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On Monday, the General Assembly convened in an extraordinary special session for the 67th time in Tennessee's 229 years of statehood. Lawmakers worked throughout the week, meeting with constituents, debating legislation, and considering testimony from citizens on pressing issues. The General Assembly passed seven bills appropriating $908 million for education, disaster relief, and public safety.
Keisling votes "no" on voucher legislation, stands firm with The Great 38th
This week, the Tennessee General Assembly passed the Education Freedom Act, expanding school vouchers statewide. While the bill ultimately cleared both the House and Senate, State Representative Kelly Keisling (R-Byrdstown) voted against the measure, remaining steadfast in his commitment to the values and interests of The Great 38th.
After hearing from constituents across the district, it was clear that the overwhelming majority did not support the legislation. Representative Keisling prioritized the voices of the people he represents, standing with public school families, educators, and local communities in opposition to the bill.
"My commitment has always been – and will always be – to the people of The Great 38th," said Representative Keisling. "The constituents who sent me to Nashville made their stance on this issue clear. I listened, and I voted accordingly. While the bill ultimately passed, I will continue to fight for policies that reflect the values of the communities I serve."
Keisling remains focused on supporting rural education, strengthening public schools, and ensuring students in District 38 have access to the best opportunities possible. As the legislative session continues, he will work with his colleagues to ensure that public schools remain strong and well-supported across Tennessee.
Protecting citizens, enforcing immigration laws
The General Assembly on Thursday passed House Bill 6001, sponsored by House Majority Leader William Lamberth, R-Portland, which will establish a new temporary state immigration enforcement division, create a grant program to financially assist local governments who aid in immigration enforcement, raise standards to obtain state-issued identification and create local accountability for officials who violate state law through sanctuary cities policies.
“We are not a sanctuary to illegal immigrants from across the world that try to come to this state,” Lamberth said. “If you come here illegally, you will be deported.”
The legislation establishes the Centralized Immigration Enforcement Division (CIED) within the Tennessee Department of Safety. The new temporary division will serve as a liaison between the state and federal governments to streamline communications and ensure proper and efficient enforcement of immigration laws.
The CIED will enter Tennessee into a 287(g) program with the federal government, which allows law enforcement agencies across the state to perform certain immigration officer functions under the oversight and direction of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). To help fund these efforts and incentivize local municipalities to enter into a 287(g) program of their own, the legislation creates a $5 million Immigration Enforcement Grant Program for law enforcement training, equipment purchases and other eligible activities.
The CIED will be led by a chief immigration officer, appointed by the governor, to work with President Trump’s border czar and coordinate state efforts.
To further improve public safety, House Bill 6001 will make it a Class E felony offense for local officials to adopt or maintain sanctuary city policies, which are currently a violation of Tennessee state law. The legislation establishes a process for Tennessee’s Attorney General to initiate removal proceedings against local officials who have been convicted of violating anti-sanctuary city provisions.
Finally, the legislation will create a new temporary state-issued ID issued to legal non-citizens that includes a visually distinctive marker to distinguish from IDs held by U.S. citizens. It will also restrict eligibility for state-issued IDs to citizens, lawful permanent residents and individuals here with federal authorization. These efforts will ensure only American citizens receive permanent identification and will prevent non-citizens from registering to vote or taking advantage of services exclusive to U.S. citizens.
Relief for Hurricane Helene, future disaster prep passes
The General Assembly approved more than $450 million in direct disaster relief for those impacted by Hurricane Helene and to prepare for future disasters.
On Sept. 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene struck northeast Tennessee, causing catastrophic flooding that resulted in multiple fatalities and widespread destruction of homes and businesses. The state estimates damage-related costs total $1.2 billion.
The House passed legislation establishing funds to assist with recovery efforts and to make sure the state is able to immediately assist when future disasters strike.
House Bill 6003, sponsored by State Rep. Tim Hicks, R-Gray, establishes two disaster relief funds totaling $210 million, including the Hurricane Helene Interest Payment Fund and the Governor’s Response and Recovery Fund.
“No one could have predicted the devastation Hurricane Helene would cause in northeast Tennessee,” Hicks said. “While we faced immense loss in lives and homes, we also witnessed the true spirit of community through support from across the state. The road to recovery is long and challenging, but this funding will empower our communities to rebuild and provide the resources needed to take quick action in future disasters.”
The $110 million Hurricane Helene Interest Payment Fund helps local governments cover up to 5 percent of interest on federal loans for up to three years, easing financial pressure and stabilizing local finances while awaiting federal reimbursements.
The $100 million Governor’s Response and Recovery Fund enables immediate state assistance after disasters and addresses needs like agricultural losses, unemployment and business recovery without having to wait for federal approval. Interest earnings may also be allocated to support the Hurricane Helene Interest Payment Fund, amplifying its impact.
