Gov. Bill Lee has set upcoming election dates to fill Tennessee House District 86.

The seat was vacated upon the death of Democratic State Rep. Barbara Cooper in late October at the age of 93.

Tennessee allowed her name to remain on the November ballot where she won.

A primary election will be held on January 24, 2023 with the general election being held on March 14, 2023.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee signed a bill requiring certain non-profits to report expenditures of more than $5,000 on communications with the image or name of candidates within 60 days before an election.

Senate Bill 1005 provides exceptions such as communications to members, lobbying during a special session, and communications involving Facebook followers.

This bill also requires political candidates to provide a report of all expenditures over $100 with a cap being set on non-itemized expenses at $2,000 per statement period.

The bill is effective immediately upon the governor’s signature.

The Tennessee Legislature passed Senate Bill 884 and delivered it to Gov. Bill Lee this past week on May 18.

Present law imposes an annual privilege tax of $400 on registered lobbyists with the state.

As introduced, the bill eliminated the tax for attorneys, physicians, investment advisors, and lobbyists.

However, as amended and passed, the bill only removes the annual tax for physicians.

The bill becomes effective immediately if signed by the governor or left unsigned for more than 10 days.

Gov. Bill Lee called for a special session of the Tennessee General Assembly to convene on October 18 to address funding, buildout, and oversight of Ford’s historic $5.6 billion investment at the Memphis Regional Megasite, located in Fayette and Haywood Counties.

Debate is expected around funding the site’s development, education, and workforce preparation.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has announced special election dates to fill the vacancy left by the late Rep. Mike Carter who died of pancreatic cancer last month.

The special general election will be held on September 14 after the special primary election on July 27.

Tennessee State Rep. Mike Carter died from pancreatic cancer on May 15.

Carter first won election to the 29th District on November 6, 2012.

He was subsequently re-elected four times, most recently in 2020.

Gov. Bill Lee is expected to announce a special election to fill the vacancy.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has announced the Legislature will convene for a special session on January 19, 2021 to address education challenges due to COVID-19.

Lee has asked lawmakers to focus on key issues including learning loss, funding, accountability, literacy, and teacher pay.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has called for the General Assembly to return on August 10 for a special session.

The special session will address COVID-related liability protection for persons and entities, electronic delivery of health services, and peaceful demonstration legislation aimed at protecting individuals and public and private property.

Per legislative rules, the special session will last at least 3 days, but could last longer.