Latest news with #TennesseeHouseofRepresentatives
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Former Knox County Commissioner Richie Beeler will run for clerk
Richie Beeler, a former Knox County commissioner, is running for Knox County clerk in 2026. Beeler, who serves as chief of staff to Clerk Sherry Witt, announced his candidacy to succeed his boss May 6. Witt cannot run for the position again because term limits only allow officials to serve two consecutive full terms. 'I've given most of my working life to Knox County government, and I understand the level of stewardship these offices demand," Beeler said in a release. "They are the government that is closest to the people, and it is vital they have the people's trust. As one of the most important public-facing agencies in Knox County, the clerk's office should set the standard our citizens expect.' Beeler, a Republican, was appointed to represent neighborhoods in east Knox County in 2018 to replace Dave Wright, who won election to the Tennessee House of Representatives. Beeler won election to a full term in 2020 but declined to run for a second term in 2024. 'An important part of good government is seeking to improve what we already do well," Beeler said. "I intend to prioritize the commitment to service and stewardship championed by our current clerk, while building the culture of integrity and excellence Knox County deserves.' Beeler worked in the county's register of deeds office for 31 years before taking a job at his church. He started in Witt's office in 2022, he told Knox News. The primary election is May 5, 2026, and the general election is Aug. 6. Beeler is the only candidate running, but prospects have until Feb. 19 to come forward. Richie Beeler Knox County elected offices The clerk's office is one of eight with elected officials who oversee Knox County departments. The behind-the-scenes work of running Knox County is handled in large part the elected officials who operate completely independent of the county commission and mayor. The eight offices – clerk, circuit court clerk, civil sessions and juvenile court clerk criminal court clerk, law director, property assessor, register of deeds, sheriff and trustee – are elected by Knox County voters every four years like their colleagues in the executive, legislative and judicial branches. The officeholders are subject to almost no oversight. They run their offices like fiefdoms within county government. Here are the offices: Knox County clerk The county clerk is responsible for collecting business taxes, taxes on motor vehicles, managing motor vehicle registrations and licensing, managing marriage licenses and keeping records of public meetings. Voters will elect a new clerk in 2026. Knox County circuit court, civil sessions court and juvenile court clerk The circuit court clerk maintains the files and records of three Knox County courts: circuit, civil sessions and juvenile court. Voters will elect a new circuit court clerk in 2026. Knox County criminal court clerk The criminal court clerk maintains the files and records of the Knox County criminal, general sessions, criminal and fourth circuit courts. The office also handles driver's license reinstatements, expungements and criminal background searches. Voters will elect a new criminal court clerk in 2026. Knox County law director The law director provides legal advice to county officials, serves as an intermediary between the county and other levels of government, and litigates on behalf of the county in civil lawsuits. Knox County property assessor The property assessor determines the value of commercial, residential and personal property. Knox County register of deeds The register of deeds is the record keeper of property legal documents. Voters will elect a new register of deeds in 2026. Knox County sheriff The sheriff is the chief law enforcement officer of the county and the Knox County jail, which means overseeing a staff of well over 1,000 people. Voters will elect a new sheriff in 2026. Knox County trustee The county trustee is responsible for collecting residential, commercial and personal property taxes, accounting for and disbursing county funds and investing money that isn't being used to earn the county interest and investment profits. Voters will elect a trustee in 2026. Allie Feinberg reports on politics for Knox News. Email her: and follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @alliefeinberg. This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Former Knox County Commissioner Richie Beeler will run for clerk
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Tennessee voters will decide whether those accused of some felonies lose right to pretrial bail
Tennesseans will have the option in 2026 to vote on a constitutional amendment that would permit for denial of bail in some crimes. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout) Tennessee voters will have the final say on a proposed amendment to the state's constitution that would remove the right to pretrial bail for people accused of committing certain crimes. The Tennessee House of Representatives voted 84-10 with one abstention Monday to place the matter in voters' hands. It received the approval of the required two-thirds of the Senate in March. The issue will appear on the Nov. 3, 2026 gubernatorial ballot and must receive a majority vote from participants in that election's governor's race to become law. The proposed amendment would strip the right to bail 'when the proof is evident or the presumption great' from defendants charged with any of 73 felony crimes for which Tennessee requires convicted people to serve at least 85% of their sentence. Those crimes include second-degree murder, acts of terrorism, aggravated rape of a child, vehicular homicide, aggravated burglary and the third felony offense of manufacture, sale or delivery of a controlled substance. The decision of whether to grant bail would lie in the hands of the judge. Tennessee's constitution currently safeguards the right to bail for all prisoners except for capital offenses (functionally, first-degree murder and rape of a child under age 12). The ballot measure's opponents said it would deny due process for those accused – not convicted – of these crimes. 