Tennessee Senate

Tennessee Senate
Name	Tennessee Senate
Legislature	Tennessee General Assembly
House type	Upper house
Body	Tennessee General Assembly
Term limits	None
New session	January 2023
Leader1 type	Lieutenant Governor
Leader1	Randy McNally
Party1	(Republican)
Election1	January 10, 2017
Leader2 type	Speaker pro tempore
Leader2	Ferrell Haile
Party2	(Republican)
Election2	January 10, 2023
Leader3 type	Majority Leader
Leader3	Jack Johnson
Party3	(Republican)
Election3	January 10, 2023
Leader4 type	Minority Leader
Leader4	Raumesh Akbari
Party4	(Democratic)
Election4	January 10, 2023
Members	33
Political groups1	Majority (27), Republican (27), Minority (6), Democratic (6)
Term length	4 years
Authority	Article II, Tennessee Constitution
Salary	$24,316/year + per diem
Last election1	November 8, 2022
Next election1	November 5, 2024
Meeting place	Senate Chamber, Tennessee State Capitol, Nashville
Website	[https://www.capitol.tn.gov/senate/ www.capitol.tn.gov/senate]

Tennessee Senate. The Tennessee Senate is the upper chamber of the Tennessee General Assembly, the state legislature of the U.S. state of Tennessee. It convenes at the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville alongside the Tennessee House of Representatives. Composed of 33 members elected to four-year terms, the body holds significant legislative power, including the confirmation of gubernatorial appointments and the trial of impeached officials.

History

The Senate was established by the Constitution of Tennessee upon the state's admission to the United States in 1796. Its early sessions were held in various locations, including Knoxville and Murfreesboro, before permanently moving to Nashville in 1843. Key historical events include its role during the American Civil War, where it was divided by the state's secession, and its later actions during the Reconstruction era. The modern chamber was shaped by the Reapportionment revolution of the 1960s, which led to the implementation of the Tennessee Plan for judicial selection and significant redistricting reforms.

Membership

Members, known as state senators, must be U.S. citizens, at least 30 years old, a resident of Tennessee for five years, and a resident of their district for one year preceding the election. There are no term limits. Notable past members include future U.S. Presidents Andrew Johnson and James K. Polk, as well as figures like Cordell Hull, who later served as United States Secretary of State. The current membership is defined by strong Republican supermajorities, a trend solidified since the 2010 United States elections.

Powers and duties

The chamber shares general legislative powers with the Tennessee House of Representatives, including passing the state budget and enacting laws on issues like education and infrastructure. It holds exclusive powers to try officials impeached by the House and to confirm appointments made by the Governor of Tennessee, including those to the Tennessee Supreme Court and the heads of major departments like the Tennessee Department of Transportation. All revenue bills must originate in the House, but the Senate holds full amending power over them.

Leadership

The presiding officer is the Lieutenant Governor of Tennessee, who is elected by the full Senate, a position long held by Republican Randy McNally. Other key leaders include the Speaker pro tempore, currently Ferrell Haile, the Majority Leader (Jack Johnson), and the Minority Leader (Raumesh Akbari). The Lieutenant Governor holds significant authority, appointing all committee chairs and members, a power that centralizes control within the Republican caucus.

Committees

The legislative work is conducted through a system of standing committees, select committees, and joint committees with the Tennessee House of Representatives. Major standing committees include Finance, Ways, and Means, Judiciary, and Education. The Lieutenant Governor's power to appoint all committee members and chairs, such as the chair of the powerful Finance, Ways, and Means Committee, is a critical feature of the chamber's organization and a key lever of leadership influence.

Elections and composition

Senators are elected from single-member districts to four-year staggered terms, with about half the seats contested in each biennial general election, such as the 2022 Tennessee Senate election. Districts are drawn by the Tennessee General Assembly following each United States census, most recently after the 2020 United States Census. The Republican Party has held a commanding supermajority since the early 21st century, as seen in the current 113th Tennessee General Assembly, which consists of 27 Republicans and 6 Democrats.

Category:Tennessee Senate Category:State upper houses in the United States Category:Government of Tennessee