reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-1-205) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-1-123) › Section 3-1-112 - Toll-free telephone service to the general assembly - Access for the deaf

(a)
The general assembly shall establish a toll-free telephone service to enable citizens within the state to call the general assembly free of charge. One (1) toll-free telephone line shall be used and be in operation Monday through Friday for twelve (12) hours beginning at seven o'clock a.m. (7:00 a.m.) and ending at seven o'clock p.m. (7:00 p.m.), central time, during the legislative session of the general assembly. By use of a voice mail system, such service shall enable members of the public to leave messages for members of the general assembly, receive information pertaining to the legislative calendars for the senate and house of representatives, and receive information on the status of legislation currently before the general assembly.
(b)
The general assembly shall establish a toll-free telephone service using a telecommunications device for the deaf to enable deaf citizens to call the general assembly free of charge. One (1) toll-free telephone line using a telecommunications device for the deaf shall be used and shall be in operation Monday through Friday for twelve (12) hours beginning at seven o'clock a.m. (7:00 a.m.) and ending at seven o'clock p.m. (7:00 p.m.), central time, during the legislative session of the general assembly. By use of a voice mail system which employs technology that serves deaf persons, such service will enable deaf members of the public to leave messages for members of the general assembly, receive information pertaining to the legislative calendars for the senate and house of representatives, and receive information on the status of legislation currently before the general assembly.
Acts 1995, ch. 180, § 1; 1997 , ch. 435, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-1-205) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-1-123) › Section 3-1-113 - Purchases of computer equipment by members

A member of the general assembly may purchase through the office of legislative administration computer equipment for legislative use which is the same as or compatible with the computer hardware or software installed or used by legislative information systems for the general assembly. The cost of any purchases made pursuant to this section shall be borne by the member of the general assembly requesting the purchase of such items. The office of legislative information systems is authorized to install and maintain, at its office in Nashville, such computer programs and equipment purchased by the member for legislative use. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the office of legislative information from providing information systems and technical support to the member by telephone, email or other type of electronic communication.
Acts 1997, ch. 474, § 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-1-205) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-1-123) › Section 3-1-114 - Reporting requirement satisfied by notice to legislators of publication of report

If a statute requires an official or entity of state government to make a report to each member of the general assembly, the statute is satisfied if the official or entity notifies each of the members in writing to each member's office that the report has been published. A member may then notify the official or entity if the member chooses to receive a copy of the report. The member may give such notice by electronic mail or facsimile transmission. The notice shall provide a date or a period of time in which the member shall respond. A failure of a member to respond to the notice shall be considered the same as a member declining to receive a copy of such report.
Acts 1998, ch. 790, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-1-205) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-1-123) › Section 3-1-115 - Orientation on ethics laws and rules for general assembly members

An orientation shall be provided to all members elected or appointed to serve for their first term or partial term of office in the general assembly, which shall include, as part of the orientation, instruction on ethics laws and rules that pertain to members of the general assembly.
Acts 2005, ch. 451, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-1-205) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-1-123) › Section 3-1-116 - Group health insurance not applicable to certain members of general assembly - Exceptions

(a)
[Former] §
8-27-203
[repealed and reenacted. See Compiler's Notes] shall not apply to persons who are appointed to fill a vacancy in the general assembly, or to persons elected to fill an unexpired term in the general assembly, unless such person:
(1)
Was elected to serve a full term of office as a member of the general assembly prior to such appointment or election; or
(2)
Is elected to a full term of office as a member of the general assembly following such appointment or election to fill the unexpired term.
(b)
Except as provided in subsection (a), after June 20, 2005, any person appointed to fill a vacancy in the general assembly, or elected to fill an unexpired term in the general assembly, is not eligible to participate in the state employees' health group insurance plan, except during the general assembly in which such person fills the unexpired term of office by appointment or election.
Acts 2005, ch. 476, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-1-205) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-1-123) › Section 3-1-117 - Use of electronic signatures for request to convene for extraordinary session

Whenever a written request to convene for an extraordinary session is initiated by members of the senate and the house of representatives in accordance with the Constitution of Tennessee, Article II, § 8, signatures by the members may be provided electronically. The use of an electronic signature has the same validity and effect as the use of a signature affixed by hand.
Added by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 514,s 1, eff. 5/25/2021.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-1-205) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-1-123) › Section 3-1-118 - Open meetings - Exceptions - Enforcement

