Legislation That Could Make Term Limits A Reality In TN Receives Senate Sponsor Just Days Before Filing Deadline

Image Credit: capitol.tn.gov

The Tennessee Conservative [By Kelly M. Jackson] –

Just days before the January 31^st filing deadline for all potential legislation for the entire current session of the General Assembly, a very important bill has just received the necessary state senate sponsorship needed to move the bill forward for the committee process. 

HB0118  As introduced, establishes a referendum process by which the electorate of a local government in this state may vote to establish 16-year term limits for the public officials of the local government. – Amends TCA Title 2; Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7 and Title 8.

If successful, the question of whether an elected or appointed official should be term limited after a period of 16 years, could be placed on the November 2024 ballot. 

Yesterday, introduced by Senator Mark Pody (R- District 17- Wilson, Davidson Counties) was it’s partner bill, SB0580.

SB0580 mirrors the language in HB0118: As introduced, establishes a referendum process by which the electorate of a local government in this state may vote to establish 16-year term limits for the public officials of the local government. – Amends TCA Title 2; Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7 and Title 8.

Freshman Representative Bryan Richey (R- District 20- Maryville) expressed the importance of this bill in a previous interview, as a message that was given to him in a loud and clear fashion, by the constituents who he met while campaigning. 

In that interview Richey said, “During my campaign for office, I personally knocked on more than 5,000 doors. During this time, I listened to the concerns of my district and took notes on what they wanted our state to do….voters said they wanted term limits on everybody, and the number that we came up with during legislative discussions here in the district was 16 years.”

It was due to the strident and overwhelming call for term limits by those who voted for and sent Representative Richey to The Hill, he has endeavored to obtain the sponsorship our state laws require for any bill to move through the legislative process. Fortunately, Richey found a willing partner in Senator Pody, and the legislation will have an opportunity to possibly become law.

Richey said that this particular issue polls at 70% favorability with the people of Tennessee, and therefore it was vitally important to work as hard as possible on securing the additional sponsorship. 

Should the bill survive the legislative process, the act will take effect upon becoming law, the public welfare requiring it. 

About the Author: Kelly Jackson is a recent escapee from corporate America, and a California refugee to Tennessee. Christ follower, Wife and Mom of three amazing teenagers. She has a BA in Comm from Point Loma Nazarene University, and has a background in law enforcement and human resources. Since the summer of 2020, she has spent any and all free time in the trenches with local grassroots orgs, including Mom’s for Liberty Williamson County and Tennessee Stands as a core member.  Outspoken advocate for parents rights, medical freedom, and individual liberty.