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Tennessee State Senate

From Ballotpedia
Tennessee State Senate
SLP-Infobox Image-Color.png
General Information
Party control:  Republican
Session start:  January 13, 2026
Session end:  April 24, 2026
Term length:  4 years
Term limits:  None
Redistricting:  Legislature-dominant
Salary:  $33,060/year + per diem
Members
Total:  33
Democrats:  6
Republicans:  27
Other:  0
Vacancies:  0
Leadership
President:  Randy McNally (R)
Maj. Leader:  Jack Johnson (R)
Min. Leader:  Raumesh Akbari (D)
Elections
Last election:  November 5, 2024
Next election:  November 3, 2026


TheTennessee State Senate is theupper chamber of theTennessee General Assembly. Alongside theTennessee House of Representatives, 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 State Senate 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 State Senate meets in the state capitol building inNashville, Tennessee.

  • A total of 17 seats out of the state Senate's 33 seats are up for election in2026.
  • A total of 16 seats out of the state Senate's 33 seats were up for election in2024. The chamber's Republicansupermajority remained 27-6.
  • 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 State Senate.

    Contents

    Party control

    Current partisan control

    The table below shows the partisan breakdown of the Tennessee State Senate as of February 2026:

    Partisan composition, Tennessee State Senate
    As of February 2026
    PartyMembers
    Democratic6
    Republican27
    Other0
    Vacancies0
    Total33

    Members

    Leadership

    The membership of the Senate elects a presiding officer, known as the speaker of the Senate. The speaker also serves aslieutenant governor. The speaker appoints the officers of the Senate as well as the officers and membership of the standing committees.[1]

    Leadership and members


    OfficeNamePartyDate assumed office
    Tennessee State Senate District 1J. Adam LoweRepublicanNovember 8, 2022
    Tennessee State Senate District 2Tom HatcherRepublicanNovember 5, 2024
    Tennessee State Senate District 3Rusty CroweRepublican1990
    Tennessee State Senate District 4Bobby HarshbargerRepublicanNovember 5, 2024
    Tennessee State Senate District 5Randy McNallyRepublican1986
    Tennessee State Senate District 6Becky Duncan MasseyRepublican2011
    Tennessee State Senate District 7Richard BriggsRepublicanNovember 4, 2014
    Tennessee State Senate District 8Jessie SealRepublicanNovember 5, 2024
    Tennessee State Senate District 9Steve SoutherlandRepublicanNovember 8, 2022
    Tennessee State Senate District 10Todd GardenhireRepublican2012
    Tennessee State Senate District 11Bo WatsonRepublican2006
    Tennessee State Senate District 12Ken YagerRepublican2008
    Tennessee State Senate District 13Dawn WhiteRepublicanNovember 6, 2018
    Tennessee State Senate District 14Shane ReevesRepublicanMarch 15, 2018
    Tennessee State Senate District 15Paul BaileyRepublicanNovember 4, 2014
    Tennessee State Senate District 16Janice BowlingRepublican2012
    Tennessee State Senate District 17Mark PodyRepublicanJanuary 9, 2018
    Tennessee State Senate District 18Ferrell HaileRepublican2012
    Tennessee State Senate District 19Charlane OliverDemocraticNovember 8, 2022
    Tennessee State Senate District 20Heidi CampbellDemocraticNovember 3, 2020
    Tennessee State Senate District 21Jeff YarbroDemocraticNovember 4, 2014
    Tennessee State Senate District 22Bill PowersRepublicanApril 25, 2019
    Tennessee State Senate District 23Kerry RobertsRepublicanNovember 8, 2022
    Tennessee State Senate District 24John StevensRepublicanNovember 6, 2012
    Tennessee State Senate District 25Ed JacksonRepublicanNovember 8, 2022
    Tennessee State Senate District 26Page WalleyRepublicanNovember 3, 2020
    Tennessee State Senate District 27Jack JohnsonRepublicanNovember 8, 2022
    Tennessee State Senate District 28Joey HensleyRepublicanJanuary 15, 2013
    Tennessee State Senate District 29Raumesh AkbariDemocraticNovember 6, 2018
    Tennessee State Senate District 30Sara KyleDemocraticNovember 4, 2014
    Tennessee State Senate District 31Brent TaylorRepublicanNovember 8, 2022
    Tennessee State Senate District 32Paul RoseRepublican2019
    Tennessee State Senate District 33London LamarDemocraticMarch 3, 2022


    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 30 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 State Senate in 2004. In2024, they won a 27-6 majority.

