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Tennessee House of Representatives

From Ballotpedia
Tennessee House of
Representatives
SLP-Infobox Image-Color.png
General Information
Party control:  Republican
Session start:  January 13, 2026
Session end:  April 24, 2026
Term length:  2 years
Term limits:  None
Redistricting:  Legislature-dominant
Salary:  $33,060/year + per diem
Members
Total:  99
Democrats:  24
Republicans:  75
Other:  0 (independent)
Vacancies:  0
Leadership
Speaker:  Cameron Sexton (R)
Maj. Leader:  William Lamberth (R)
Min. Leader:  Karen Camper (D)
Elections
Last election:  November 5, 2024
Next election:  November 3, 2026


TheTennessee House of Representatives is thelower chamber of theTennessee General Assembly. Alongside theTennessee State Senate, it forms the legislative branch of the Tennessee state government and works alongside thegovernor of Tennessee to create laws and establish a state budget. Legislative authority and responsibilities of the Tennessee House of Representatives include passing bills on public policy matters, setting levels for state spending, raising and lowering taxes, and voting to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes.

The Tennessee House of Representatives meets in the state capitol building inNashville, Tennessee.

  • All 99 seats in the Tennessee House of Representatives are up for election in2026.
  • All 99 seats in the Tennessee House of Representatives were up for election in2024. The chamber's Republican majority remained 75-24.
  • Tennessee has a Republicantrifecta. The Republican Party controls the office of governor and both chambers of the state legislature.
  • This page contains the following information on the Tennessee House of Representatives.

    Contents

    Party control

    Current partisan control

    The table below shows the partisan breakdown of the Tennessee House of Representatives as of February 2026:

    Partisan composition, Tennessee House of Representatives
    As of February 2026
    PartyMembers
    Democratic24
    Republican75
    Other0
    Vacancies0
    Total99

    Members

    Leadership

    The speaker of the House is the presiding officer of the body. Duties of the speaker include preserving order and decorum and appointing all committee and subcommittee members and officers. In the event that the speaker is absent, the speaker pro tempore assumes the duties of the office.[1]

