Image: Bill Sponsor Rep. Bryan Richey presents his bill to the House Education Administration Committee. Image Credit: capitol.tn.gov
The Tennessee Conservative [By Kelly M. Jackson] –
In the House Committee For Education Administration, a bill that will enable taxpayers to recall school board members came one step closer to becoming the law in the state of Tennessee.
HB0595 as introduced, allows registered voters of any county, instead of only Madison County, who reside within the geographic boundaries of an LEA to file a petition with the county election commission demanding the recall of a member of the LEA’s local board of education. – Amends TCA Title 8 and Title 49.
During his presentation of the bill, freshman Representative Bryan Richey (R-D20-Maryville) added two amendments that would clarify the threshold for a recall, and the issues that would trigger it in the first place.
The bill states that those who would be able to vote in a recall election, would only be those who live in the district where the original election took place. And the number of votes needed to successfully recall a member of the board would be 66% of the total votes cast in the original election for that seat. Additionally, the petition for recall would need to include a factual statement that clearly identifies the reason for the recall.
The Tennessee Conservative reached out to Gary Humble, the Executive Director of Tennessee Stands, who has been engaged in the initiative to create a recall process for school boards in Tennessee since 2020.
Humble said “I am thankful to see a bill that will allow parents and voters to petition to recall school board members across the state of Tennessee make its way through committees in the house. Voters deserve any measure by which they can hold elected officials accountable. And if any elected official in the state of Tennessee deserves more scrutiny and a higher level of accountability, it is those entrusted with the education and welfare of our children. “
Last year, a bill that was similar to this current legislation, died in the same committee that passed it through this time around. The difference in the committees from last session to this, could be attributed to the newly elected members, who have seemingly brought an even more vibrant level of conservatism to the committee.
When asked for comment, the sponsor, Representative Richey said, “Our kid’s education is extremely important and having school board members delivering on campaign promises is crucial. This legislation will provide parents an option for recalling school board members that legislate differently than the community wants.”
The bill, passing with a voice vote, has been referred to the House Finance, Ways and Means Committee but has not yet appeared on their calendar upon publication of this article.
The Senate version of the bill, SB0635, sponsored by Senator Adam Lowe (R-Calhoun-District 1), will be heard in the Senate Education Committee on March 15th.
If the bill passes both committees it then will make its way to the floors of both houses for debate and a vote. Should the legislation successfully make its way to Governor Lee’s desk, once signed, it will take immediate effect, the public welfare requiring it.
If you support this legislation contact the members of the Senate Education Committee prior to their meeting on March 15th. Contact information can be found below.
Senate Education Committee Members
Jon Lundberg (Chair) (R)- sen.jon.lundberg@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-5761
Bill Powers (Vice-Chair) (R) – sen.bill.powers@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-2734
Raumesh Akbari (2nd Vice-Chair) (D) – sen.raumesh.akbari@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-1767
Rusty Crowe (R) – sen.rusty.crowe@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-2468
Todd Gardenhire (Chair) (R)- sen.todd.gardenhire@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-6682
Ferrell Haile (R) – sen.ferrell.haile@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-1999
Joey Hensley (R) – sen.joey.hensley@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-3100
Mark Pody (R) – sen.mark.pody@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-2421
Dawn White (R) – sen.dawn.white@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-6853
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. Kelly can be reached at kelly@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
