Tennessee’s new “hands-free law,” which took effect Monday, seeks to curb distraction-related crashes across the state and particularly in Shelby County, which leads the state in such accidents. The measure is among a number of new state laws that became effective Monday.

Gov. Bill Lee professed support for "equal protection" when questioned about support for Pride Month events and LGBT rights in the workplace.

Gov. Bill Lee landed a Mitsubishi corporate headquarters for Franklin during an Asian economic recruiting trip. But whether the travel abroad yields anything for the Shelby County area is unclear as Lee was noncommittal when asked about landing tenants for Memphis Regional Megasite.

The impact of a U.S. Supreme Court decision in which it declined to set limits on partisan gerrymandering could be felt in Tennessee when it starts redistricting in two years, drawing support from Republicans and opposition from Democrats.

Gov. Bill Lee has called an Aug. 23 special session for the House of Representatives to replace resigning House Speaker Glen Casada.

Amid questions about its fundraising for the Tennessee State Museum, the Tennessee State Museum Foundation will consider providing funds for a centennial celebration of the Legislature’s 1920 women’s suffrage vote.

The 73-member House Republican Caucus will hold a late July meeting to vote on a Speaker nominee in advance of an August special session when the full chamber will replace Glen Casada.

Three Memphians will serve on the Tennessee Board of Judicial Conduct, a body created by the Legislature to investigate and act on complaints against judges.

Amid questions about the Tennessee State Museum Foundation and its fundraising, state Sen. Sara Kyle is hoping for a better relationship between the nonprofit entity and the Douglas Henry State Museum Commission.

Memphis Democrat calls criticism “hog wash” from fellow Democrats for voting with Republicans on education and abortion legislation. 

Following the shooting death of Brandon Webber in Frayser, state Sen. Sara Kyle contends the community’s residents need to be made a part of the dialogue to stop such incidents.

State Rep. G.A. Hardaway of Memphis wants a new process for appointing special prosecutors amid discriminatory comments by the district attorney chosen to investigate a case involving House Speaker Glen Casada’s office and an African-American activist.

Memphis lawmakers are calling for hearings on the Achievement School District and restructuring the way it manages charter schools in the wake of the director’s resignation.

Planned Parenthood is bashing state Rep. John DeBerry with billboards across Memphis highlighting his votes for legislation restricting and outlawing abortion. DeBerry says new attitudes are needed against the procedure.

NASHVILLE – Questions about the Legislature's constitutional authority to remove the House speaker from office are influencing Gov. Bill Lee’s decision to call an August special session on the matter, according to a Memphis legislator.

The House of Representatives could use a special session this summer to replace House Speaker Glen Casada and to expel state Rep. David Byrd, who is accused of sexual misconduct by three women who played basketball for him at Wayne County High 30 years ago.

The Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators is talking to House Republican Speaker candidates to determine whether it could support a special session based on one condition: assurances of “justice” in the General Assembly.

Shelby Countian John Gillespie will run in the Republican primary for the House District 97 seat being vacated by Rep. Jim Coley in 2020.

Gov. Bill Lee is checking the "temperature" of House members to decide whether to call a pre-Aug. 2 special session to replace embattled House Speaker Glen Casada before he wants to leave the post.

The Tennessee Registry of Election Finance cleared state Rep. G.A. Hardaway Wednesday for filing a late report on his campaign finances for the pre-general period of 2018.

Rep. Jim Coley calls for major changes in Speaker's office, including elimination of bill "kill lists" and opportunities for all members to speak on the floor.

Shelby County House Republicans say Speaker Glen Casada is wearing out his welcome with an Aug. 2 resignation date, with two contending he should step down immediately as caucus leaders push for an earlier time frame for a special session to replace him.

House Speaker Glen Casada released a letter saying he will step down on Aug. 2 and asked the governor to call a special session, as Democrats and some Republicans urged him to resign immediately on Tuesday.

Supporters of legalizing medical cannabis in Tennessee believe the legislation stalled in the General Assembly this year mainly because of Speaker Glen Casada’s decision to appoint an opponent of the measure as chairman of a Health subcommittee.

Republican Rep. Tom Leatherwood is declining to say how he voted on a no-confidence resolution for House Speaker Glen Casada, but noted Monday he is “comfortable” with the outcome.