The second regular session of the 114th Tennessee General Assembly convened at noon on Tuesday amid high tensions and political discord between state lawmakers and protestors in the Capitol rotunda.

Immigration and school vouchers are expected to be top issues this session, as Republican leadership has already confirmed the state is working with the Trump administration on several immigration enforcement measures, while House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville) confirmed plans to expand Gov. Lee’s Education Freedom Scholarship program. The costs of implementing both measures could be at odds with available state revenue, however, as flattening budget projections and growing statewide infrastructure needs continue to shape policy decisions on the Hill.

While the first few days of session are typically ceremonial in nature, it’s clear legislative business will proceed swiftly this year. On Tuesday, the House passed a holdover bill from 2025 aimed at regulating businesses that hold drag performances, while another measure seeking to give state control of the Memphis-Shelby County school board was taken up on Thursday, though it failed to pass once again as differences between the House and Senate versions appear unreconciled.

In addition to official legislative proceedings, a new House member was sworn in on Tuesday. Rep. Michael Lankford (R-Palmyra) was appointed to serve as interim representative of District 75 following the unexpected death of Rep. Jeff Burkhart (R-Clarksville) in November. Lankford was appointed to several committees, but none within the health or insurance jurisdiction.

As TMA works to advance its 2026 policy priorities, we will be asking members to engage with their elected officials to secure votes as bills move through the process. Members interested in making their voice heard should sign up to receive calls-to-action through our Grassroots Action Network, in addition to participating in our annual Day on the Hill set for Tuesday, March 3. You can also support our policy efforts by making a donation to TMA PAC, TMA’s nonpartisan, political action committee, to ensure candidates who support physician issues are elected to the Tennessee General Assembly.