    The table below shows the partisan history of the Tennessee Senate 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 State Senate election results: 1992-2024

    Year'92'94'96'98'00'02'04'06'08'10'12'14'16'18'20'22'24
    Democrats191818181818161614137655666
    Republicans1415151515151717192026272828272727

    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 senators serve staggered,four-year terms and half of the Senate is up for election every two years. Tennessee holds elections for its legislature in even years.

    2026

    See also:Tennessee State Senate elections, 2026

    Elections for theTennessee State Senate 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 State Senate elections, 2024

    Elections for theTennessee State Senate 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 partisan balance of the Tennessee State Senate did not change.

    Tennessee State Senate
    PartyAs of November 5, 2024After November 6, 2024
        Democratic Party66
        Republican Party2727
    Total3333

    2022

    See also:Tennessee State Senate elections, 2022

    Elections for theTennessee State Senate 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 14, 2022. The filing deadline was originally scheduled for April 7, 2022, but was rescheduled for May 5, 2022, after a judicial panel ordered the Senate maps be redrawn. This decision was appealed and reversed and the filing deadline for the state Senate was changed to April 14, 2022.[5][6]

    In the 2022 elections, the partisan balance of the Tennessee State Senate did not change.

    Tennessee State Senate
    PartyAs of November 8, 2022After November 9, 2022
        Democratic Party66
        Republican Party2727
    Total3333

    2020

    See also:Tennessee State Senate elections, 2020

    Elections for the office ofTennessee State Senate 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 State Senate decreased by one senator.

    Tennessee State Senate
    PartyAs of November 3, 2020After November 4, 2020
        Democratic Party56
        Republican Party2827
    Total3333

    2018

    See also:Tennessee State Senate elections, 2018

    Elections for theTennessee State Senate 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.[7]

    In the 2018 elections, Republicans increased their majority in the Tennessee State Senate from 26-4 to 28-5.

    Tennessee State Senate
    PartyAs of November 6, 2018After November 7, 2018
        Democratic Party45
        Republican Party2628
        Vacancy30
    Total3333

    2016

    See also:Tennessee State Senate elections, 2016

    Elections for theTennessee State Senate 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. A total of16 seats out of the 33 seats in theTennessee State Senate were up for election in 2016.

    Heading into the election, Republicans held a 28-5 majority. No changes occurred to the partisan balance of the chamber.

    Tennessee State Senate
    PartyAs of November 7, 2016After November 8, 2016
        Democratic Party55
        Republican Party2828
    Total3333
    Click [show] to see election information dating back to 2000

    2014

    See also:Tennessee State Senate elections, 2014

    Elections for 18 seats in theTennessee State Senate took place in 2014. A primary election took place on August 7, 2014. A general election took place 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 26-6 majority with one vacancy. Republicans gained one seat in the election, giving them a 27-6 majority.

    Tennessee State Senate
    PartyAs of November 3, 2014After November 4, 2014
        Democratic Party66
        Republican Party2627
        Vacancy10
    Total3333

    2012

    See also:Tennessee State Senate elections, 2012

    Elections for the office of Tennessee State Senate 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. Atotal of 16 seats were up for election.

    Heading into the election, Republicans held a 20-13 majority. Republicans gained six seats in the election, giving them a 26-7 majority.

    Tennessee State Senate
    PartyAs of November 5, 2012After the 2012 Election
        Democratic Party137
        Republican Party2026
    Total3333

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

    2012 Margin of Victory, Tennessee State Senate
    DistrictWinnerMargin of VictoryTotal VotesTop Opponent
    District 22Republican PartyMark Green6.2%60,220Tim Barnes
    District 20Republican PartySteven Dickerson8.2%85,534Phillip North
    District 10Republican PartyTodd Gardenhire8.6%67,302Andrae McGary
    District 28Republican PartyJoey Hensley10.3%67,736Tyler Cobb
    District 24Republican PartyJohn Stevens12.9%68,474Brad Thompson
    District 26Republican PartyDolores Gresham20.9%71,121Meryl Rice
    District 16Republican PartyJanice Bowling25.9%63,775Jim Lewis
    District 6Republican PartyBecky Duncan Massey37.3%72,435Evelyn Gill

    2010

    See also:Tennessee State Senate elections, 2010

    Elections for the office of Tennessee State Senate 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 19-14 majority. Republicans gained one seat in the election, giving them a 20-13 majority.

