Tennessee House Bill HR0065

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

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

Caption

A RESOLUTION to expel Justin Jones 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 Fifty-second Representative District.

Impact

If passed, HR0065 will formalize Jones’s expulsion, thereby vacating his seat representing the Fifty-second District. The resolution illustrates a significant enforcement of legislative rules intended to maintain order within the state assembly. The situation surrounding the bill reflects broader tensions in Tennessee politics, particularly concerning the ability of legislators to express themselves during sessions. The resolution was documented in the context of a protest that included the use of a bullhorn and politically charged messaging, which the resolution argues is inconsistent with the anticipated conduct of a member of the legislative body.

Summary

House Resolution 65 (HR0065) seeks to expel Representative Justin Jones from his position in the Tennessee House of Representatives. The resolution cites actions taken by Jones and two other representatives during a House Floor Session on March 30, 2023, which involved shouting and disruptive behavior that breached the decorum expected in legislative proceedings. The bill references specific rules outlined in the Permanent Rules of Order for the House, which govern member conduct. This action is grounded in Article II, Section 12 of the Tennessee Constitution, which allows for expulsion based on disorderly behavior with a two-thirds majority vote.

Conclusion

Overall, HR0065 serves as a focal point for discussions on legislative conduct and the boundaries of acceptable behavior in political discourse. It underscores a critical moment for Tennessee's political landscape, where accusations of disorderly conduct are met with serious consequences, thereby setting a precedent for how similar actions will be regarded in the future.

Contention

Debate surrounding HR0065 is likely to be contentious, reflecting diverging views on the limits of political expression within legislative frameworks. Proponents of the resolution, typically from the ruling party, assert that maintaining order and decorum is paramount for the integrity of the legislative process. Critics, including some Democrats and members of advocacy groups, may view the resolution as a punitive measure that stifles dissent and undermines the rights of representatives to voice their positions on important issues.