'We are already deciding who should be in jail and who should not be in jail as if our criminal legal system is perfect, as if our criminal legal system always gets this right,' Rep. Justin Pearson, a Memphis Democrat, said. '… Taking somebody's liberty is not a small thing.' House Speaker Cameron Sexton, a Crossville Republican, sponsored the resolution and took the unusual step of stepping down from the dais to present it from the well. Sexton said the removal of the right to bail would not be automatic because of the judge's discretion in applying the law. He said he also hopes this proposal could address the artificial inflation of bail and the practice of trumping up charges to raise bail to a point that a defendant cannot pay and must remain incarcerated before trial. It 'sets an even playing field between those of all income levels based on the crime as well, in my view,' Sexton said. Reps. G.A. Hardaway and Antonio Parkinson, both Memphis Democrats, spoke in support of the ballot measure. Parkinson said his constituency is 'sick' of violent crime in their community. Pearson and Nashville Democratic Rep. Vincent Dixie said leaving a defendant's right to bail to a judge's discretion does not assuage concerns. 'Judges are imperfect people with their own biases as well that they bring into the courtroom, and there can again be a disproportionate harm on poor folks, a disproportionate harm on Black folks, on Latino folks,' Pearson said. Sexton said this line of thinking minimizes trust in judges, who are often elected. 'You deny bail and keep people … incarcerated who you're afraid to put out on the streets,' he said. 'Everybody else you should be giving bail to. They should have reasonable bail.' Judges are imperfect people with their own biases as well that they bring into the courtroom, and there can again be a disproportionate harm on poor folks, a disproportionate harm on Black folks, on Latino folks. – Rep. Justin Pearson, D-Memphis The proposed amendment has seen support from the Tennessee Sheriff's Association and the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference. Pearson agreed that the crimes included in the proposed amendment are heinous. 'But when we talk about safety and protecting people, we also have to protect the people who are being sentenced who have not committed the crime for which they are being accused,' he said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Editor's notebook: Blind justice takes a break in Tennessee with Trump as president
Former Sen. Brian Kelsey prepares to enter Nashville's federal courthouse on Aug. 11., 2023, for sentencing in a federal campaign finance scheme. (Photo: John Partipilo) One doesn't need to be a sociologist or criminal justice expert to realize all Americans aren't treated equally in the courts. Convictions and sentencing include factors like race, economics and politics. Lawmakers aren't exempt from the discrepancies in treatment. Witness the disparities in the cases of two former Tennessee state senators, Katrina Robinson, a Memphis Democrat, and Brian Kelsey, a Germantown Republican. In 2020, Robinson was accused by federal prosecutors of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering in connection with a business she founded to train certified nursing assistants, phlebotomists and licensed practical nurses. Lawyers for the government alleged she stole about $600,000 from the business for personal travel, wedding expenses and home improvements. The feds initiated the investigation based on an anonymous tip that Robinson bought a Louis Vuitton handbag for $550 using money from her health care business in 2016 — two years before her election. Robinson pleaded not guilty but was convicted in 2021 of four counts of wire fraud — two of which were vacated by a federal judge — for $3,500 worth of misappropriated funds. She was fined $46,800 by the court, and her Republican colleagues voted to expel her from the Senate — the first time a state senator was expelled in Tennessee history. Kelsey, who was first elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives in 2004, ascended to the Senate in 2009 when the 31st District seat was vacated by a resignation. He served on the Senate Judiciary Committee, which he later chaired. In 2016, Kelsey ran for U.S. Congress in Tennessee's 8th Congressional District, coming in 4th place in the Republican primary, but not without giving the race his all — and then some, according to federal prosecutors. They alleged that Kelsey moved $90,000 from his state campaign account to his congressional account, a violation of federal campaign finance laws. According to the charges levied against Kelsey, he then gave $106,000 to Josh Smith, owner of a private Nashville club frequented by Republican lawmakers. Smith, in turn, filtered the money to political action groups — one of which Kelsey's future wife worked at — to support Kelsey's campaign. In 2022, Kelsey pleaded guilty to two charges, including 'conspiracy to defraud the United States' and was sentenced to 21 months in prison. Let's acknowledge that both Robinson and Kelsey were accused of engaging in illegal actions — Robinson of funneling funds from federal grants for her personal