In a move to maintain order and respect within the legislative chambers, the Tennessee House has approved a set of new rules aimed at curbing disorderly conduct among lawmakers and the public. These measures come in response to previous disruptions and are designed to ensure that legislative sessions proceed smoothly and respectfully.

Key Provisions of the New Rules

1. Remote Voting for Disorderly Lawmakers: Lawmakers who repeatedly engage in disorderly behavior may be removed from the House floor and required to vote remotely. This measure ensures that legislative proceedings are not hindered by disruptive actions.
2. Banning Disruptive Members of the Public: Members of the public who engage in particularly bad or frequently disruptive behavior during legislative sessions could face bans of up to two years. This provision aims to maintain decorum and prevent disruptions that can impede the legislative process.
3. Increased Authority for the House Speaker: The new rules grant the House Speaker greater authority to eject unruly lawmakers and members of the public from the chamber. This change is intended to empower the Speaker to take swift action against disruptions, ensuring that legislative sessions are conducted in an orderly manner.
4. Limitation on Bill Filings: Lawmakers will now be limited to filing 12 bills each, down from 15 in the previous session. This change is intended to streamline the legislative process and ensure that each bill receives adequate attention and consideration.

Background and Context

The introduction of these new rules follows incidents in 2023 when two Democratic lawmakers were expelled for protesting on the House floor, calling for gun control after a deadly school shooting. This event brought national attention to the Tennessee House and highlighted the need for clearer guidelines regarding conduct within the chamber.

In response to these incidents, the House has implemented stricter rules to prevent similar disruptions in the future. The goal is to maintain a respectful and orderly environment during legislative sessions, allowing lawmakers to focus on their duties without unnecessary interruptions.

Reactions to the New Rules

The new rules have sparked a range of reactions among lawmakers and the public. Some view the measures as necessary steps to maintain order and respect within the legislative process. Others, however, have expressed concerns that the rules may be overly restrictive and could suppress dissenting voices. For instance, Rep. Gloria Johnson, a Democrat who survived the expulsion votes in 2023, criticized the changes, calling them “the most ridiculous, fascist rules.”

Critics argue that the rules could be used to silence opposition and limit free speech within the legislative chamber. They express concerns that the measures may disproportionately affect minority voices and dissenting opinions, potentially undermining the democratic process.

Implications for Future Legislative Sessions

The implementation of these new rules is expected to have significant implications for future legislative sessions in Tennessee. By establishing clear guidelines for acceptable conduct, the House aims to create a more orderly and respectful environment for lawmakers and the public alike.

However, the effectiveness of these measures will depend on their fair and consistent application. It will be crucial to monitor how the rules are enforced and whether they achieve the intended goal of maintaining decorum without infringing on the rights of lawmakers and the public.

In conclusion, the Tennessee House’s adoption of new rules to address disorderly conduct represents a significant step toward ensuring that legislative sessions are conducted in an orderly and respectful manner. While the measures have been met with both support and criticism, their implementation will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of legislative proceedings in the state.

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