114th General Assembly: Making Government Efficient and Accountable to the People

Government works best when it focuses on its core responsibilities and gets out of the way of families and businesses trying to build better lives. During the 114th General Assembly, Tennessee Republicans systematically eliminated bureaucratic barriers and reduced government interference in daily life.

Modernizing Government Operations:

Eliminated Outdated Fax Requirements: We brought the Tennessee government into the digital age by requiring all state departments to accept electronic transmissions instead of relying on antiquated fax machines. This simple change saves time, reduces costs, and eliminates frustration for citizens trying to interact with their government.

The Less is More Act: This comprehensive reform package streamlined regulatory boards, eliminated unnecessary licensing barriers, reduced bureaucratic delays, and introduced significant cost savings throughout government operations. When the government has fewer rules, people have more freedom.

Breaking Free from International Control:

Rejected World Health Organization Authority: We prohibited requirements from the World Health Organization, the United Nations, and the World Economic Forum from overriding Tennessee law or our state constitution. Tennessee families should be governed by officials they can vote for, not international bureaucrats they've never heard of.

Removed WHO References from State Law: We eliminated all references to the World Health Organization from Tennessee statutes, replacing them with American institutions, such as the Centers for Disease Control. Our health policies will be made by Americans for Americans.

Strengthening Constitutional Checks and Balances:

Limited Governor's Emergency Powers: We established clear limits on executive emergency powers, ensuring they cannot override the Tennessee Constitution and restricting the governor's ability to suspend laws to a maximum of 45 days. No governor should have unlimited power, regardless of the crisis.

Restored Legislative Authority: We granted the General Assembly the power to terminate states of emergency by passing a joint resolution and allowed two-thirds of its members to call special sessions to end emergencies without gubernatorial approval. The legislature represents the people and should have a voice in major government decisions.

Improving Government Accountability:

Consolidated Redundant Agencies: We eliminated the Tennessee Human Rights Commission. We transferred its responsibilities to the Attorney General's Office, increasing efficiency while maintaining all current protections and actually expanding penalties for harassment.

Enhanced Local Government Transparency: We required local governments to report credit rating downgrades or defaults to the state comptroller, ensuring taxpayers are informed about financial problems before they become crises.

Impact for Tennessee:

• Businesses can operate with fewer regulatory barriers

• Citizens can interact with government electronically instead of through outdated systems

• Local governments operate more transparently

• Executive power is properly limited and checked

• International organizations cannot override Tennessee sovereignty

• Taxpayer dollars aren't wasted on duplicate agencies

The founders understood that government power tends to grow unless actively constrained. We're working to restore their vision of limited, accountable government that serves the people rather than ruling over them.