    Leadership and members


    OfficeNamePartyDate assumed office
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 1John CrawfordRepublicanNovember 8, 2016
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 2Bud HulseyRepublicanNovember 4, 2014
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 3Timothy HillRepublicanAugust 18, 2023
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 4Renea JonesRepublicanNovember 5, 2024
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 5David HawkRepublican2002
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 6Tim HicksRepublicanNovember 3, 2020
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 7Rebecca AlexanderRepublicanNovember 3, 2020
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 8Jerome MoonRepublicanDecember 12, 2017
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 9Gary HicksRepublicanJanuary 12, 2016
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 10Rick EldridgeRepublicanNovember 6, 2018
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 11Jeremy FaisonRepublican2010
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 12Fred AtchleyRepublicanNovember 5, 2024
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 13Robert StevensRepublicanNovember 8, 2022
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 14Jason ZacharyRepublicanAugust 24, 2015
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 15Sam McKenzieDemocraticNovember 3, 2020
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 16Michele CarringerRepublicanNovember 3, 2020
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 17Andrew FarmerRepublican2012
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 18Elaine DavisRepublicanNovember 8, 2022
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 19Dave WrightRepublicanNovember 6, 2018
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 20Tom StinnettRepublicanNovember 5, 2024
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 21Lowell RussellRepublicanNovember 6, 2018
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 22Dan HowellRepublican2014
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 23Mark CochranRepublicanNovember 6, 2018
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 24Kevin RaperRepublicanNovember 8, 2022
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 25Cameron SextonRepublican2010
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 26Greg MartinRepublicanApril 4, 2022
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 27Michele ReneauRepublicanNovember 5, 2024
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 28Yusuf HakeemDemocraticNovember 6, 2018
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 29Greg VitalRepublicanSeptember 21, 2021
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 30Esther HeltonRepublicanNovember 6, 2018
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 31Ron TravisRepublican2012
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 32Monty FrittsRepublicanNovember 8, 2022
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 33Richard ScarbroughRepublicanNovember 5, 2024
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 34Tim RuddRepublicanNovember 8, 2016
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 35William SlaterRepublicanNovember 8, 2022
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 36Dennis PowersRepublican2010
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 37Charlie BaumRepublicanNovember 6, 2018
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 38Kelly KeislingRepublican2010
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 39Iris RudderRepublicanNovember 6, 2018
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 40Michael HaleRepublicanNovember 8, 2022
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 41Ed ButlerRepublicanNovember 8, 2022
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 42Ryan WilliamsRepublicanNovember 2, 2010
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 43Paul SherrellRepublicanNovember 8, 2016
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 44William LamberthRepublican2012
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 45Johnny GarrettRepublicanNovember 6, 2018
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 46Clark BoydRepublicanJanuary 11, 2018
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 47Rush BrickenRepublicanNovember 6, 2018
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 48Bryan TerryRepublicanNovember 4, 2014
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 49Mike SparksRepublican2010
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 50Bo MitchellDemocratic2012
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 51Aftyn BehnDemocraticOctober 4, 2023
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 52Justin JonesDemocraticAugust 17, 2023
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 53Jason PowellDemocratic2012
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 54Vincent DixieDemocraticNovember 6, 2018
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 55John Ray ClemmonsDemocraticNovember 4, 2014
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 56Bob FreemanDemocraticNovember 6, 2018
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 57Susan LynnRepublicanNovember 6, 2012
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 58Harold LoveDemocratic2012
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 59Caleb HemmerDemocraticNovember 8, 2022
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 60Shaundelle BrooksDemocraticNovember 5, 2024
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 61Gino BulsoRepublicanNovember 8, 2022
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 62Pat MarshRepublican2009
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 63Jake McCalmonRepublicanNovember 8, 2022
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 64Scott CepickyRepublicanNovember 6, 2018
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 65Lee ReevesRepublicanNovember 5, 2024
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 66Sabi KumarRepublicanNovember 4, 2014
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 67Ronnie GlynnDemocraticNovember 8, 2022
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 68Aron MaberryRepublicanNovember 5, 2024
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 69Jody BarrettRepublicanNovember 8, 2022
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 70Clay DoggettRepublicanNovember 6, 2018
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 71Kip CapleyRepublicanNovember 8, 2022
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 72Kirk HastonRepublicanNovember 6, 2018
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 73Chris ToddRepublicanNovember 6, 2018
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 74Jay ReedyRepublicanNovember 4, 2014
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 75Michael LankfordRepublicanJanuary 13, 2026
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 76Tandy DarbyRepublicanNovember 3, 2020
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 77Rusty GrillsRepublicanJanuary 14, 2020
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 78Mary LittletonRepublican2012
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 79Brock MartinRepublicanNovember 8, 2022
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 80Johnny ShawDemocratic2000
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 81Debra MoodyRepublican2012
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 82Chris HurtRepublicanNovember 6, 2018
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 83Mark WhiteRepublican2010
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 84Joe Towns Jr.Democratic1994
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 85Jesse ChismDemocraticNovember 6, 2018
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 86Justin PearsonDemocraticAugust 21, 2023
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 87Karen CamperDemocratic2008
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 88Larry MillerDemocratic1994
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 89Justin LaffertyRepublicanNovember 6, 2018
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 90Gloria JohnsonDemocraticNovember 8, 2022
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 91Torrey HarrisDemocraticNovember 8, 2022
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 92Todd WarnerRepublicanNovember 3, 2020
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 93G.A. HardawayDemocratic2006
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 94Ron GantRepublicanNovember 8, 2016
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 95Kevin VaughanRepublican2017
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 96Gabby SalinasDemocraticNovember 5, 2024
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 97John GillespieRepublicanNovember 3, 2020
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 98Antonio ParkinsonDemocraticMarch 8, 2011
    Tennessee House of Representatives District 99Tom LeatherwoodRepublicanNovember 6, 2018


    Salaries

    See also:Comparison of state legislative salaries
    State legislative salaries, 2025[2]
    SalaryPer diem
    $33,060/year$379.44/day. Legislators living within 50 miles of the Capitol receive a reduced amount of $86 per day.

    Swearing in dates

    See also:When state legislators assume office after a general election

    Tennessee legislators assume office on the day they are elected in the general election.[3]

    Membership qualifications

    See also:State legislature candidate requirements by state

    To be eligible to serve in theTennessee State Senate, a candidate must:[4]

    • Be a U.S. citizen
    • Be at least 21 years old before the general election
    • Have resided in Tennessee for at least 3 years before the general election
    • Have resided in the county or district to be represented for at least 1 year, immediately preceding the election
    • Be a qualified voter in the county or district to be represented

    The following groups of people are ineligible to run for office:[4]

    • Those who have been convicted of offering or giving a bribe, or of larceny, or any other offense declared infamous by law, unless restored to citizenship in the mode pointed out by law;
    • Those against whom there is a judgment unpaid for any moneys received by them, in any official capacity, due to the United States, to this state, or any county thereof;
    • Those who are defaulters to the treasury at the time of the election (the election of any such person shall be void);
    • Soldiers, seamen, marines, or airmen in the regular army or navy or air force of the United States; and
    • Members of congress, and persons holding any office of profit or trust under any foreign power, other state of the union, or under the United States.


