NASHVILLE (AP) - Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam began the year by dismissing what he called misguided predictions that the new Republican supermajority in state government would devolve into infighting.

2. Speakers seek review of no-bid outsourcing deal - Friday, June 14, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) — The speakers of the state House and Senate said Thursday that they will seek a review of no-bid elements of an outsourcing deal with a real estate firm that has counted fellow Republican Gov. Bill Haslam as one of its investors.

3. Green appointed to Interbranch Affairs Committee - Friday, June 07, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) — State Sen. Mark Green has been appointed to the Council of State Government Interbranch Affairs Committee.

4. AG: Gun measure doesn't affect employment law - Friday, May 24, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) - A Tennessee employer could fire a worker who violates company policy by storing firearms and ammunition in vehicles parked on employers' property despite a new state law, according to a state attorney general's opinion.

5. Haslam unswayed by celebrities opposing 'ag-gag' - Friday, April 26, 2013

SMYRNA (AP) - Gov. Bill Haslam said Tuesday he was not swayed by celebrities opposing a bill that would make it a crime to video record animal abuse if it isn't turned over to law enforcement authorities within 48 hours.

6. TN GOP says infighting typical of supermajority - Friday, April 26, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) — Republicans, positioned to make major changes to state law with the governorship and a supermajority in the General Assembly, ended the session with some high-profile measures derailed by infighting.

7. 108th General Assembly adjourns for year - Friday, April 19, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) - The 108th Tennessee General Assembly adjourned on Friday, the first time in 45 years that lawmakers have finished as early as April in the first year of a session.

Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey had set an adjournment goal of April 18, but he didn't seem upset finishing a day later.

8. Judicial redistricting plan dies this session - Friday, April 19, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) - A proposal to redraw Tennessee's judicial districts for the first time since 1984 was killed on Friday when House members voted against it.

The lower chamber voted 66-28 to defeat the measure sponsored by Republican Rep. Jon Lundberg of Bristol. The companion bill was approved 27-4 earlier this month.

9. Judicial redistricting plan passes Senate - Friday, April 12, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) - A proposal to redraw Tennessee's judicial districts for the first time since 1984 has passed the Senate.

The plan from Republican Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey of Blountville was approved 27-4 on Tuesday.

10. Senate votes to block access to gun carry records - Friday, April 05, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) - Before last year's elections, the Senate Republican Caucus obtained a copy of the entire database of handgun carry permit holders in Tennessee. On Wednesday, the GOP-controlled chamber voted to block public access to those records.

11. Most top issues decided as session hits final lap - Friday, April 05, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) — The path may have been rocky at times for the new Republican supermajority in the General Assembly, but leaders are pleased that many of the most contentious issues have been decided as lawmakers enter the final few weeks of the session.

12. Bill won't allow student IDs for Tennessee voting - Friday, April 05, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) - The senator who sponsored a measure to let people show student IDs to cast ballots realized it didn't have enough votes to pass, so he instead backed a bill that doesn't allow them to be used.

13. Bill won't allow student IDs for voting - Friday, March 29, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) - The senator who sponsored a measure to allow people to show student IDs to cast ballots realized it didn't have enough votes to pass, so he instead backed a bill that doesn't allow them to be used.

14. Wine bill to get 2nd chance in Senate committee - Friday, March 29, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) - Legislation to allow wine to be sold in Tennessee supermarkets and convenience stores isn't quite dead yet.

A tie vote in the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday morning initially indicated that bill had failed for the year. But a spokesman confirmed later in the day that Democratic Sen. Douglas Henry of Nashville, who abstained on that vote now wants to vote in favor of the measure after receiving assurances that it would no longer include a provision allowing Sunday liquor sales.

15. Lawmakers seek takeover of US Senate nominations - Friday, March 29, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) - An average of about 686,000 people have voted in the last eight U.S. Senate primaries in Tennessee. Under a Republican proposal advancing in the state Legislature, that number would be driven down to 132.

16. Bill would limit gun carry records to politicians - Friday, March 29, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) - An effort to seal Tennessee's handgun carry permit records from public scrutiny would create an exception for political operatives and lobbying groups to still obtain the entire set of names and addresses.

