle school students delayed the measure on Tuesday to allow lawmakers to consider a more comprehensive bill.

60. House sponsor stands by 'Don't Say Gay' bill - Friday, February 24, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) - The Republican sponsor of a proposal to ban the teaching of gay issues to elementary and middle school students said Tuesday that he's not backing off the legislation despite concerns from GOP leaders.

61. GOP discuss need for 'Don't Say Gay' ban - Friday, February 24, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) - Legislation that would ban the teaching of gay issues to elementary and middle school students may be stalled, as Republican lawmakers discuss whether they should proceed with the bill.

62. GOP puts off 'Don't Say Gay' measure in House - Friday, February 17, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) - Supporters of a measure to ban the teaching of gay issues to elementary and middle school students have put off consideration of the proposal after being told of fellow Republican Gov. Bill Haslam's concerns.

63. Tenn.'s 'Don't Say Gay' bill advances in House - Friday, February 10, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) - A proposal that seeks to ban Tennessee public schools from teaching about gay issues advanced in the House on Wednesday despite opponents who say the measure could be harmful to gays.

64. GOP cool to possibility of Rep. Bass party switch - Friday, February 10, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) - Democratic state Rep. Eddie Bass may be considering a party switch before the candidate filing deadline in April, but Republicans don't appear overly eager to have him

Bass told The Associated Press on Monday evening that he hasn't made up his mind about which party to affiliate with in seeking a fourth term.

65. Tenn.'s 'Don't Say Gay' bill delayed in committee - Friday, February 3, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) - Opponents of a measure that seeks to ban Tennessee public schools from teaching about gay issues said Wednesday they will continue to show up in large groups to protest the legislation.

66. Former Rep. Ty Cobb to seek new state Senate seat - Friday, January 13, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) — Democrat Ty Cobb, a Columbia firefighter and former state representative, says he will run for a new Senate seat created in Tennessee's redistricting process.

Cobb's announcement Thursday follows a decision by Republican state Rep. Joey Hensley of Hohenwald to run for the new Senate District 28 seat representing Giles, Lawrence, Lewis, Maury, Perry and Wayne counties.

67. GOP Rep. Hensley to run for new state Senate seat - Friday, January 13, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) - Republican state Rep. Joey Hensley says he plans to run for a new state Senate district in southern Middle Tennessee.

68. 'Don't Say Gay' bill to be delayed in committee - Friday, January 13, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) - The sponsor of a measure that seeks to ban Tennessee public schools from teaching about gay issues says he plans to delay a vote on the proposal.

The legislation, dubbed the "Don't Say Gay" bill, is sponsored by Republican Rep. Joey Hensley of Hohenwald and was scheduled to be heard Wednesday in the House Education Subcommittee.

69. 'Don't Say Gay' bill once again before lawmakers - Friday, January 13, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) - A measure that seeks to ban Tennessee public schools from teaching about gay issues is once again before lawmakers.

The proposal, dubbed the "Don't Say Gay" bill, is sponsored by Republican Rep. Joey Hensley of Hohenwald and is scheduled to be heard Wednesday in the House Education Subcommittee.

70. Tenn. House approves GOP redistricting plan - Friday, January 13, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) - The state House on Thursday approved a Republican plan to redraw the chamber's 99 districts, overriding Democrats' objections that it placed five African-American incumbents into three seats, ensuring that at least two of them would be forced out of office.

71. Tenn. House approves GOP redistricting plan - Friday, January 6, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) - The state House has approved a plan to redraw the chamber's 99 districts, overriding Democrats' objections that it placed five African-American incumbents into three seats.

The chamber voted 67-25, largely along partisan lines, to approve the Republican plan on Thursday.