"Tennessee House Moves to Ban Reappointing Lawmakers Removed for Misconduct"

The Tennessee House has advanced a bill that would prevent local governments from reappointing state lawmakers who were expelled due to behavior, following the high-profile expulsion of Democratic state Reps. Justin Jones and Justin Pearson. The proposal faces scrutiny in the Senate, with concerns raised about constitutional questions. The expelled lawmakers argue that the bill amounts to government overreach and strips constitutional power from local officials. Additionally, Republicans are proposing constitutional amendments to ban lawmakers from returning to office after expulsion, with one proposal suggesting a lifelong ban. The aftermath of the expulsions has also seen new rules limiting debate and restricting members deemed "out of order" from speaking.