    Historical party control

    Republicans won control of the Tennessee House of Representatives in 2008. In2024, they won a 75-24 majority.

    The table below shows the partisan history of the Tennessee House following every general election from 1992 to 2024. All data from 2006 or earlier comes from Michael Dubin'sParty Affiliations in the State Legislatures (McFarland Press, 2007). Data after 2006 was compiled by Ballotpedia staff.

    Tennessee House of Representatives election results: 1992-2024

    Year'92'94'96'98'00'02'04'06'08'10'12'14'16'18'20'22'24
    Democrats6359615957545353493427262526262424
    Republicans3640384042454646506471737473737575

    Trifecta history

    Astate government trifecta is a term that describes single-party government, when one political party holds the governor's office and has majorities in both chambers of the legislature in a state government. Between 1992 and 2023, Tennessee was under the following types of trifecta control:

    • Democratic trifecta: 1992-1994, 2003-2004
    • Republican trifecta: 2011-2023
    • Divided government: 1995-2002, 2005-2010

    Tennessee Party Control: 1992-2026
    Five years of Democratic trifectas  •  Sixteen years of Republican trifectas
    Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.

    Year9293949596979899000102030405060708091011121314151617181920212223242526
    GovernorDDDRRRRRRRRDDDDDDDDRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
    SenateDDDDRDDDDDDDDRRSSRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
    HouseDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR


    Elections

    Elections by year

    Tennessee state representatives servetwo-year terms, with all seats up for election every two years. Tennessee holds elections for its legislature in even years.

    2026

    See also:Tennessee House of Representatives elections, 2026

    Elections for theTennessee House of Representatives will take place in 2026. The general election is onNovember 3, 2026. The primary isAugust 6, 2026. The filing deadline isMarch 10, 2026.

    2024

    See also:Tennessee House of Representatives elections, 2024

    Elections for theTennessee House of Representatives took place in 2024. The general election was onNovember 5, 2024. The primary wasAugust 1, 2024. The filing deadline wasApril 4, 2024.

    In the 2024 elections, the Republican majority in the Tennessee House of Representatives did not change from 75-24.

    Tennessee House of Representatives
    PartyAs of November 5, 2024After November 6, 2024
        Democratic Party2424
        Republican Party7575
    Total9999

    2022

    See also:Tennessee House of Representatives elections, 2022

    Elections for theTennessee House of Representatives took place in 2022. The general election was on November 8, 2022. A primary was scheduled for August 4, 2022. The filing deadline was April 7, 2022.

    In the 2022 elections, the Republican majority in the Tennessee House of Representatives increased to 75-23.

    Tennessee House of Representatives
    PartyAs of November 8, 2022After November 9, 2022
        Democratic Party2423
        Republican Party7175
        Independent20
        Vacancy21
    Total9999

    2020

    See also:Tennessee House of Representatives elections, 2020

    Elections for the office ofTennessee House of Representatives took place in 2020. The general election was held on November 3, 2020. A primary was scheduled for August 6, 2020. The filing deadline was April 2, 2020.

    In the 2020 elections, the Republican majority in the Tennessee House of Representatives did not change from 73-26.

    Tennessee House of Representatives
    PartyAs of November 3, 2020After November 4, 2020
        Democratic Party2626
        Republican Party7373
    Total9999

    2018

    See also:Tennessee House of Representatives elections, 2018

    Elections for theTennessee House of Representatives took place in 2018. Anopen primary election took place on August 2, 2018, and the general election was held on November 6, 2018. The candidate filing deadline wasApril 5, 2018.[5]

    In the 2018 elections, Republicans increased their majority in the Tennessee House of Representatives from 69-25 to 73-26.

    Tennessee House of Representatives
    PartyAs of November 6, 2018After November 7, 2018
        Democratic Party2526
        Republican Party6973
        Vacancy50
    Total9999

    2016

    See also:Tennessee House of Representatives elections, 2016

    Elections for theTennessee House of Representatives took place in 2016. The primary election was held on August 4, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was April 7, 2016. All99 seats in theTennessee House of Representatives were up for election in 2016.

    Heading into the election, Republicans held a 72-25 majority with two vacancies. Republicans gained two seats in the election, giving them a 74-25 majority.

    Tennessee House of Representatives
    PartyAs of November 7, 2016After November 8, 2016
        Democratic Party2525
        Republican Party7274
        Vacancy20
    Total9999
    Click [show] to see election information dating back to 2000

    2014

    See also:Tennessee House of Representatives elections, 2014

    Elections for 99 seats in theTennessee House of Representatives took place in 2014. A primary election took place on August 7, 2014. The general election was held onNovember 4, 2014. Thesignature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was April 3, 2014.

