Tennessee General Assembly kicks off with restrictions to media, public

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – Restrictions and limitations were put on the public and media Tuesday when lawmakers went back to session. Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton, put a policy in place, blindsiding some lawmakers, preventing the public from sitting in part of the gallery.

In the West Gallery, Tuesday morning, members of the media were told to remain in one area of the gallery. Many journalists who report from the floor were told they were not on a list to be there.

On Tuesday, Lawmakers were given one ticket each when they got to the Capitol. That ticket is for anyone who wants to go up to the West Gallery and watch lawmakers in session.

The east side was full of dozens of interns, a few rows of Covenant School moms, and activists, one of whom was kicked out after shouting during a moment of silence.

WSMV4 asked lawmakers when they found out about this. House Democratic Caucus Chair, Rep. John Ray Clemmons, said it was short notice.

“We didn’t know it was going to happen,” he said. “We found out less than an hour after we walked into the building that the general public was going to be barred effectively from this house.”

Rep. Clemmons hopes Speaker Sexton rethinks the policy. WSMV4 asked House Republicans and Speaker Sexton’s Director of Communications for a statement, which we have yet to receive.

GUN REFORM

About a dozen moms of Covenant School students were front and center for the start of the legislative session to remind lawmakers they haven’t left. Many were at the Capitol over the summer for the special session on gun reform. Mary Joyce, with Covenant Families for a Brighter Tomorrow, said they are picking up right where they left off. After only a few bills were passed during the special session, they are still pressing for solutions.

On their agenda this session is to pass bills on safe storage, protocols for fire alarms during active shootings, and preventing child autopsies from being released. They plan to attend and testify at committee meetings. One bill, already filed by State Rep. Gino Bulso (R-Brentwood), would allow the writings from the Covenant School shooter to be released. That is one piece of legislation Joyce said they are very against.

“It is a slap in the face, and it sends a clear message to Covenant and to the Covenant families who are activating,” said Joyce. “It is an open investigation, and we don’t feel like it is right to let that information into the public space.”

SCHOOL VOUCHER PROGRAM

Last year, Governor Bill Lee proposed he would file legislation this session on school vouchers, allowing 20,000 Tennessee students to go to private schools. More than 70 people with Americans for Prosperity were at the Capitol today to speak with lawmakers about what they want to see in the legislation.

“If you have a seat at the table and you are crafting legislation, you have a better shot at getting what you want in the bill, in the actual bill, when it makes it through the process,” said Tori Venable, State Director at Americans for Prosperity.

Wednesday, Governor Lee is expected to announce legislation for protecting musicians when it comes to artificial intelligence. The House is also expected to vote on the rules the House Select Committee on Rules proposed Monday.

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