(a)
Every meeting of the general assembly, senate, house of representatives, or any joint committee, standing committee, statutory committee, special committee, select committee, oversight committee, ad hoc committee, any other committee or any subcommittee shall be open to the public. Only when considering a matter involving the security of the state or nation or when investigating a proposed Article V impeachment of a public official other than a member of the general assembly, pursuant to Article V of the Constitution of Tennessee, may a meeting be closed to the public, but only if there is an affirmative vote of at least three-fourths (3/4) of the members present. Adequate public notice of every meeting shall be provided. The term "meeting" means at least a quorum of the members of a subcommittee, committee, the senate, the house of representatives, or the general assembly is present and public business within the jurisdiction of that body is being deliberated and decided.
(b)
Procedures for enforcing subsection (a) shall be set forth in the rules of the senate and the rules of the house of representatives.
(c)
The 104th general assembly recognizes that the appellate courts of Tennessee, in specifically considering the open meetings laws, compiled in title 8, chapter 44, have unequivocally ruled that Article II, § 12 of the Constitution of Tennessee prevents this or any other general assembly from statutorily binding a future general assembly on rules of proceedings. Therefore, this general assembly truthfully acknowledges that subsection (a) can be legally binding only for the duration of the 104th general assembly. However, each future general assembly is strongly encouraged and vigorously urged to adopt rules incorporating provisions no less open than subsection (a).
Acts 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 41.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-1-205) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-1-123) › Section 3-1-120 - Mass mailings sent within thirty days of an election

(a)
Any mass mailings, including surveys and newsletters, that a member of the general assembly sends to persons in the member's district within thirty (30) days of any election in which the member's name appears on the ballot shall be paid from non-state funds.
(b)
For purposes of subsection (a):
(1)
"Election" does not include any early voting period; and
(2)
"Mass mailing" means more than two hundred (200) pieces of substantially similar material mailed within a seven-day period, but does not include a form letter or other mail that is sent in response to an unsolicited request, letter or other inquiry.
Acts 2007, ch. 288, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-1-205) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-1-123) › Section 3-1-121 - Tennessee Legislative Record

The legislative publication commonly known as the "Tennessee Legislative Record" shall be published in printed form only at the conclusion of each annual session of the general assembly or as requested by any member of the general assembly for that member's official duties; provided, that the information shall continue to be compiled, updated and available on the official website of the Tennessee general assembly during such sessions.
Acts 2009 , ch. 225, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-1-205) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-1-123) › Section 3-1-122 - Forwarding of former general assembly member's email

A former member of the general assembly may request that emails sent to the former member's legislative email address be automatically forwarded to the former member's private email address for up to twelve (12) months from the former member's last official day of service as a member of the general assembly. This section shall not apply to members of the general assembly who are removed from office or who resign from office.
Acts 2009 , ch. 507, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-1-205) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-1-123) › Section 3-1-123 - Filing of report with legislative reference and law library and office of the speaker of the house of representatives

(a)
If a statute requires an official or entity to make a report to the general assembly, the speakers of the general assembly, a committee of the general assembly, or any combination thereof, then a copy of the report shall also be filed with the legislative reference and law library.
(b)
In addition to the filing requirement in subsection (a), if a statute requires an official or entity to make a report to the general assembly, the house of representatives, a committee of the house of representatives, or any combination thereof, then the official or entity must also file a copy of the report with the office of the speaker of the house of representatives.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 345,s 3, eff. 5/10/2019.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 651,s 1, eff. 7/1/2016.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-1-205) › Part 2 - TENNESSEE GENERAL ASSEMBLY UNIFORM NEPOTISM POLICY ACT OF 2006 (§§ 3-1-201 — 3-1-205) › Section 3-1-201 - Short title

This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Tennessee General Assembly Uniform Nepotism Policy Act of 2006."
Acts 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 47.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-1-205) › Part 2 - TENNESSEE GENERAL ASSEMBLY UNIFORM NEPOTISM POLICY ACT OF 2006 (§§ 3-1-201 — 3-1-205) › Section 3-1-202 - Part definition

As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires, "relative" means a parent, foster parent, parent-in-law, child, spouse, brother, foster brother, sister, foster sister, grandparent, grandchild, son-in-law, brother-in-law, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, or other family member who resides in the same household.
Acts 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 47.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-1-205) › Part 2 - TENNESSEE GENERAL ASSEMBLY UNIFORM NEPOTISM POLICY ACT OF 2006 (§§ 3-1-201 — 3-1-205) › Section 3-1-203 - Direct supervision of relatives prohibited