Assistant Majority Leader Mark Cochran, R-Englewood, sponsored House Bill 6002, which waives certain requirements during a state of emergency and allows the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) to immediately assist local officials and suspend eligibility requirements for unemployment benefits for disaster victims.
The General Assembly approved $240 million for the Disaster Relief Grants Fund to be administered by TEMA. The program bolsters Tennessee’s existing disaster relief fund and reduces the local cost-share burden for Helene-impacted communities from 12.5% to 5%. It also supports the state’s match for federal disaster funds and covers administrative costs.
A $20 million grant was also approved for Carter County to fund the reconstruction and relocation of Hampton High School. The school’s campus was completely destroyed in Helene and they have been temporarily learning out of a former elementary school in the area.
Property tax relief will benefit Helene victims
A new law passed unanimously by the General Assembly on Wednesday provides property tax relief for victims of Hurricane Helene and enhances mutual aid cooperation between local governments during emergencies.
House Bill 6007, sponsored by House Republican Caucus Chairman Jeremy Faison, R-Cosby, will provide property tax relief to Tennesseans whose properties were damaged or destroyed by disasters certified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency between Sept. 26-30, 2024.
“There’s hope in the human spirit of what took place when all the floods came, rose, and destroyed us,” Faison said. “The love poured in after was greater than the floods that came. This is a grant that is equal to 130%. It’s not much, but it’s something for people who have nothing.”
Property owners will receive payments equal to their 2024 property taxes plus 30 percent.
To qualify, owners must submit the required documentation to the comptroller of the Treasury by June 30, 2025. The relief is available through Dec. 31, 2025.
The law also allows local governments to send personnel and equipment to assist in emergencies outside their jurisdiction with the approval of their chief executive officer.
Transportation authority will support infrastructure goals
The General Assembly has established the Tennessee Transportation Financing Authority (TTFA) to finance and enhance the state’s transportation infrastructure, including highways, bridges, and airports.
House Bill 6006, sponsored by House Majority Whip Johnny Garrett, R-Goodlettsville, would enable public-private partnership financing while clearly shielding the state from debt obligations through TTFA.
“If we can get this operational quickly, we can get Tennesseans moving faster,” Garrett said. “By starting and completing these projects, people can get from A to B more quickly.”
The TTFA will have the power to issue bonds and loans to fund projects and enter agreements with state, federal, and private entities.
Bonds issued by the TTFA will be secured by revenues from transportation projects, not by the state’s general credit, and will be exempt from most state and local taxes. This would allow the Tennessee Department of Transportation to leverage private sector investment without incurring state debt.
The authority is designed to expedite funding for transportation improvements across the state, particularly in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
Nation’s Report Card
The National Center for Education Statistics released the Nation’s Report Card on Wednesday showing Tennessee students outpacing the national average in reading and math. Fourth- and eighth-grade students in the Volunteer State increased reading scores by two and four points respectively, while math scores also rose between the 2022 and 2024 academic years. The meaningful gains come following a decade of historic investments in public education from Republicans in the General Assembly, including the largest teacher pay increase in Tennessee history in 2023 and boosting the average statewide pupil spending by 34% over the last 12 years.
Honoring Susie Wiles
The House on Monday passed a bipartisan resolution honoring Susie Wiles, President Donald Trump’s chief of staff. House Joint Resolution 50, sponsored by House Republican Caucus Chairman Jeremy Faison, R-Cosby, celebrates Wiles for her leadership and for breaking new ground as the first woman to hold the position of White House chief of staff.
State of the State
Gov. Bill Lee will deliver his seventh State of the State address to members of the General Assembly and Tennesseans on Monday, Feb. 10 at 6 p.m. Central Standard Time. The joint session will be held in the House chamber at the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville. The address will be available on Lee’s Facebook and YouTube channels and aired statewide.
Bill filing deadline approaching
The bill filing deadline for the 2025 legislative session is Thursday, Feb. 6. As of Thursday, 626 bills have already been filed in the House.
114th General Assembly
Lawmakers will return to the State Capitol in Nashville on Monday, Feb. 3, to resume the 114th General Assembly.
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Media Contact:
Zach Stephens
Kelly Keisling serves as State Representative for House District 38 which encompasses Macon, Clay, Pickett, Scott, and part of Fentress Counties. To reach State Representative Kelly Keisling, call 615-741-6853 or email him at rep.kelly.keisling@capitol.tn.gov. Connect with Kelly on Facebook and X.
Representative Keisling serves as a member of the Commerce Committee, Banking and Consumer Affairs Subcommittee, Judiciary Committee, and Children and Family Affairs Subcommittee for the 114th General Assembly.
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