17. Haslam begs off Medicaid expansion millions - Friday, March 22, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) - Gov. Bill Haslam announced Wednesday that a breakdown in negotiations with the federal government means that he won't expand the state's Medicaid program, a decision that will cost Tennessee billions of dollars in federal money and keep 140,000 uninsured Tennesseans from obtaining free coverage.

18. Echoes of TennCare feed state Medicaid misgivings - Friday, March 22, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) — Proponents of expanding Medicaid in Tennessee say the financial support from Washington is a deal too good to pass up — federal funding for 100 percent of the expansion costs for three years and at least a 90 percent match after that.

19. Ramsey named to executive committee of RLGA - Friday, March 22, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey is joining the executive committee of the Republican Lieutenant Governors Association.

20. Competing voucher bill withdrawn - Friday, March 15, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) — The sponsor of legislation that was competing with Gov. Bill Haslam's to create a school voucher program withdrew her bill on Wednesday after proponents of a broader program decided they want to focus on the governor's plan.

21. Federal judge bars state from barring Planned Parenthood - Friday, March 15, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) - A federal judge in Nashville has blocked Republican leaders' efforts to keep Planned Parenthood of Tennessee from participating in venereal disease prevention programs. The efforts are federally funded, but administered by the state and are aimed at reducing the infection rate of HIV and syphilis.

22. Governor signs guns in parking lots bill - Friday, March 15, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) - Gov. Bill Haslam has signed a bill that would allow people with handgun carry permits to store firearms in their vehicles no matter where they are parked.

The signing comes despite questions about whether the legislation affects employment law in Tennessee.

23. Sponsors seek to clarify parking lot gun bill - Friday, March 15, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) - The votes have been cast and the bill is awaiting Gov. Bill Haslam's signature, but sponsors are still trying to clarify whether a contentious gun bill affects employment law in Tennessee.

24. Ramsey wants committee to clear supermarket wine - Friday, March 15, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) — Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey says he wants a supermarket wine bill to clear his chamber's committees even though the companion bill has fallen short in a House panel.

The Blountville Republican said he would then put the bill on hold before a floor vote takes place to see what action the House might take.

25. Ramsey wants committee to clear supermarket wine - Friday, March 08, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) - Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey says he wants to a supermarket wine bill to clear his chamber's committees even though the House version failed this week.

26. House passes bill to close handgun carry records - Friday, March 08, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) — The House has passed a bill that would seal most handgun carry permit records in Tennessee.

The chamber voted 84-10 on Monday in favor of the bill sponsored by Republican Rep. William Lamberth of Gallatin. The bill would block all public access unless a requester presents evidence that permit holders had been charged or convicted of a crime making them ineligible to carry firearms.

27. Brewers swing support to grocery wine - Friday, March 08, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) — The beer industry has swung its support behind a bill to allow Tennessee supermarkets and convenience stores to sell wine — provided the measure also allows them to sell strong beer.

28. Limited approach taken to judicial redistricting - Friday, March 08, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) - Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey on Monday gave his proposal for redrawing Tennessee's judicial districts for the first time since 1984.

The Blountville Republican's plan would affect just eight of the existing 31 judicial districts. Ramsey said the plan had drawn the support of the association representing the state's trial judges, who as recently as last week had opposed changing the current judicial map.

29. Renewed bid would dilute Tennessee open meetings law - Friday, March 08, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) - A renewed push is under way to get Tennessee lawmakers to allow local official to hold more closed-door meetings.

Williamson County Commissioner Bob Barnwell, who also spearheaded a similar attempt last year, has written to local government colleagues around the state urging them to encourage state lawmakers to pass a bill to allow private meetings among officials as long as a quorum isn't present.

30. 14 proposals submitted for judicial redistricting - Friday, March 08, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) - Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey has received 14 proposals for how to redraw Tennessee's judicial districts.

31. GOP lawmakers seek to back away from 'fringe' - Friday, March 01, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) — Before a House vote to give final approval to a contentious firearms bill last week, Speaker Beth Harwell implored her Republican colleagues to ignore demands from what she deemed "fringe" groups to make major changes to the measure.

