Varlas: Legislators have TSSAA in their crosshairs. And that’s not good.
The state governing body for high school athletics is facing the possibility of a government takeover. Or outright dissolution.
Topic: Tennessee Legislature
RSSThere are 147 article(s) tagged Tennessee Legislature:
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April 2025
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Controversial bail-denial amendment sent to ballot
The Tennessee General Assembly passed three possible amendments, including one that could allow judges to deny bail to defendants accused of certain crimes.
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Downtown safety funds survive state whittling of local programs
Rep. G.A. Hardaway, along with other Memphis lawmakers, expressed concern over the reductions and outright elimination of many Memphis organizations and programs.
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Opinion: The right to bail is under attack in Tennessee
“I know what it feels like to sit in jail awaiting trial, uncertain of what comes next, with no meaningful opportunity to defend yourself or reclaim your freedom. That’s not what justice looks like.”
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March 2025
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Other school districts could be snared in state’s MSCS takeover plans
The Senate proposal would expand Tennessee’s voucher program to some rural and poor school districts, whether state officials believe other takeover measures are necessary or not.
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New anti-transgender bathroom bill heading to Gov. Lee’s desk
A proposal in Tennessee that would require educational institutions that house students overnight to separate bathrooms “by immutable biological sex” is headed to Republican Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his approval.
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Opinion: For the children, educate undocumented students
“Educating children helps society to flourish. Denying education is a recipe for stagnation, more crime and increased misery for all.”
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Gun switches could be outlawed if new bill becomes law
Tennessee currently has no law on the books that deals explicitly with gun switches.
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Efforts to recall and term-limit MSCS board members advance
Proposals have bipartisan support in the Tennessee General Assembly, and Shelby County commissioners appear supportive of local efforts to bring recall questions to voters.
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February 2025
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Legislation for state to take over MSCS still on table, lawmaker says
Tennessee Rep. Mark White, the House Education Committee chair, has been working on the legislation for at least the last month.
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Gov. Lee signs bill drastically expanding school vouchers
While the $447 million initiative has been touted as a “universal” program for anyone interested, Republican leaders included a key provision: Students living in the country illegally will be prohibited from participating.
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January 2025
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County mayor in Nashville working on alternatives to MSCS takeover bill
Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris was in Nashville on Monday trying to talk lawmakers out of a state takeover of Memphis-Shelby County Schools. He says there are some alternatives being discussed.
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December 2024
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Opinion: What happens in Nashville matters in Memphis, and it’s time we fight back
“I understand why civic leaders in our community want to maintain strong relationships with people in both parties,” Ashley Coffield writes. “But the extremism and attacks on Memphis from elected officials will not stop.”
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November 2024
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Political Roundup: Breaking down details of certified election results
Shifts in the absentee vote totals and provisional ballots that were due in some part to the uncertainty by voters that absentee ballots could reach the Shelby County Election Commission by mail in time.
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October 2024
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How have Memphis’ elected officials voted on state gun laws?
The Daily Memphian has compiled a review of the major pieces of gun-related legislation passed through the Tennessee Legislature since 2013.
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A closer look at Tennessee’s pivotal gun laws
Restrictions on Tennessee gun owners have loosened in the past decade, and the state Legislature shows no signs of changing that trajectory.
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August 2024
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Republican DA defends Steve Mulroy
The Republican district attorney general for Tennessee’s Crockett, Gibson and Haywood counties talks on “Behind The Headlines” about his defense of Shelby County DA Steve Mulroy, who is likely to face a Republican-led ouster attempt.
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Advocates want to expand awareness of victim-compensation fund
Rafiah Muhammad-McCormick hopes an expansion of the state’s Criminal Injuries Compensation Act will make the process easier for victims and their families. But she and other advocates are working to clear another hurdle: awareness.
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State House District 96 will stay blue with a new face
The Cordova-based state House seat is the only Shelby County seat with no incumbent. With no Republican or independent contenders, the August Democratic primary will determine who gets the seat.
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May 2024
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Bailey: The people in charge sure think armed teachers is a bad idea
Despite legislation opening the door for teachers to carry guns, the idea rightfully is receiving no support from local law enforcement and educational leaders.
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April 2024
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Proposed LGBTQ+ pride ‘flag bill’ likely dead in Tennessee Legislature
Although the Tennessee House of Representatives passed a similar bill in March, both houses would have to approve such a bill before it could head to the governor for his signature.
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TN House passes bill allowing armed teachers year after Nashville shooting
Some opponents of the bill hope liability concerns may make teachers and schools think twice before adopting the program.
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Alive? Dead? Delayed? Status of bill banning pride flags in schools uncertain
The bill would prevent public and charter schools from flying any flags except those permitted under the measure. The bill’s sponsor said the measure is meant to prevent schools from flying the LGBTQ+ pride flag.
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Tennessee schools may be required to out transgender students to parents
State GOP House lawmakers gave near-final passage to the bill on Monday, putting Tennessee close to joining states such as Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana and North Carolina with similar laws.
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Opinion: Memphis teacher says arming teachers is still a bad idea
“This bill is not about safety; it is about perpetuating the myth that more guns in more places make us safer.”
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