    Heading into the election, Republicans held a 71-27 majority with one Carter County Republican. Republicans gained two seats in the election, giving them a 73-26 majority.

    Tennessee House of Representatives
    PartyAs of November 3, 2014After November 4, 2014
        Democratic Party2726
        Republican Party7173
        Carter County Republican10
    Total9999

    2012

    See also:Tennessee House of Representatives elections, 2012

    Elections for the office of Tennessee House of Representatives took place in 2012. The primary election was held on August 2, 2012, and the general election was held onNovember 6, 2012. The candidate filing deadline was April 5, 2012. All99 seats were up for election.

    Heading into the election, Republicans held a 64-34 majority with one vacancy. Republicans gained seven seats in the election, giving them a 71-27 majority with one independent member.

    Tennessee House of Representatives
    PartyAs of November 5, 2012After the 2012 Election
        Democratic Party3427
        Republican Party6471
        Independent01
        Vacancy10
    Total9999

    The following table details the 10 districts with the smallest margin of victory in the November 6 general election.

    2012 Margin of Victory, Tennessee House of Representatives
    DistrictWinnerMargin of VictoryTotal VotesTop Opponent
    District 60Democratic PartyDarren Jernigan0.4%24,525Jim Gotto
    District 50Democratic PartyBo Mitchell0.6%26,260Charles Williamson
    District 13Democratic PartyGloria Johnson1.4%20,832Gary Loe
    District 33Republican PartyJohn Ragan2.8%24,954Jim Hackworth
    District 43Democratic PartyCharles Curtiss3.3%20,563Robert Dunham
    District 74Democratic PartyJohn Tidwell5.3%17,773Lauri Day
    District 70Republican PartyBarry Doss6.1%22,482Calvin Moore
    District 4IndependentKent Williams7.4%21,360Thomas Gray III
    District 76Republican PartyAndy Holt8.6%20,477Mark Maddox
    District 53Democratic PartyJason Powell8.7%19,700Ben Claybaker

    2010

    See also:Tennessee House of Representatives elections, 2010

    Elections for the office of Tennessee House of Representatives took place in 2010. The primary election was held on August 5, 2010, and the general election was held onNovember 2, 2010. The candidate filing deadline was April 1, 2010.

    Heading into the election, Republicans held a 51-48 majority with one independent member. Republicans gained 13 seats in the election, giving them a 64-34 majority with one independent member.

    Tennessee House of Representatives
    PartyAs of November 1, 2010After the 2010 Election
        Democratic Party4834
        Republican Party5164
        Independent11
    Total9999

    In 2010, the candidates for state House raised a total of $9,478,590 in campaign contributions. The top 10 donors were:[6]

    2010 Donors, Tennessee House of Representatives
    DonorAmount
    Tennessee Legislative Campaign Cmte$449,568
    Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association$184,650
    Tennessee Bankers Association$153,250
    House Democratic Caucus$145,953
    Tennessee Education Association$138,376
    Tennessee Medical Association$132,550
    CAS-PAC$122,950
    Tennessee Democratic Party$122,126
    Federal Express$120,050
    Tennessee Association of Realtors$119,750

    2008

    See also:Tennessee House of Representatives elections, 2008

    Elections for the office of Tennessee House of Representatives consisted of a primary election on August 7, 2008, and a general election on November 4, 2008.

    During the 2008 election, the total value of contributions to House candidates was $8,438,759. The top 10 contributors were:[7]

    2008 Donors, Tennessee House of Representatives
    DonorAmount
    Tennessee Legislative Campaign Cmte$235,338
    Tennessee Association of Realtors$197,000
    The Speakers Fund$129,500
    Tennessee Bankers Association$116,750
    Tennessee Medical Association$115,000
    Federal Express$107,400
    Greeter, John$98,775
    Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association$96,200
    Tennessee Democratic Party$94,551
    Tennessee Dental Association$84,500

    2006

    See also:Tennessee House of Representatives elections, 2006

    Elections for the office of Tennessee House of Representatives consisted of a primary election on August 3, 2006, and a general election on November 7, 2006.

    During the 2006 election, the total value of contributions to House candidates was $8,399,196. The top 10 contributors were:[8]

    2006 Donors, Tennessee House of Representatives
    DonorAmount
    House Republican Caucus of Tennessee$246,380
    Tennessee Legislative Campaign Cmte$233,098
    Tennessee Democratic Party$187,491
    Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association$172,500
    Tennessee Association of Realtors$137,250
    The Speakers Fund$124,500
    Tennessee Bankers Association$112,000
    Lusk, Bill$101,979
    Federal Express$86,900
    Tennessee Medical Association$85,918

    2004

    See also:Tennessee House of Representatives elections, 2004

    Elections for the office of Tennessee House of Representatives consisted of a primary election on August 5, 2004, and a general election on November 2, 2004.