    Tennessee State Senate
    PartyAs of November 1, 2010After the 2010 Election
        Democratic Party1413
        Republican Party1920
    Total3333

    In 2010, the candidates for state Senate raised a total of $4,275,730 in campaign contributions. The top 10 donors were:[8]

    2010 Donors, Tennessee State Senate
    DonorAmount
    Henry, Douglas$314,500
    Tennessee Democratic Party$120,434
    Herron, Governor Roy$116,058
    Tennessee Medical Association$98,600
    McDonald, George$83,100
    Federal Express$82,300
    Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association$61,250
    Tennessee Bankers Association$52,500
    Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of Tennessee$46,000
    Farris Mathews Branan Bobango & Hellen$44,050

    2008

    See also:Tennessee State Senate elections, 2008

    Elections for the office of Tennessee State Senate 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 Senate candidates was $7,905,028. The top 10 contributors were:[9]

    2008 Donors, Tennessee State Senate
    DonorAmount
    Tennessee Legislative Campaign Cmte$235,338
    Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association$197,000
    Senate Republican Caucus of Tennessee$129,500
    Tennessee Medical Association$116,750
    Tennessee Association of Realtors$115,000
    Tennessee Keep Your Legislature Efficient$107,400
    Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 572$98,775
    Senate Democratic Caucus of Tennessee$96,200
    Federal Express$94,551
    Tennessee Healthcare Association$84,500

    2006

    See also:Tennessee State Senate elections, 2006

    Elections for the office of Tennessee State Senate 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 Senate candidates was $5,784,749. The top 10 contributors were:[10]

    2006 Donors, Tennessee State Senate
    DonorAmount
    Senate Democratic Caucus of Tennessee$235,654
    Senate Republican Caucus of Tennessee$214,000
    Throckmorton III, Ray (Chip) T$161,616
    Neill, Tom$133,618
    Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association$112,500
    Johnson, Jack$110,100
    Federal Express$79,100
    Tennessee Medical Association$71,700
    Tennessee Republican Caucus$70,000
    National Healthcare Corp$67,500

    2004

    See also:Tennessee State Senate elections, 2004

    Elections for the office of Tennessee State Senate 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 Senate candidates was $6,713,113. The top 10 contributors were:[11]

    2004 Donors, Tennessee State Senate
    DonorAmount
    Wilder Sr, John S$335,000
    Tennessee Legislative Campaign Cmte$283,382
    Senate Democratic Caucus of Tennessee$160,800
    Graves, Jo Ann$120,850
    Finney, Raymond$94,385
    Tennessee Conservative PAC$93,500
    Federal Express$78,250
    Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association$68,000
    Senate Republican Caucus$65,000
    Tennessee Medical Association$60,250

    2002

    See also:Tennessee State Senate elections, 2002

    Elections for the office of Tennessee State Senate 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 Senate candidates was $3,260,212. The top 10 contributors were:[12]

    2002 Donors, Tennessee State Senate
    DonorAmount
    Tennessee Legislative Campaign Cmte$174,377
    Senate Democratic Caucus Of Tennessee$146,299
    Tennessee Democratic Party$92,056
    Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association$92,000
    Tennessee Medical Association$66,679
    Tennessee Education Association$60,311
    Tennessee Employees Action Movement$53,000
    National Healthcare Corp$48,500
    Federal Express$43,250
    Tennessee Bankers Association$43,000

    2000

    See also:Tennessee State Senate elections, 2000

    Elections for the office of Tennessee State Senate 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 Senate candidates was $5,777,169. The top 10 contributors were:[13]

    2000 Donors, Tennessee State Senate
    DonorAmount
    Tennessee Republican Assembly PAC$106,650
    Senate Democratic Caucus of Tennessee$105,647
    Jackson, Douglas$101,700
    Wall, Howard D$101,150
    Tennessee Legislative Campaign Cmte$96,893
    Tennessee Democratic Party$96,215
    Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association$94,707
    Wilder, John$80,000
    Tennessee Education Association$54,441
    Tennessee Employees Action Movement$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.[14]

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

    District map

    See also:Tennessee state legislative districts

    The state of Tennessee has 33 state Senate districts. Each district elects one senator.

