Legislative Recap: Making Government Work for Tennesseans, Not Against Them

Big government is the enemy of freedom and prosperity. When bureaucrats have too much power and regulations strangle innovation, hardworking families and small businesses suffer. That's why Tennessee Republicans spent the 114th General Assembly systematically dismantling government overreach and making our state more efficient.

Limited government isn't just a talking point for me - it's a core principle that guides every vote I cast. Government should be our servant, not our master.

Modernizing Government Operations:

• Eliminated Fax Requirements (HB321) - We finally dragged Tennessee government into the 21st century by requiring all state departments and agencies to accept electronic transmissions instead of faxes. This simple change saves time, money, and frustration for citizens trying to interact with their government. We replaced the term "fax" throughout the Tennessee code with "electronic transmission," ensuring effective and efficient government communication.

• The Less is More Act (HB1330) - This comprehensive reform package made sweeping changes to regulatory boards and groups across state government. We eliminated unnecessary licensing barriers that prevent people from working, amended board appointment processes to reduce bureaucratic delays, allowed electronic meetings to increase efficiency, and introduced cost savings throughout government operations. Every regulation cut means more freedom for Tennesseans.

  
  

Breaking Free from International Control:

• Reduced Reliance on International Organizations (HB318) - We aligned Tennessee with President Trump's efforts to reduce dependence on globalist organizations that have no business controlling American policy. We prohibited requirements or mandates from the World Health Organization, United Nations, and World Economic Forum from being imposed contrary to state law or our constitution. Tennessee answers to Tennesseans, not global bureaucrats.

• Removed WHO References from State Law (HB1226) - We eliminated all references to the World Health Organization from Tennessee statutes because the WHO is an international organization with no authority in the United States. We replaced WHO references with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding pandemic protocols. Under this law, Tennessee will only recognize a pandemic if the CDC declares it and the governor follows with a state of emergency declaration.

  
  

Strengthening Constitutional Safeguards:

• Limited Governor's Emergency Powers (HB324) - We ensured emergency management powers granted to the governor stay within constitutional bounds. Executive orders, proclamations, or rules issued under emergency powers cannot override, suspend, or conflict with the provisions of the Tennessee Constitution. We also limited the governor's ability to suspend laws during emergencies to a 45-day period. No governor should have unlimited power, regardless of circumstances.

• Legislative Checks and Balances (HB132) - We gave the General Assembly the power to terminate states of emergency by passing a joint resolution. If the legislature isn't in session, two-thirds of members can request a special session to end emergency declarations. This provides necessary checks and balances on executive power, ensuring the legislature has a voice in major government actions. Tennessee joins the majority of states that give their legislative branch this essential power.

  
  

Improving Government Accountability:

• Consolidated Civil Rights Enforcement (HB910) - We eliminated the redundant Tennessee Human Rights Commission and transferred its responsibilities to the Attorney General's Office. This move increases efficiency while maintaining all current protections under the Tennessee Human Rights Act. We even expanded protections by prohibiting discrimination in education and increasing penalties for malicious harassment. The legal expertise already in the AG's office will better protect Tennesseans' civil rights.

• Enhanced Local Government Accountability (HB136) - We increased transparency by requiring local governments to report credit rating downgrades or defaults to the Tennessee Comptroller's Office. Early detection of financial red flags helps prevent mismanagement and enables corrective action before problems escalate into crises. Taxpayers deserve to know when their local governments are in financial trouble.

  
  

Why This Matters: Every piece of red tape we cut represents freedom restored. Every bureaucratic layer we eliminate means more money in taxpayers' pockets. Every international organization we reject means more sovereignty for Tennessee.

Real-World Impact:

• Small businesses face fewer licensing barriers to entry.

• Citizens can interact with the government electronically instead of through outdated fax machines.

• Local governments operate more transparently.

• Executive power is properly limited and checked.

• International organizations can't override Tennessee law.

• Taxpayer dollars aren't wasted on duplicate agencies.

  
  

Looking Ahead: This is just the beginning. We'll continue fighting to reduce the government's footprint in your daily life. Every session, we should be asking: "How can we give more power back to the people and less to government bureaucrats?" There is always more work to do to protect taxpayers, defend individual liberty, and ensure state government remains accountable to the people it serves.

The founders envisioned a government with limited, enumerated powers. We're working to restore that vision in Tennessee. Thank you for standing with me in this important effort.

Reducing Government, Increasing Freedom,

Michele Reneau

TN State Representative

District 27, Hamilton County