    During the 2004 election, the total value of contributions to House candidates was $8,782,967. The top 10 contributors were:[9]

    2004 Donors, Tennessee House of Representatives
    DonorAmount
    Tennessee Democratic Party$260,332
    Tennessee Legislative Campaign Cmte$218,899
    Tennessee Bankers Association$152,000
    House Republican Caucus of Tennessee$148,199
    Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association$140,000
    Tennessee Association of Realtors$132,150
    Tennessee Conservative PAC$110,500
    White, Mark$110,477
    House Senate Democratic Caucus of Tennessee$101,650
    Federal Express$99,350

    2002

    See also:Tennessee House of Representatives elections, 2002

    Elections for the office of Tennessee House of Representatives consisted of a primary election on August 1, 2002, and a general election on November 5, 2002.

    During the 2002 election, the total value of contributions to House candidates was $4,826,538. The top 10 contributors were:[10]

    2002 Donors, Tennessee House of Representatives
    DonorAmount
    Tennessee Democratic Party$326,122
    Tennessee Legislative Campaign Cmte$186,133
    Tennessee Education Association$132,025
    Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association$126,500
    Tennessee Bankers Association$116,600
    House Republican Caucus of Tennessee$104,400
    Tennessee Employees Action Movement$103,550
    Speakers Fund$88,500
    Tennessee Medical Association$73,200
    Tennessee Association of Realtors$69,100

    2000

    See also:Tennessee House of Representatives elections, 2000

    Elections for the office of Tennessee House of Representatives consisted of a primary election on August 3, 2000, and a general election on November 7, 2000.

    During the 2000 election, the total value of contributions to House candidates was $7,397,812. The top 10 contributors were:[11]

    2000 Donors, Tennessee House of Representatives
    DonorAmount
    Tennessee Bankers Association$106,650
    House Democratic Caucus of Tennessee$105,647
    Tennessee Employees Action Movement$101,700
    Tennessee Education Association$101,150
    House Republican Caucus of Tennessee$96,893
    Tennessee Democratic Party$96,215
    Tennessee Republican Assembly PAC$94,707
    Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association$80,000
    Kerr, Howard$54,441
    Flinn III, George$50,000

    Vacancies

    See also:How vacancies are filled in state legislatures

    If there is a vacancy in theTennessee General Assembly, there are two ways a vacancy can be filled. When twelve months or more remain before the next general election, a special election must be held within the allowable time frame set by law. If fewer than twelve months remain before the next general election, members of the legislative body in the county where the vacancy occurred must vote on a replacement.[12]

    DocumentIcon.jpgSee sources:Tennessee Const. Art. 2, Sec. 15

    District map

    See also:Tennessee state legislative districts

    The state of Tennessee has 99 state House districts. Each district elects one representative.

    Use the interactive map below to find your district.



    Redistricting

    See also:Redistricting in Tennessee

    In Tennessee, both congressional and state legislative district boundaries are drawn by thestate legislature. These lines are subject to veto by thegovernor.[13]

    TheTennessee Constitution requires that state Senate districts "preserve counties whole where possible." State statutes mandate that no more than 30 counties may be split across districts. Furthermore, state law requires that state legislative districts be contiguous. There are no such requirements in place for congressional districts.[13]

    2020

    See also:Redistricting in Tennessee after the 2020 census

    On December 10, 2025, the Tennessee Supreme Court upheld Tennessee's state legislative maps.[14] On November 22, 2023, the Davidson County Chancery Court had struck down the state Senate map, declaring it unconstitutional. The court ordered the state to create a new state Senate map by January 31, 2024.[15] On April 13, 2022, the Tennessee Supreme Court reversed a ruling by the Davidson County Chancery Court on April 6, blocking the same state Senate map. Gov. Lee signed the state's legislative districts into law on February 6, 2022.[16]

    District map after 2020 redistricting

    This map took effect for Tennessee's 2022 legislative elections.

    TN House22.png

    2010

    See also:Redistricting in Tennessee after the 2010 census

    Tennessee received its local census data on March 16, 2011.[17] The state's population rose 11.5 percent to 6,346,105.[18]

    The redistricting process began in January 2012; it was the first time in the state's history where the process was controlled entirely by Republicans. The Tennessee House of Representatives passed its redistricting map on a 67-25 vote, and Gov.Bill Haslam (R) signed it into law on January 26, 2012.[19][20] The State Senate map was passed on January 13, 2012, and signed into law on February 9, 2012.[21][22] House Democrats filed a lawsuit in March, arguing that the House map unnecessarily split too many counties.

