Tennessee House Republicans voted to advance a bill that would prevent local governments from reappointing state lawmakers who were expelled due to behavior, following the high-profile expulsion of Democratic state Reps. Justin Jones and Justin Pearson last April. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Johnny Garrett, is facing scrutiny for potential constitutional issues raised by the Legislature’s staff attorneys. The bill aims to toughen restrictions on expelled lawmakers, but it may face more scrutiny in the Senate before becoming law.
Pearson criticized the bill as government overreach that strips constitutional power from local officials. He expressed frustration over what he perceived as retaliatory and racist reactions targeting him and Jones. Jones, who was also expelled for participating in a protest on the House floor, was repeatedly ruled out of order and cut off from speaking during debates on the bill and other proposals. The Democrats, known as the “Tennessee Three,” drew national attention for their actions and subsequent reappointment.
Republicans are proposing constitutional amendments that would ban lawmakers from returning to office after being expelled, with one proposal suggesting a four-year ban and another proposing a lifelong ban. Despite being expelled, both Pearson and Jones easily won special elections and are back in office. Meanwhile, Democratic Rep. Gloria Johnson, who was spared from expulsion, is running for reelection while also mounting a campaign for Republican U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn’s seat.
In addition to the bill targeting reappointed lawmakers, Tennessee House Republicans have implemented new rules limiting debate time for lawmakers and restricting those deemed “out of order” from speaking. These rules were put in place following Jones’ expulsion and a temporary special session rule that limited his ability to speak. Jones has since filed a lawsuit challenging his expulsion and the temporary rule that silenced him during a session in August.
The proposed bill and constitutional amendments, along with the new rules limiting debate and speech, reflect ongoing tensions and power struggles within the Tennessee House. The actions taken by Republicans in response to the expulsion of Jones and Pearson highlight the partisan divisions and issues of race, retaliation, and government overreach that have characterized recent legislative sessions. The outcome of these proposals and the ongoing legal challenges will have significant implications for the future of governance and representation in Tennessee.