32. Parking lots not trouble-free for gun carry permit holders - Friday, February 22, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) - It was after 2 a.m. when David Aller was thrown out of the Klub Cirok Nightclub & VIP Lounge for fighting. That's when police say the 26-year-old man retrieved a loaded handgun from his car in the club parking lot and returned to threaten patrons.

33. Senate rejects ban on feds enforcing gun laws - Friday, February 22, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) - A bill seeking to make it a crime to enforce federal firearms laws in Tennessee has failed in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

The measure sponsored by Republican Sen. Mae Beavers of Mt. Juliet received a 4-4 vote on the panel Wednesday. Bills must earn a majority to advance.

34. Supermarket wine bill clears panel by single vote - Friday, February 22, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) - A proposal to allow wine to be sold in Tennessee supermarkets and convenience stores scored its first legislative victory on Tuesday after years of frustration.

The Senate State and Local Government Committee voted 5-4 to advance the bill that would allow cities and counties to hold referendums next year to decide whether to expand wine sales beyond the state's nearly 600 licensed liquor stores.

35. Tennessee lawmakers to decide fate of supermarket wine - Friday, February 22, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee lawmakers are poised to decide this week whether a proposal to allow supermarket wine sales moves ahead or withers on the vine.

The bill to overhaul the current system that prevents shoppers from buying wine alongside groceries faces votes in both House and Senate committees this week, where as little as a single vote could decide the bill's fate after months of lobbying.

36. Senate approves judicial selection amendment - Friday, February 22, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) - The state Senate on Thursday approved a proposed constitutional amendment to give lawmakers the power to refuse the governor's appointments to appeals courts in Tennessee.

The chamber voted 29-2 in favor of the resolution sponsored by Republican Sen. Brian Kelsey of Germantown. If the measure passes the House by a two-thirds margin, it will go on the ballot in next year's general election.

37. Ramsey against NRA-backed sealing of carry permits - Friday, February 15, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) — A National Rifle Association-backed effort to block public access to handgun carry permits goes too far for Republican Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey, one of the top gun rights advocates in the Tennessee General Assembly.

38. Senate approves parking lot guns bill on 28-5 vote - Friday, February 08, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) — The state Senate on Monday passed a bill to give people with handgun carry permits the right to store their loaded firearms in their vehicles wherever they are parked, brushing aside concerns raised by businesses and higher education administrators in Tennessee.

39. Ramsey calls for judicial redistricting - Friday, February 08, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) - Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey is seeking the state's first judicial redistricting in nearly 30 years and says he wants the public's input.

40. Analysis: Gun bill is 1 GOP wishes would go away - Friday, February 08, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) — The guns bill that Tennessee lawmakers wish would just go away is up for its first floor vote today.

The measure to allow people with state-issued handgun carry permits to store loaded firearms in their vehicles no matter where they are parked is once again putting the squeeze on Republicans torn between their allegiances to gun advocates and businesses interests.

41. Ramsey: Senate delays bill to ban Medicaid growth - Friday, February 08, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) - Republican lawmakers are putting the brakes on a bill seeking to bar Tennessee from expanding Medicaid under the federal health care law.

Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey of Blountville announced the move at a legislative preview session Thursday hosted by The Associated Press and the Tennessee Press Association. He said he persuaded fellow Republican Sen. Brian Kelsey of Germantown to park his bill to block the expansion.

42. Ramsey: Senate delays bill to ban Medicaid growth - Friday, February 01, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) - Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey says fellow Republican Sen. Brian Kelsey has agreed to delay consideration of a bill seeking to ban the state from participating in Medicaid expansion under the federal health care overhaul.

43. The rest of the story: Harvey steers Ramsey to the right - Friday, February 08, 2013

Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey has one issue that has drawn little attention that he wants to pass through this session of the legislature: redrawing the state’s judicial districts.

These districts, which define the areas overseen by judges and district attorneys, have not been refined since 1984.

