The Tennessee House has implemented stricter rules to maintain decorum during legislative sessions. Lawmakers and the public could face removal or bans for disruptive behavior. House Speaker Cameron Sexton emphasized the importance of respect for the institution. Similar measures are being considered in other states as well, with recent incidents in Georgia and Rhode Island drawing attention. The changes in Tennessee come after previous disruptions and expulsions in 2023. Critics have called the new rules oppressive, but Republicans argue they are necessary to prevent disruptions. The Senate has not implemented similar rules. Various measures, such as banning signs and ticketing for gallery access, have been used to control unruly behavior.
The ticketed section of the chamber holds 128 seats, while the other section, with 120 seats, operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. The recent remote-voting penalty introduced for legislators appears to be primarily aimed at a specific lawmaker who had been expelled and subsequently reinstated. Republicans have frequently intervened during the proceedings to challenge the remarks made by Rep. Justin Jones, often deeming them inappropriate and voting to temporarily silence him. Allegations against Jones include speaking out of turn, criticizing fellow lawmakers, or straying off the designated topic. Jones has expressed frustration, claiming that the House speaker has disregarded his requests to address the assembly and has highlighted a perceived double standard where Republicans evade similar repercussions for comparable behavior.
Drawing a parallel, Speaker Sexton likened the enforcement of this rule to a comparable scenario in Montana, where Republican members voted in 2023 to impose a temporary silence and remote voting ban on Rep. Zooey Zephyr. Zephyr, a transgender Democrat, warned that those in support of a prohibition on gender-affirming care for young individuals would bear responsibility for the potential consequences, suggesting they would have “blood” on their hands.
In addition to the aforementioned measures, the new rules package stipulates that visitors in the gallery who attempt to engage with individuals on the chamber floor or conduct themselves in a manner deemed disruptive by the House speaker will be promptly escorted out and prohibited from reentry for the remainder of the day or the subsequent legislative session. Instances of severe misconduct or repeated breaches may result in prolonged bans, extending up to a full two-year term from participating in legislative activities.
Furthermore, lawmakers could face removal from the floor and be compelled to cast their votes remotely if they persistently disrupt proceedings by repeatedly violating established rules over multiple days.
___Contributions from Associated Press reporter Jeff Amy in Atlanta.
