Illinois House Bill HR0189

Illinois 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/11/23
• Refer: 4/18/23
• Report Pass: 4/26/23
• Refer: 6/26/23

Caption

TENN. HOUSE EXPULSION-CONDEMN

Impact

The resolution provides significant commentary on the legislative process and norms surrounding the treatment of lawmakers. It notes that the expulsion of Jones and Pearson was executed with minimal procedural integrity and a lack of fairness, pointing out that historically, such measures have only been employed for severe breaches of conduct such as bribery or misconduct. This bill emphasizes the need for due process and fair treatment of elected officials, which could lead to discussions on legislative ethics and protections for minority voices in the assembly. Furthermore, it raises concerns over the suppression of debate and dissent in the aftermath of public protests advocating for significant social reforms.

Summary

HR0189 is a resolution that condemns the expulsion of Tennessee State Representatives Justin Jones and Justin Pearson, as well as the attempted expulsion of Representative Gloria Johnson. The context for this resolution stems from a tragic mass shooting event that occurred on March 27, 2023, at The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, where six individuals lost their lives. Following this event, protests advocating for reform regarding firearm access and availability surged, highlighting community sentiment urging legislative change. Representatives Jones, Pearson, and Johnson actively sought to voice the concerns of their constituents regarding gun reform but faced punitive actions from the Tennessee House majority, including removal from committee assignments and threats of expulsion.

Contention

Notable points of contention presented within the discussions surrounding HR0189 include the criticism of the Tennessee House's actions as retaliatory and politically motivated. The Democratic representatives who were involved asserted that the actions taken against them were not only unjust but also obstructive to the legislative process. There lay accusations of an erosion of democratic values within the chamber, particularly in the handling of representatives expressing their constituents' views on important issues such as gun reform. This reflects broader themes of legislative accountability and fair representation in governance, raising questions about the implications of power dynamics within state legislatures.