Tennessee lawmakers propose honorary title of general; Haslam skeptical

Friday, January 1, 2016, Vol. 40, No. 1

NASHVILLE (AP) — Two state lawmakers are proposing a promotion in honorary titles in Tennessee.

The governor under current law can bestow the honorary title of Colonel Aide de Camp at the request of a member of the Tennessee General Assembly.

Under the bill introduced by Sen. Paul Bailey of Sparta and fellow Republican Rep. Kelly Keisling of Byrdstown, lawmakers could recommend the governor grant the new honorary title of Tri-Star General to people with "a record of outstanding service to this state or a local community."

Republican Gov. Bill Haslam told reporters on Monday that he was not familiar with the proposal, but didn't see a great demand for new honorifics in Tennessee. In Haslam's words: "I haven't noticed an overwhelming need for a new title."