44. Parking lot guns bill advances to full Senate vote - Friday, February 01, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) — A bill seeking to guarantee people with handgun-carry permits to store firearms in their vehicles no matter where they are parked was advanced to a full Senate floor vote Thursday despite reservations voiced by the business community and Republican Gov. Bill Haslam.

45. GOP senators huddle with Haslam before gun vote - Friday, February 01, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) - Speaker Ron Ramsey and Republican members of the Senate Judiciary Committee met with Gov. Bill Haslam for nearly an hour before heading to a meeting to vote on a bill seeking to allow handgun carry permit holders to store firearms in the vehicles no matter where they are parked.

46. Sponsor of parking lot guns bill says he misspoke - Friday, February 01, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) - The main House sponsor of a bill seeking to guarantee handgun permit holders the right to store firearms in their vehicles says he misspoke when he suggested that he routinely breaks the law.

47. Haslam may not be given choice on Medicaid growth - Friday, February 01, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) - Gov. Bill Haslam wants more answers from the federal government before he decides whether Tennessee should expand its Medicaid rolls as part of the national health care overhaul. But his Republican colleagues in the Legislature may not let him get to that point.

48. Haslam would sign supermarket wine bill if passed - Friday, February 01, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) — Gov. Bill Haslam said Thursday that he would sign a bill seeking to allow wine to be sold in Tennessee supermarkets and convenience stores into law if lawmakers approve it this year.

49. Supporters want voters to decide supermarket wine - Friday, February 01, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) - Supporters of a perennial legislative proposal to allow supermarkets and convenience stores to sell wine expressed confidence Thursday that their latest effort could succeed where previous ones failed.

50. Better state credit ratings a pressing issue for Henry - Friday, February 01, 2013

State Sen. Douglas Henry (D-Nashville), the longest-serving member of the General Assembly that convened this month, looks ahead with a simple, focused determination.

Beginning his 43rd year in the Senate, Henry says he has little interest in “hot-button” issues such as the expansion of gun-owners’ rights, school vouchers or allowing wine sales in grocery stores.

51. Haslam budget proposal includes DCS staff shake-up - Friday, January 25, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) — Gov. Bill Haslam on Monday presented a $32.7 billion annual spending plan to lawmakers that includes a staffing shake-up at the troubled Department of Children's Services, a heavy investment in construction projects around the state and a large deposit into the state's cash savings fund.

52. Critics: Give stores time to adjust to wine bill - Friday, January 25, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) — Skeptics of a proposal to allow wine to be sold in Tennessee supermarkets and convenience stores say any change in current law should be deferred for several years to give liquor store owners time to adjust to the new competition.

53. Tennessee politicians hope gun bill won't hurt VW chances - Friday, January 18, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) — Efforts to land the assembly of another Volkswagen model in Tennessee have been kicked into high gear following the German automaker's unveiling of its CrossBlue SUV prototype at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit last week.

54. Turner calls for investigation of DCS - Friday, January 11, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) — House Democratic Caucus Chairman Mike Turner is calling for a special meeting to investigate the Department of Children's Services' refusal to release records related to the abuse and death of children under its care.

55. Committee shakeups seen as bad omen for wine-in-groceries proponents - Friday, January 11, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) — Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey on Thursday replaced the chairwoman of the powerful judiciary committee with a key ally, while some opponents of a proposal to allow wine sales in grocery stores lauded committee assignments in the lower chamber.

56. Top chairwoman out in Senate committee shakeup - Friday, January 04, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) - Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey has replaced the chairwoman of the powerful judiciary committee with a key ally, while assignments to House panels have cast doubt on the prospects of the latest effort to allow wine to be sold in Tennessee supermarkets and convenience stores.

57. Tennessee lawmakers convene for 108th General Assembly - Friday, January 04, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) - State lawmakers convened Tuesday for the 108th Tennessee General Assembly that is expected to take up measures ranging from allowing wine in supermarkets to permitting teachers to be armed in school.

