Adjournment & Special Session

Less than two weeks after the General Assembly adjourned, Governor Lee called lawmakers back to Nashville to review Tennessee’s congressional maps. Legislators convened yesterday afternoon for a special session.

First, the adjournment. The flurry of end-of-session activity—and the constantly changing budget—means it takes time for the dust to settle and for a clear picture of what happened to emerge. The Coalition policy team is reviewing the actions of the General Assembly, identifying both “hidden gems” and potential concerns. We are preparing a full summary and wrap-up, which will be shared within the month once our review is complete.

Now, what about the special session? As you know, the General Assembly typically meets in a regular session spanning two years. However, when an issue of significant importance arises outside that timeframe, a special session may be called.

Special sessions are interim meetings of the Tennessee General Assembly and can be convened in one of two ways: (1) by a special proclamation from the governor or (2) by a petition from two-thirds of the members elected to each chamber. In this case, Governor Lee issued the proclamation calling lawmakers back on Tuesday.

The scope of a special session is limited to the issues outlined in the official “call.” This proclamation specifies the reason for the session, the date and time legislators and staff must report to the State Capitol, and the topics that may be discussed, including bill introductions and debate.

On April 29, the Supreme Court significantly limited Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This section allows individuals to challenge voting practices, procedures, or district maps that deny equal political opportunity. In response, legislators in Tennessee and across the country are moving to redraw election maps, as the weakened protections may reduce legal challenges related to equal representation.

The Governor’s call directs lawmakers to redraw Tennessee’s congressional districts ahead of the upcoming summer elections.

While the special session does not include any focus on disability issues, the actions taken by the General Assembly could have real-world implications for democracy, civic participation, and representation for marginalized and minority communities, including the disability community.

Organize Tennessee, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization whose mission is to protect accessible elections, is hosting an online public briefing to provide a deeper dive May 13th at 5:30pm CT. RSVP online at: https://www.mobilize.us/organizetn/event/947829/ They will be publishing additional information over time.

Staying busy. More to come.