We gathered on Capitol Hill in Nashville Tuesday to gavel in the 114th Tennessee General Assembly and organize business for the 2025-2026 legislative sessions. For the first order of business, newly elected and reelected senators took the oath of office as families and friends crowded the Senate chamber and watched proudly. The next orders of business were adoption of the Senate rules, followed by the election of Lt. Governor Randy McNally to serve his fifth term as Lt. Governor of Tennessee and Speaker of the Senate.

The start of a new legislative session is always an exciting time. It’s a season full of new ideas for legislation fueled by the shared enthusiasm of lawmakers committed to improving state government and championing the needs of our districts.

The biggest news of the week came on Wednesday when Governor Bill Leeannounced a special legislative session to begin on January 27 to address the Education Freedom Act, disaster relief for Hurricane Helene and illegal immigration. The special session will give us the opportunity to focus on these three important issues and take thoughtful legislative action before the regular session begins.

Education Freedom Act

Governor Lee’s Education Freedom Act aims to expand the state’s school choice initiative statewide to give every Tennessee family the opportunity to choose the educational path that best suits the needs of their child. It would establish a scholarship program so that parents can use their tax dollars for private school alternatives, while also supporting public schools. The proposal invests in public schools and teachers by delivering teacher bonuses to recognize their unwavering commitment to student success, increasing K-12 facilities funding, and ensuring state funding to school districts will never decrease due to disenrollment.

Hurricane Helene + Disaster Relief

Hurricane Helene was an unprecedented disaster that primarily impacted at-risk and distressed counties, with eligible damage-related costs estimated at $1.2 billion. Gov. Lee is proposing immediate legislative and budgetary action to support ongoing recovery efforts and allow for proactive preparation for future emergencies. The comprehensive plan invests more than $450 million in direct disaster relief. Key components of the plan include:

• Disaster Relief Grants (DRG) Fund: $240 million to bolster Tennessee’s existing disaster relief fund, as well as reduce the local cost-share burden from 12.5% to 5% and fund the state match requirement to access federal funds and cover administrative costs.
• Hurricane Helene Interest Payment Fund: $110 million to establish a new fund that will help local governments manage loan interest for recovery costs by covering interest costs at 5% per year for three years on loans for recovery expenses.
• Governor’s Response and Recovery Fund: $100 million to create a new program inspired by the HEAL Program to provide flexible financial resources for future emergencies, including agricultural recovery, unemployment assistance, and business recovery efforts.
• $20 million for the rebuilding of Hampton High School in Carter County, which was destroyed in Hurricane Helene.

Public Safety + Immigration

Tennessee continues to lead the nation in fighting illegal immigration. During the special session lawmakers will consider legislation to ensure the state is ready on day one to assist President Trump in carrying out his immigration enforcement agenda. Legislative action is expected to underscore Tennessee’s commitment to the rule of law, preserve state sovereignty and assist the federal government in enforcing federal immigration law.

Reappointed to serve as chairman of Commerce and Labor Committee

On Thursday, I was reappointed to serve as Chairman of the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee. It is a great honor to lead this committee as we tackle important issues related to healthcare, business, banking, insurance, consumer protection, among others. I appreciate the trust Lt. Governor McNally has placed in me for this job. As a business owner, my professional experience helps guide me as Chairman because I understand the needs of entrepreneurs and employers as well as workers and wage earners.

If I can ever be of assistance to you or your family, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (615) 741-3978. My staff and I stand ready to serve and assist you in whatever way possible. Once again, thank you for this opportunity.

All My Best,

Paul