58. State Sen. Tracy announces challenge to DesJarlais - Friday, December 28, 2012

MURFREESBORO (AP) - State Sen. Jim Tracy officially announced Wednesday that he will run for the congressional seat held by fellow Republican U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais, saying the embattled lawmaker has deceived his constituents and needs to be replaced with a more trustworthy representative.

59. Jobless benefit rolls drop 7 percent with new rule - Friday, December 28, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) — About 7 percent of Tennesseans previously receiving jobless benefits have been dropped for failing to verify that they were searching for work.

That's according to an audit by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development reported in the Chattanooga Times Free Press (http://bit.ly/VkcRbq).

60. Ramsey to join GOPAC advisory board - Friday, December 21, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey is joining the advisory board of a conservative political group that recruits and trains Republican political candidates.

61. House Democrats keep top leadership in place - Friday, December 07, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) — House Democrats and Senate Republicans voted Wednesday to keep their top leadership in place.

Democratic Rep. Mike Turner of Nashville overcame a challenge from Rep. Johnny Shaw of Bolivar to maintain his chairman seat, and Rep. Craig Fitzhugh of Ripley was re-elected as minority leader without opposition.

62. Haslam: Excluding campuses key to gun law deal - Friday, November 30, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) - Republican Gov. Bill Haslam says the exclusion of college campuses is key to an agreement on a bill to allow employees to store their firearms in vehicles parked at work.

The governor told reporters after a speech to a Nashville Republican group on Tuesday that he expects lawmakers to craft a compromise on the measure that was the subject of much discord earlier this year.

63. Prospects brighten for wine in Tennessee groceries - Friday, November 30, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) — The top two Republicans in the Tennessee General Assembly support allowing the sale of wine in supermarkets, and the influx of new GOP lawmakers is giving them the opportunity to reshape key committees where efforts to make that change have long been blocked by opponents.

64. Haslam making use of extra time on exchanges - Friday, November 16, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) — Gov. Bill Haslam says he's taking advantage of an extended deadline the federal government has given states regarding health insurance exchanges.

States had until Friday to inform the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services if they plan to set up their own health insurance markets. But the deadline has been extended to Dec. 14.

65. Ramsey: Keep options open on Tennessee health exchange - Friday, November 16, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) — Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey expects fellow Republican Gov. Bill Haslam to announce by Friday's deadline that Tennessee will move ahead with plans to create a state-run health insurance exchange.

66. Tennessee GOP congressman's wife had 2 abortions - Friday, November 16, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) — Republican U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais, who opposes abortion rights, testified during divorce proceedings that he and his former wife made a mutual decision for her to have two abortions, according to divorce transcripts released Thursday.

67. GOP gets supermajority in Tennessee Legislature - Friday, November 02, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee Republicans secured a supermajority in both chambers of the Legislature in Tuesday's election, the first time that has happened since Reconstruction.

The GOP claimed at least two seats necessary in both chambers to gain the supermajority. The margins are now 24-9 in the Senate and 67-24 in the House, with one independent.

68. State GOP poised for first super majority - Friday, November 02, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee Republicans are poised to get their first super majority - or more - in both chambers of the Legislature on Tuesday.

Currently in the Senate, Republicans have a 20-13 advantage. The margin is 64-34 in the House, with one independent. To get a super majority of two-thirds, Republicans need to claim two seats in each chamber.

69. Kurita gives GOP candidate for her old seat $5K - Friday, October 26, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) — Former Democratic state Sen. Rosalind Kurita of Clarksville has written a $5,000 check to the Republican candidate seeking to win her old seat.

Kurita was ousted as the Democratic nominee in 2008 after the state Democratic Party's executive committee found her 19-vote primary win as "incurably uncertain." Kurita had been unpopular among Democrats after casting a key vote in favor of Republican Sen. Ron Ramsey's election as speaker the year before.

70. Ramsey appoints 2 to Technology Development Corp. - Friday, October 12, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) — Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey has appointed Brian Noland, president of East Tennessee State University, and Greg Nelson, senior vice president and chief technology officer of Eastman Chemical Co., to the board of directors of the Tennessee Technology Development Corp.

