House Republican lawmakers join Majority Whip Johnny Garrett, at the podium, during the first week of the 114th Tennessee General Assembly. (Photo: John Partipilo)
NASHVILLE — The Tennessee House adopted rules Thursday lowering the bill-filing limit and setting up harsher punishments that enable the banishment of lawmakers and members of the public deemed out of order.
The bill limit will be 12 for rank-and-file members, and committee chairs will receive five extra bills while subcommittee chairs will be able to file two extra bills. Democrats, who are in a superminority, oppose the move, saying their voices will be further silenced because Republicans hold all chairmanships and will be able to file more bills…