    Sessions

    Legislation

    The legislation tracker below displays all legislation that the Tennessee House of Representatives has approved in its most recent legislative session—this includes legislation that has been sent from the House to the Senate and legislation that has already been approved by both chambers and signed by the governor. The table below includes the bill number, its name, progress, most recent action date, and sponsor. Scroll up and down and side to side to see more. Click the bill number to read the bill text and see its voting history. Click the headings to sort the content. Rearrange the order of the headings by clicking and dragging them. Click the magnifying glass in the bottom left corner to search for specific terms. The legislation tracker is maintained and updated byBillTrack50.

    Dates of legislative sessions in Tennessee by year

    2025

    See also:2025 Tennessee legislative session andDates of 2025 state legislative sessions

    In 2025, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 14, 2025, and adjourn on April 22, 2025.


    Click [show] for past years' session dates.

    2024

    See also:2024 Tennessee legislative session andDates of 2024 state legislative sessions

    In 2024, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 9, 2024, and adjourn on April 25, 2024.

    2023

    See also:2023 Tennessee legislative session andDates of 2023 state legislative sessions

    In 2023, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 10, 2023, and adjourn on April 21, 2023.

    2022

    See also:2022 Tennessee legislative session andDates of 2022 state legislative sessions

    In 2022, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 11, 2022, and adjourn on April 28, 2022.

    2021

    See also:2021 Tennessee legislative session andDates of 2021 state legislative sessions

    In 2021, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 12, 2021, and adjourn on May 5, 2021.

    2020

    See also:2020 Tennessee legislative session andDates of 2020 state legislative sessions

    In 2020, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 14, 2020, and adjourn on June 19, 2020.

    Effect of coronavirus pandemic
    See also:Changes to state legislative session dates in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020
    Covid vnt.png
    Coronavirus pandemic
    Select a topic from the dropdown below to learn more.


    Several state legislatures had their sessions impacted as a result of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. TheTennessee State Legislature suspended its session, effective March 19, 2020, until June 1, 2020. The legislature adjourned on June 19, 2020. A special session convened on August 10, 2020, and adjourned on August 12, 2020.[23]

    2019

    See also:2019 Tennessee legislative session andDates of 2019 state legislative sessions

    In 2019, the legislature was in session from January 8, 2019, through May 2, 2019.

    2018

    See also:2018 Tennessee legislative session andDates of 2018 state legislative sessions

    In 2018, the legislature was in session from January 9, 2018, through April 27, 2018. To read about notable events and legislation from this session, clickhere.

    2017

    See also:Dates of 2017 state legislative sessions

    In 2017, the legislature was in session from January 10, 2017, through May 10, 2017.

    2016

    See also:Dates of 2016 state legislative sessions

    In 2016, the legislature was in session from January 12 through April 22. The legislature held a special session from September 12 to September 14 to repeal a DUI bill that threatened to remove $60 million in federal funding.

    2015

    See also:Dates of 2015 state legislative sessions

    In 2015, the legislature was in session from January 13 through April 22.

    Major issues in 2015

    Major issues for the 2015 legislative session included health, education, and finances.[24] Of particular focus was GovernorBill Haslam's (R) "Insure Tennessee" plan. The two-year pilot program would give access to healthcare coverage to those living in the state that do not currently have health insurance or had limited options.[25]

    2014

    See also:Dates of 2014 state legislative sessions

    In 2014, the legislature was in session from January 14 through April 18.

    Major issues in 2014

    Major issues during the 2014 legislative session included education, guns in work parking lots, and requiring prescriptions for drugs used to make methamphetamine.

    2013

    See also:Dates of 2013 state legislative sessions

    In 2013, the legislature was in session from January 8 to April 19. Republicans had a supermajority for the first time since the Civil War era.

    Major issues in 2013

    Major issues in the 2013 legislative session included guns, school vouchers, and tax cuts to wine in grocery stores.[26]

    2012

    See also:Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions

    In 2012, the legislature was in session from January 10 through May 1.

    Major issues in 2012

    Republican legislators began the session by passing new congressional and state legislative maps. Major issues in the session included job creation and eliminating policies and regulations that restrict businesses, including the inheritance tax, and reforming unemployment insurance.

