Williamson County Republican Party Strongly Opposes House Bill 1971 and Senate Bill 1958 Resolution Condemns Legislation as Infringement on Citizens’ Right to Challenge Unconstitutional State Laws.
Image Credit: TN General Assembly, WIlliamson County GOP & Canva
Press Release –
The Williamson County Republican Party (WCRP) unanimously adopted a resolution strongly opposing House Bill 1971 (sponsored by Rep. Andrew Farmer) and Senate Bill 1958 (sponsored by Sen. John Stevens).
These bills seek to repeal or materially restrict Tennessee Code Annotated § 1-3-121, a 2018 statute that provides broad standing for affected persons to seek declaratory or injunctive relief challenging the legality or constitutionality of governmental actions—without requiring proof of actual damages having already occurred.
The resolution reaffirms the Party’s steadfast commitment to foundational Republican principles: limited government, individual liberty, transparency, accountability, the rule of law, and the sacred right of citizens to hold government accountable when it exceeds constitutional bounds.
“These bills would force Tennesseans to suffer concrete harm before they can challenge potentially unconstitutional state laws in court, effectively eliminating or severely limiting pre-enforcement and facial challenges,” the resolution states. “This undermines the judiciary’s essential role in declaring what the law is, as established by Marbury v. Madison and reaffirmed in cases like New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen.”
The WCRP resolution cites key legal precedents and Tennessee constitutional provisions, including Article I, Section 17, which declares that “all courts shall be open” and provides remedies by due course of law. It highlights successful citizen-led challenges under the current law, such as the 2025 Gibson County three-judge panel ruling declaring certain firearm statutes unconstitutional, the 2022 Benton County decision striking down warrantless surveillance provisions, federal settlements on voting laws, and other cases involving redistricting, school vouchers, and more.
The legislation has drawn opposition from prominent conservative and limited-government organizations, including the Tennessee Firearms Association, Americans for Prosperity Tennessee, Tennessee Stands, the Goldwater Institute, and the Institute for Justice—all dedicated to constitutional fidelity and restraining government overreach.
Through the resolution, the Williamson County Republican Party:
- Strongly opposes HB 1971 and SB 1958 as unconstitutional infringements on Tennesseans’ right to judicial review of potentially unconstitutional legislation;
- Affirms unwavering support for preserving TCA § 1-3-121 and its broad standing provisions;
- Urges the Tennessee General Assembly to reject these bills in their entirety and refrain from enacting any measures that limit citizens’ ability to challenge unconstitutional state laws;
- Supports every Tennessean’s right to meaningful access to the courts, as guaranteed by the Tennessee and United States Constitutions;
- Recognizes elected officials who defend these constitutional rights as demonstrating fidelity to their oaths and republican principles; and
- Commends the Tennessee Firearms Association, Americans for Prosperity Tennessee, Tennessee Stands, the Goldwater Institute, the Institute for Justice, and all organizations and citizens working to protect these fundamental freedoms.
A copy of the resolution has been transmitted to the Williamson County legislative delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly, the sponsors of HB 1971 and SB 1958, and appropriate media outlets.
The Williamson County Republican Party remains dedicated to defending constitutional government, individual rights, and the accountability of public officials to the people they serve.
Adopted: March 2, 2026
Williamson County Republican Party
A copy of the resolution has been transmitted to the Williamson County legislative delegation, the bills’ sponsors, and appropriate media outlets.