71. Summerville steps down from education committee - Friday, August 24, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) - State Sen. Jim Summerville on Friday resigned from the Senate Education Committee after being stripped of his subcommittee chairmanship over an email that insulted the Legislature's black caucus.

72. Harwell avoids rematch with Casada - Friday, August 03, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) - Republican Beth Harwell won't have to worry about a renewed challenge from the man she defeated to become the first female House speaker in state history.

Rep. Glen Casada of Franklin told The Associated Press that he won't make another run at the chamber's top job despite the defeat of seven Republican House incumbents in last week's primary races.

73. Maggart loses state House GOP primary to NRA pick - Friday, August 03, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) — Republican Caucus Chairwoman Debra Maggart lost her state House primary Thursday to a retired Air Force officer backed by the National Rifle Association.

With 100 percent of precincts reporting Thursday night, Lt. Col. Courtney Rogers had 3,392 votes, or 58 percent, compared with Maggart's 2,421 votes, or 42 percent.

74. Haslam appoints members to regulatory authority - Friday, July 27, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) — Earl Taylor has been named the new executive director of the Tennessee Regulatory Authority, which is responsible for setting rates and service standards for privately owned utilities.

75. Ramsey: State revenue surplus should stay in bank - Friday, July 13, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) - Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey said Thursday that the state's revenue surplus of more than a half-billion dollars should stay in the bank despite calls from Democrats to use it to offset tuition costs and provide tax relief.

76. Ramsey: State revenue surplus should stay in bank - Friday, July 06, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) - Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey says the state's revenue surplus of more than a half-billion dollars should stay in the bank despite calls from Democrats to use it to offset tuition costs.

77. Utility regulatory agency missing staff - Friday, July 06, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) — The state agency responsible for setting rates and service standards for privately-owned utilities is lacking an executive director and board quorum.

Among new laws that took effect July 1 is a statute that revamps the Tennessee Regulatory Authority. Gov. Bill Haslam backed the legislation that created a part-time board and requires a fulltime executive director.

78. Kurita loses appeal of Tenn. primary ouster - Friday, July 06, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) — Former state Sen. Rosalind Kurita on Thursday lost a federal appeal of her ouster as the Democratic nominee in her 2008 bid for re-election to the Tennessee General Assembly.

In a brief ruling, the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a federal judge's refusal to reinstate Kurita to the ballot after Democratic officials declared her 19-vote primary win as "incurably uncertain."

79. AG opinion allays lawmaker's open meetings concern - Friday, June 15, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) — A state lawmaker says a recent legal opinion from the state's attorney general has soothed concerns about Tennessee's open meetings law.

Republican Rep. Tony Shipley of Kingsport said he requested the opinion to clarify that local government officials can meet privately over a meal, as long as they don't decide public business.

80. Huffman: Ed department preparing evaluation report - Friday, June 15, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) - Tennessee education officials are considering changes around some of the same areas identified in a recent study requested by the governor, the education commissioner said Thursday.

81. Huffman: Department preparing evaluation report - Friday, June 08, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) - Tennessee education officials are considering changes to the state's new teacher evaluation system, and those changes may be similar to those suggested in a recent study requested by the governor, the education commissioner said Thursday.

82. Tenn. Chamber of Commerce to replace president - Friday, June 08, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) — The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce is replacing its president following two years of spirited legislative debate over business measures ranging from firearms at the workplace to discrimination against gay employees.

83. Haslam: Pre-K funding, vouchers no package deal - Friday, June 08, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) - Gov. Bill Haslam is weighing both an increase in funding for the state's public pre-kindergarten program and creating a school voucher system in Tennessee, though the Republican says he doesn't consider the two proposals linked.

84. AP Interview: Haslam mulls expansion of pre-K - Friday, May 18, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) — Gov. Bill Haslam says he's considering a funding increase for the state's public pre-kindergarten program, a move that would put him at odds with some fellow Republicans in the Legislature.

85. Health care compact falls short in House - Friday, April 27, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) — A proposal that would allow Tennessee to join an interstate compact challenging the federal health care law failed in the House on Tuesday after about 28 members were either absent or abstained on the vote.