    2011

    See also:Dates of 2011 state legislative sessions

    In 2011, the legislature was in session from January 11 through May 21.[27]

    2010

    See also:Dates of 2010 state legislative sessions

    In 2010, the legislature was in regular session from January 12th to June 10th. Additionally, the legislature met in special session from January 12th to January 25th to deal with educational issues related to race to the top funds.[28]


    About legislative sessions in Tennessee

    TheTenth Amendment of theU.S. Constitution declares that any power not already given to the federal government is reserved to the states and the people.[29] State governments across the country use this authority to hold legislative sessions where a state's elected representatives meet for a period of time to draft and vote on legislation and set state policies on issues such as taxation, education, and government spending. The different types of legislation passed by a legislature may include resolutions,legislatively referred constitutional amendments, and bills that become law.

    TheTennessee General Assembly, of which the House is a part, convenes on the second Tuesday in January on the years following elections as outlined byArticle II, Section 8 of the Tennessee Constitution. The legislature is limited to 90 paid legislative days within a two year term.

    Legislative roles and procedures

    Every state legislature throughout the country features its own internal procedures that it uses to govern itself and how it interacts with other parts of state government. Ballotpedia's coverage of internal state legislative procedures includesveto overrides,the role of the legislature in the state budget, andprocedures for filling membership vacancies.

    Veto overrides

    Veto Override Graphic-Republican Party.png

    See also:Veto overrides in state legislatures

    State legislatures can override governors' vetoes. Depending on the state, this can be done during the regular legislative session, in a special session following the adjournment of the regular session, or during the next legislative session. The rules for legislative overrides of gubernatorial vetoes in Tennessee are listed below.

    How many legislators are required to vote for an override? A majority of members in both chambers.

    A simple majority of members in both chambers must vote to override a veto, which is 50 of the 99 members in theTennessee House of Representatives and 17 of the 33 members in theTennessee State Senate. Tennessee is one of six states that requires a majority vote from both of its legislative chambers to override a veto.

    How can vetoes be overridden after the legislature has adjourned?

    Vetoes can be overridden in a special session called by the legislature.[30] Two-thirds of members in both chambers must agree to call for a special session.[31]

    Authority:Article III, Section 18 of theTennessee Constitution.

    "Every bill which may pass both Houses of the General Assembly shall, before it becomes a law, be presented to the governor for his signature. If he approve, he shall sign it, and the same shall become a law; but if he refuse to sign it, he shall return it with his objections thereto, in writing, to the house in which it originated; and said House shall cause said objections to be entered at large upon its journal, and proceed to reconsider the bill. If after such reconsideration, a majority of all the members elected to that House shall agree to pass the bill, notwithstanding the objections of the executive, it shall be sent, with said objections, to the other House, by which it shall be likewise reconsidered. If approved by a majority of the whole number elected to that House, it shall become a law."

    Role in state budget

    See also:Tennessee state budget and finances
    TennesseeonPublic Policy Logo-one line-on Ballotpedia.png
    Check outBallotpedia articles about policy in your state on:
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    The state operates on an annual budget cycle. The sequence of key events in the budget process is as follows:[32]

    1. Budget instructions are sent to state agencies inAugust of the year preceding the start of the new fiscal year.
    2. State agencies submit their budget requests to thegovernor byOctober 1.
    3. The governor submits his or her proposed budget to thestate legislature byFebruary 1. The deadline for new governors isMarch 1.
    4. The legislature typically adopts a budget betweenApril and June. A simple majority is required to pass a budget. The fiscal year beginsJuly 1.

    Tennessee is one of 44 states in which the governor hasline item veto authority.[32][33]

    The governor is constitutionally required to submit a balanced budget proposal. Likewise, the legislature is required to adopt a balanced budget.[32]

    Committees

    See also:List of committees in Tennessee state government

    Every state legislature and state legislative chamber in the country contains several legislative committees. These committees are responsible for studying, amending, and voting on legislation before it reaches the floor of a chamber for a full vote. The different types of committees include standing committees, select or special, and joint.

    • Standing committees are generally permanent committees, the names of which sometimes change from session to session.
    • Select or special committees are temporary committees formed to deal with specific issues such as recent legislation, major public policy or proposals, or investigations.
    • Joint committees are committees that feature members of both chambers of a legislature.

    Ballotpedia covers standing and joint committees. The Tennessee House of Representatives has 12 standing committees:


    Constitutional amendments

    In every state but Delaware, voter approval is required to enact a constitutional amendment. In each state, the legislature has a process forreferring constitutional amendments before voters. In 18 states,initiated constitutional amendments can be put on the ballot through a signature petition drive. There are alsomany other types of statewide measures.