    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.[15]

    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.[15]

    2020

    See also:Redistricting in Tennessee after the 2020 census

    On December 10, 2025, the Tennessee Supreme Court upheld Tennessee's state legislative maps.[16] 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.[17] 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.[18]

    District map after 2020 redistricting

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

    TN Senate22.jpg

    2010

    See also:Redistricting in Tennessee after the 2010 census

    Tennessee received its local census data on March 16, 2011.[19] The state's population rose 11.5 percent to 6,346,105.[20]

    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.[21][22] The State Senate map was passed on January 13, 2012, and signed into law on February 9, 2012.[23][24] 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 State Senate has approved in its most recent legislative session—this includes legislation that has been sent from the Senate to the House 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.[25]

    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.[26] 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.[27]

    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.[28]

    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.[29]

    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.[30]


    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.[31] 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, which the Senate is a part of, 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.[32] Two-thirds of members in both chambers must agree to call for a special session.[33]

    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:
    BudgetsCivil libertiesEducationElectionsEnergyEnvironmentHealthcarePensions

    The state operates on an annual budget cycle. The sequence of key events in the budget process is as follows:[34]

    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.[34][35]

    The governor is constitutionally required to submit a balanced budget proposal. Likewise, the legislature is required to adopt a balanced budget.[34]

    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 State Senate has nine 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

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    External links

    Footnotes

    1. Tennessee Secretary of State, "Senate," accessed February 16, 2021
    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. Tennessean, "Tennessee Supreme Court reverses lower court order blocking state's new Senate map," April 13, 2022
    6. Tennessee Secretary of State, "Petition Information," accessed April 11, 2022
    7. Tennessee Secretary of State, "Key Dates for the 2018 Election Cycle," accessed September 6, 2017
    8. Follow the Money, "Tennessee Senate 2010 Campaign Contributions," accessed August 2, 2013
    9. Follow the Money, "Tennessee 2008 Candidates," accessed August 2, 2013
    10. Follow the Money, "Tennessee 2006 Candidates," accessed August 2, 2013
    11. Follow the Money, "Tennessee 2004 Candidates," accessed August 2, 2013
    12. Follow the Money, "Tennessee 2002 Candidates," accessed August 2, 2013
    13. Follow the Money, "Tennessee 2000 Candidates," accessed August 2, 2013
    14. Tennessee Legislature, "Tennessee Constitution," accessed May 22, 2014(Article II, Section 15)
    15. 15.015.1All About Redistricting, "Tennessee," accessed May 5, 2015
    16. Cite error: Invalid<ref> tag; no text was provided for refs namedsuitend
    17. The Tennessean, "Judges rule Tennessee Senate map unconstitutional, order legislature to redraw by Jan. 31," November 22, 2023
    18. The Tennessean, "Gov. Bill Lee signs redistricting bills dividing Davidson County into three congressional districts," February 7, 2022
    19. 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
    20. USA Today, "Census 2010 - Tennessee," accessed July 11, 2012
    21. Nashville Scene, "After Deal to Spare a Few Democrats, House Redistricting Plan Rolls," January 12, 2012
    22. Times Free Press, "Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam approves House, Congressional redistricting map ," January 26, 2012
    23. Memphis Daily News, "State Redistricting Wrinkles Save Kyle's Seat But Continue Debate," January 16, 2012
    24. Tennessee General Assembly, "Bill Information for SB1514," accessed April 14, 2012
    25. Tennessee General Assembly, "Home page," accessed March 24, 2020
    26. Dave Boucher,The Tennessean, "As Haslam officially sworn in, battles await," January 17, 2015
    27. UT Advocacy, "109th Tennessee General Assembly Begins," January 13, 2015
    28. Commercial Appeal, "Guns, wine, vouchers again in Tennessee legislature," January 5, 2013
    29. National Conference of State Legislatures, "2011 Legislative Sessions Calendar," accessed June 6, 2014(Archived)
    30. National Conference of State Legislature, "2010 session dates for Tennessee legislature," December 19, 2011
    31. Find Law, "Tenth Amendment - U.S. Constitution," accessed May 20, 2017
    32. TN Report, "Veto-Override Session May be in Works," March 21, 2014
    33. National Conference of State Legislatures, "Special Sessions," May 6, 2009
    34. 34.034.134.2National Association of State Budget Officers, "Budget Processes in the States, Spring 2021," accessed January 24, 2023
    35. National Conference of State Legislatures, "Separation of Powers: Executive Veto Powers," accessed January 26, 2024
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