use and Kelsey of shifting money to end run federal campaign finance laws. We could split hairs about which one is said to have misused more money and who was in elected office at the time of their infractions, but let's stick to the outcomes. Clearly, the number and scale of Robinson's charges were reduced from what was originally filed, but she lost a Senate seat and paid a significant fine in the process. Kelsey, by contrast, would only serve two weeks of his sentence. Soon after his November 2022 guilty plea, he began an attempt to walk back consequences. Judge says former Sen. Brian Kelsey can't take back guilty plea He attempted to take back his guilty plea, to which federal Judge Waverly Crenshaw said, and I paraphrase, no take-backs. Kelsey claimed that he — an attorney and sitting chair of the Senate Judiciary — didn't understand his plea because his wife had given birth to twins, and he was tired. He fired one team of attorneys and threatened to sue them. Stalled his sentencing. Filed appeals. Asked the U.S. Supreme Court to hear his appeal, to no avail. As more than one Tennessee politico noted, by the time he finished delaying his sentence, he could have served his sentence and moved on with his life. Kelsey apparently came to the end of his legal road on Feb. 25, when he reported to FCI Ashland in Kentucky to begin serving his sentence — which, as it turns out, only lasted two weeks. On March 11, President Donald Trump pardoned Kelsey. In a fulsome press release, Kelsey said, 'God used Donald Trump to save me from the weaponized Biden DOJ.' '(Trump's) understanding of this injustice, born from his own experiences with lawfare, has restored my freedom and reaffirmed my faith in true leadership. This pardon isn't just for me—it's a victory for every American who believes in one impartial justice system for all,' Kelsey said in the statement. If a presidential pardon for a former lawmaker who pleaded guilty to actions taken while in office — years before Joe Biden was elected president — constitutes 'one impartial just system for all,' one could wonder why Trump hasn't also pardoned Robinson. In this instance, partisan politics is the most likely contributing factor in the disparities between treatment for the two Shelby County pols. Even if one rationally thinks administration of the law is suspect, it's frankly defeating to know that someone with a seasoned legal background who admits to wrongdoing can simply change his mind, as Kelsey did, and walk with few, if any, consequences — while others, like Robinson, pay a price. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bill allowing Knoxville stadium to sell liquor, wine passes Tennessee General Assembly
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The Tennessee House of Representatives passed legislation on Monday that will make it possible for Covenant Health Park to sell wine and liquor. The bill, which was introduced last month, passed the House of Representatives on Monday after passing the senate on February 24. It allows stadiums in a county that has a population over 350,000 to apply for a liquor-by-the-drink license. Eldest of five Lenoir City brothers steps up to raise siblings after parents' unexpected deaths According to the bill, wine and liquor sales at the Covenant Health Park are expected to bring in approximately $200,000 per year. The bill only covers liquor and wine sales. For beer sales, the stadium is still required to obtain a permit from the local beer board. 'House Bill 823 ensures Tennessee's newest stadiums will be able to offer wine and spirits, bringing them in line with the state's other major sport venues,' State Rep. Justin Lafferty said. 'This bill enhances the fan experience while also creating opportunities for more quality jobs at the stadiums.' Along with the possibility for liquor and wine, a local brewery also announced last month that it was making a beer to honor one of Knoxville's historic Black baseball teams that will be available for sale at Covenant Health Park's 'Craft Corner' in April. Sevierville Police: Two charged after nearly $1 million stolen from Target The Knoxville Smokies will be kicking of their first season at the newly constructed Covenant Health Park in April, and One Knoxville SC will also be moving to the stadium later this year. In addition, the stadium is also expected to host a variety of other events, including concerts and festivals. Lafferty added that the bill will also allow the sale of liquor and wine at the new multi-purpose stadium being built in Chattanooga. It is expected to be operational by early 2026. The new stadium will be home to the Chattanooga Lookouts. The bill set the Chattanooga stadium's wine and liquor license expiration date for March 1, 2030. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
School voucher bill passes TN House of Representatives
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — After a speedy four-day special session and hours of final debate, the Tennessee House of Representatives has passed the statewide expansion of school vouchers, also known as the 'Tennessee Education Freedom Act of 2025.' The bill outlines a process for parents to apply for approximately $7,000 'scholarships' in public taxpayer money for their children to attend private schools in the state. 📧 Have breaking news come to you: → The vote saw multiple defections from Republicans, ultimately passed the House by a vote of 54-45. One lawmaker, Jerome Moon of Maryville, abstained from the vote. 📲 Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go.📧 Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox.💻 for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee. This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