    The methods in which the Tennessee Constitution can be amended:

    See also:Section 3 of Article XI of the Tennessee Constitution andLaws governing ballot measures in Tennessee

    TheTennessee Constitution can be amended in two ways—through the legislative process, or a state constitutional convention.

    Legislature

    See also:Legislatively referred constitutional amendment

    In Tennessee, thestate Legislature must pass a constitutional amendment during two successive legislative sessions with an election in between. During the first legislative session, a simple majority vote is required in both legislative chambers. During the second legislative session, a two-thirds vote is required in both legislative chambers. Amendments do not require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot. In Tennessee, amendments must be placed on general election ballots in which there is also a gubernatorial election.

    The required legislative votes per session, assuming no vacancies, are listed below:

    Requirements to refer constitutional amendments in Tennessee
    SessionRequirementSenateHouse
    FirstSimple majority vote1750
    SecondTwo-thirds vote2266

    Convention

    See also:Convention-referred constitutional amendment

    According toSection 3 of Article XI of theTennessee Constitution, thestate Legislature can vote to refer a constitutional convention question to voters. A simple majority vote is required in the Legislature.


    See also

    Elections Tennessee State GovernmentState LegislaturesState Politics
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    External links

    Footnotes

    1. Tennessee House of Representatives 11th General Assembly, "Permanent Rules of Order," accessed February 24, 2025
    2. National Conference of State Legislatures, "2025 Legislator Compensation," December 2, 2025
    3. Tennessee Constitution, "Article II, Section 3," accessed November 1, 2021
    4. 4.04.1Tennessee Secretary of State, "Qualifications for elected offices in Tennessee," accessed May 23, 2025
    5. Tennessee Secretary of State, "Key Dates for the 2018 Election Cycle," accessed September 6, 2017
    6. Follow the Money, "Tennessee House 2010 Campaign Contributions," accessed August 2, 2013
    7. Follow the Money, "Tennessee 2008 Candidates," accessed August 2, 2013
    8. Follow the Money, "Tennessee 2006 Candidates," accessed August 2, 2013
    9. Follow the Money, "Tennessee 2004 Candidates," accessed August 2, 2013
    10. Follow the Money, "Tennessee 2002 Candidates," accessed August 2, 2013
    11. Follow the Money, "Tennessee 2000 Candidates," accessed August 2, 2013
    12. Tennessee Legislature, "Tennessee Constitution," accessed May 22, 2014(Article II, Section 15)
    13. 13.013.1All About Redistricting, "Tennessee," accessed May 5, 2015
    14. Cite error: Invalid<ref> tag; no text was provided for refs namedsuitend
    15. The Tennessean, "Judges rule Tennessee Senate map unconstitutional, order legislature to redraw by Jan. 31," November 22, 2023
    16. The Tennessean, "Gov. Bill Lee signs redistricting bills dividing Davidson County into three congressional districts," February 7, 2022
    17. U.S. Census Bureau, "U.S. Census Bureau Delivers Tennessee's 2010 Census Population Totals, Including First Look at Race and Hispanic Origin Data for Legislative Redistricting," March 16, 2011
    18. USA Today, "Census 2010 - Tennessee," accessed July 11, 2012
    19. Nashville Scene, "After Deal to Spare a Few Democrats, House Redistricting Plan Rolls," January 12, 2012
    20. Times Free Press, "Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam approves House, Congressional redistricting map ," January 26, 2012
    21. Memphis Daily News, "State Redistricting Wrinkles Save Kyle's Seat But Continue Debate," January 16, 2012
    22. Tennessee General Assembly, "Bill Information for SB1514," accessed April 14, 2012
    23. Tennessee General Assembly, "Home page," accessed March 24, 2020
    24. Dave Boucher,The Tennessean, "As Haslam officially sworn in, battles await," January 17, 2015
    25. UT Advocacy, "109th Tennessee General Assembly Begins," January 13, 2015
    26. Commercial Appeal, "Guns, wine, vouchers again in Tennessee legislature," January 5, 2013
    27. National Conference of State Legislatures, "2011 Legislative Sessions Calendar," accessed June 6, 2014(Archived)
    28. National Conference of State Legislature, "2010 session dates for Tennessee legislature," December 19, 2011
    29. Find Law, "Tenth Amendment - U.S. Constitution," accessed May 20, 2017
    30. TN Report, "Veto-Override Session May be in Works," March 21, 2014
    31. National Conference of State Legislatures, "Special Sessions," May 6, 2009
    32. 32.032.132.2National Association of State Budget Officers, "Budget Processes in the States, Spring 2021," accessed January 24, 2023
    33. National Conference of State Legislatures, "Separation of Powers: Executive Veto Powers," accessed January 26, 2024
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