Tennessee House Bill HR0063

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/3/23
• Enrolled: 4/6/23
• Passed: 4/6/23

Caption

A RESOLUTION to expel Justin J. Pearson from his seat as a member of the House of Representatives of the One Hundred Thirteenth General Assembly of the State of Tennessee elected by the Eighty-sixth Representative District.

Impact

If HR0063 is enacted, it will result in the official expulsion of Pearson, declaring his seat in the House vacant. This decision is rooted in the authority granted by Article II, Section 12 of the Tennessee Constitution, which allows legislative bodies to expel members for disorderly behavior with a two-thirds majority support. The bill passed with 73 votes in favor and 22 against, indicating a significant majority in support of the expulsion. The repercussions of this action could extend beyond Pearson, potentially influencing how members of the House conduct themselves and how the rules are enforced in the future.

Summary

House Resolution 63 (HR0063) aims to expel Representative Justin J. Pearson from the Tennessee House of Representatives following his alleged disorderly conduct during a legislative session on March 30, 2023. The resolution cites specific instances of disruptive behavior that Pearson and his colleagues engaged in, including shouting, leading chants, and using a bullhorn in the midst of House proceedings. This behavior was deemed to constitute a violation of the Permanent Rules of Order of the House of Representatives, which is expected to maintain decorum and order during sessions. The resolution highlights that such actions not only disrupt legislative processes but also reflect adversely on the integrity of the legislature itself.

Contention

The resolution has sparked controversy regarding the balance between maintaining order in legislative settings and the rights of representatives to protest or express dissent. Supporters of the resolution argue that stringent enforcement of decorum is necessary to uphold the legislative process, while critics may see the expulsion as an overreach that stifles political expression and dissent. This highlights broader tensions within the political environment in Tennessee and may set precedents for how legislative bodies handle future incidents of similar nature.