Image Credit: TN General Assembly
The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –
A bill that received considerable conservative pushback over concerns that the legislation strips an individual’s right to challenge constitutionally questionable state laws passed the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday.
The bill moved forward with an 11 to 9 vote, with 5 of the no votes coming from Republican Representatives Gino Bulso (R-Brentwood-District 61), Clay Doggett (R-Pulaski-District 70), Rick Eldridge (R-Morristown-District 10), Johnny Garrett (R-Goodlettsville-District 45), and Kelly Keisling (R-Byrdstown-District 38).
House Bill 1971, sponsored by Representative Andrew Farmer (R-Sevierville-District 17), has been scheduled for a full House vote on Monday, March 30th, 2026.
According to the bill’s summary, “Present law provides a cause of action for any affected person who seeks declaratory or injunctive relief in any action brought regarding the legality or constitutionality of a governmental action.” HB1971 limits such cause of action to “actions of political subdivisions of this state and specifies that such cause of action does not apply to challenges to the validity or constitutionality of state law.”
The companion Senate Bill (SB1958), sponsored by Senator John Stevens (R-Huntingdon-District 24), was referred to the Senate Calendar Committee on Tuesday.
Find contact information for your State Representative HERE.
About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
