Tennessee Dems against new House rule limiting public's ability to watch special session

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Democratic lawmakers are outraged about the strict rules that limit the public's ability to watch the special session.

Some Democrats say the new House rules, which cut the size of the gallery in the House and Senate in half, are unconstitutional.

The debate over the new House rules that passed in special session was tense.

"Shame on every single one of you who voted on these rules," Rep. Jason Powell emphasized.

The new rules include no recording devices on the House floor, no signs or banners in the gallery, and only allowing people on one side of the chambers.

“Very disappointing day," Powell said. "The first thing we did is come out and change the rules to further restrict the voices of members."

Other Democrats like Rep. Bo Mitchell and Chairman John Ray Clemmons of Nashville emphasize this should not be the focus of special session.

“Having a special session on gun violence where I can’t introduce a bill on guns is kind of asinine,” Rep. Bo Mitchell emphasized.

Clemmons adds we should be passing new legislation that protects citizens from gun violence.

“We were supposed to be here to address gun safety legislation and figuring out ways we could better protect our children, and our schools, and our neighborhoods, but unfortunately, Governor Bill Lee and the super majority aren’t allowing us to do that,” Chairman John Ray Clemmons said.

Clemmons says most Tennesseans are in favor of common-sense gun laws, but instead, Rep. Powell says their Democratic rights are being taken from them.

The special session resumes Tuesday morning.

Get reports like this and all the news of the day in Middle Tennessee delivered to your inbox each morning with the FOX 17 News Daily Newsletter.