86. Lawmakers adjourn session without gun showdown - Friday, April 27, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) — The 107th Tennessee General Assembly adjourned Tuesday without a final showdown over a contentious gun issue and the governor said he will decide in the next couple of days whether to veto a bill targeting Vanderbilt University's policies on religious student groups.

87. Lawmakers send budget compromise to governor - Friday, April 27, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) — The state's more than $31 billion annual spending plan is headed to the governor after Republicans rejected Democratic efforts to make further changes to the compromise legislation.

88. House panel kills guns bill, NRA pushes floor vote - Friday, April 20, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) — A House committee voted Tuesday to kill a guns measure that has pitted firearms advocates against business groups.

The bill backed by the National Rifle Association would allow anybody with a state-issued handgun carry permit to store loaded guns in vehicles parked on company lots — regardless of their employers' wishes.

89. House panel kills guns bill, NRA pushes floor vote - Friday, April 20, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) - A House committee voted Tuesday to kill a guns measure that has pitted firearms advocates against business groups.

The bill backed by the National Rifle Association would allow anybody with a state-issued handgun carry permit to store loaded guns in vehicles parked on company lots - regardless of their employers' wishes.

90. Haslam says parking lot guns bill likely dead - Friday, April 20, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) — Republican Gov. Bill Haslam said Tuesday that both chambers of the Legislature have taken "significant" steps toward defeating a bill to allow workers to store weapons in cars parked on company lots regardless of their employers' wishes.

91. Tenn. lawmakers hope to adjourn session this week - Friday, April 20, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee lawmakers are preparing for what they hope is the last week of the 107th General Assembly, though issues that still need to be worked out include the state's annual spending plan, proposals to change the way the state selects Supreme Court justices and a resilient effort to ban teaching about gay issues in schools.

92. Tenn. House passes tax cuts on groceries, estates - Friday, April 13, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) - The House voted on Thursday to begin phasing out Tennessee's inheritance tax and to lower the state's sales tax on groceries.

The chamber voted 88-8 on the estate tax measure, and 96-0 to cut the food tax from 5.5 percent to 5.25 percent.

93. Effort to close grant records withdrawn in Senate - Friday, April 06, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) - Gov. Bill Haslam's effort to close off public access to company information used to decide economic development grants was withdrawn Wednesday.

Republican Sen. Bo Watson of Hixson said that the decision followed a failure to reach a compromise.

94. Former lawmakers seek to regain Statehouse seats - Friday, April 06, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) - At least 10 former state lawmakers are trying to return to the Tennessee General Assembly, while eight Democratic incumbents will be vying for four seats following this year's redistricting process.

95. House speaker says parking lot guns bill is dead - Friday, April 06, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) - A bill seeking to guarantee people the right to store firearms in vehicles parked at work - regardless of their employers' wishes - has likely died for the year, House Speaker Beth Harwell said Thursday.

96. House speaker says parking lot guns bill is dead - Friday, March 30, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) - House Speaker Beth Harwell says a bill seeking to guarantee workers' right to store firearms in vehicles parked at work has likely died for the year.

97. Ramsey chides Chamber for focus on guns, pre-K - Friday, March 30, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) - Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey chided the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday for focusing their lobbying efforts on opposing a bill to guarantee workers the right to store firearms in vehicles parked on company lots.

98. Haslam, Ramsey wary of guns in parking lots bill - Friday, March 30, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) - Gov. Bill Haslam and Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey are among the prominent Republicans trying to put the brakes on a bill seeking to guarantee employees the right to store their firearms in vehicles parked at work.

99. Haslam measure on selecting judges awaiting action - Friday, March 30, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) — When the top three Republicans in the Statehouse coalesced behind a plan to cement Tennessee's current selection process for Supreme Court justices into the state constitution, there seemed to be a smooth path ahead for getting the measure before voters in 2014.

100. Sponsor of guns in parking lots bill to amend it - Friday, March 16, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) - The Republican sponsor of a proposal that would let workers store firearms in vehicles parked on their employers' lots said Tuesday that he has listened to GOP leaders and plans to amend the legislation so that it's not so broad.