Image Credit: TN General Assembly & Canva
The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –
A bill removing the right of Tennessee citizens to sue the state is very much alive and on notice in committees in both the House and the Senate for next week.
Following considerable conservative pushback, the legislation stripping an individual’s right to challenge constitutionally questionable state laws failed in committee in the Senate in February while remaining alive in the House.
Vehemently opposed by numerous advocacy groups, continued calls to put pressure on lawmakers to withdraw the bill have not been successful thus far.
Sponsored by Representative Andrew Farmer (R-Sevierville-District 17), House Bill 1971 (HB1971) is scheduled for the House Judiciary Committee for Monday, March 23rd, 2026.
Find contact information for members of the committee below.
The companion Senate Bill 1958 (SB1958), sponsored by Senator John Stevens (R-Huntingdon-District 24), is also scheduled to be heard on Monday, March 23rd, 2026, in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Contact information for members of that committee may also be found below.
House Judiciary Committee – HB1971 to be heard March 23
HB1971 removes the right of a cause of action for any affected person who seeks declaratory and injunctive relief in any action brought regarding the legality or constitutionality of a state governmental action.
Rep.andrew.farmer@capitol.tn.gov; rep.elaine.davis@capitol.tn.gov; rep.rebecca.alexander@capitol.tn.gov; rep.fred.atchley@capitol.tn.gov; rep.gino.bulso@capitol.tn.gov; rep.clay.doggett@capitol.tn.gov; rep.rick.eldridge@capitol.tn.gov; rep.johnny.garrett@capitol.tn.gov; Rep.ga.hardaway@capitol.tn.gov; rep.torrey.harris@capitol.tn.gov; rep.gloria.johnson@capitol.tn.gov; rep.kelly.keisling@capitol.tn.gov; rep.william.lamberth@capitol.tn.gov; rep.mary.littleton@capitol.tn.gov; rep.jason.powell@capitol.tn.gov; rep.lowell.russell@capitol.tn.gov; rep.gabby.salinas@capitol.tn.gov; rep.rick.scarbrough@capitol.tn.gov; rep.tom.stinnett@capitol.tn.gov; rep.chris.todd@capitol.tn.gov; rep.joe.towns@capitol.tn.gov; rep.ron.travis@capitol.tn.gov
Senate Judiciary Committee – SB1958 to be heard March 23
SB1958 removes the right of a cause of action for any affected person who seeks declaratory and injunctive relief in any action brought regarding the legality or constitutionality of a state governmental action.
Sen.todd.gardenhire@capitol.tn.gov; Sen.kerry.roberts@capitol.tn.gov; Sen.paul.rose@capitol.tn.gov; Sen.bobby.harshbarger@capitol.tn.gov; Sen.sara.kyle@capitol.tn.gov; Sen.london.lamar@capitol.tn.gov; Sen.john.stevens@capitol.tn.gov; Sen.brent.taylor@capitol.tn.gov; Sen.dawn.white@capitol.tn.gov
About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