Within the general assembly, no employees who are relatives shall be placed within the same direct line of supervision whereby one (1) relative is responsible for supervising the job performance or work activities of another relative; provided, that, to the extent possible, this part shall not be construed to prohibit two (2) or more relatives from working within the general assembly.
Acts 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 47.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-1-205) › Part 2 - TENNESSEE GENERAL ASSEMBLY UNIFORM NEPOTISM POLICY ACT OF 2006 (§§ 3-1-201 — 3-1-205) › Section 3-1-204 - Transfer of spouses

When as a result of a marriage, general assembly employees are in violation of the prohibition established by this part, the violation shall be resolved by means of a transfer within the general assembly, transfer to another governmental entity, or resignation as may be necessary to remove the violation. The director of legislative administration shall advise the employees of each of the alternatives available to remove the violation. The employees shall be given the opportunity to select among the available alternatives. If the employees are unable to agree upon any the alternative within sixty (60) days, then the speaker of the house of representatives, the speaker of the senate, both speakers acting jointly or the joint legislative services committee shall take appropriate action to resolve the violation.
Acts 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 47.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-1-205) › Part 2 - TENNESSEE GENERAL ASSEMBLY UNIFORM NEPOTISM POLICY ACT OF 2006 (§§ 3-1-201 — 3-1-205) › Section 3-1-205 - Prospective application of part

The prohibition established by this part shall not be applied retroactively, but shall be adhered to by the general assembly in all hiring and employee transactions subsequent to February 15, 2006.
Acts 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 47.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 2 - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS, AND ORDERS (§§ 3-2-101 — 3-2-112) › Section 3-2-101 - Engrossment and enrollment

All bills and resolutions of the general assembly shall be engrossed or enrolled in type, or on a typewriter, by the engrossing clerks, and a copy made at the time and furnished the secretary of state.
Acts 1923, ch. 3, § 1; Shan. Supp., § 226a1; Code 1932, § 167; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-201.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 2 - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS, AND ORDERS (§§ 3-2-101 — 3-2-112) › Section 3-2-102 - Presentation to governor

(a)
Every bill, joint resolution, or order, except on questions of adjournment and proposals of specific amendments to the Constitution of Tennessee, shall, after the same has been passed, enrolled, and signed by the speakers of both houses of the general assembly, be presented by the committee on enrolled bills of that house wherein such bill, joint resolution, or order originated, to the governor for signature.
(b)
The committee shall report that they have presented the bill, joint resolution, or order to the governor for signature, and the date of such presentation, which report shall be entered on the journal of that house to which such committee belongs.
(c)
(1)
No bill, joint resolution, or order shall be presented to the governor until the time for moving for a reconsideration shall have expired, unless expressly ordered by that house wherein such bill, joint resolution, or order originated.
(2)
The speaker of the senate shall first sign all bills and joint resolutions originating in the senate, and the speaker of the house of representatives shall first sign all bills and joint resolutions originating in the house of representatives.
Acts 1871, ch. 139, § 1; Shan., § 227; Code 1932, § 168 (as mod. by 1953 amend., Tenn. Const., art. III, § 18); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-202.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 2 - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS, AND ORDERS (§§ 3-2-101 — 3-2-112) › Section 3-2-103 - Approval of governor

If the governor approves the bill, joint resolution, or order, the governor shall write upon the same, to the left of and below the signatures of the speakers of the two (2) houses, the fact and date of approval, as follows: "Approved ____________________, 20____________________," and shall sign the same as follows: " ______________, Governor."
Acts 1871, ch. 139, § 3; Shan., § 229; Code 1932, § 170; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-203.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 2 - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS, AND ORDERS (§§ 3-2-101 — 3-2-112) › Section 3-2-104 - Failure of governor to return

If, while the general assembly remains in session, the governor fails to return any bill, joint resolution, or order, with objections, within ten (10) days (Sundays excepted) after it has been presented to the governor, it shall be the duty of the committee on enrolled bills of that house wherein such bill, joint resolution, or order originated to cause the bill, joint resolution, or order forthwith to be reenrolled; and the same shall thereupon be signed by the respective speakers of each house, who shall annex and sign the following certificate:
This bill (joint resolution or order) having been presented to the governor for signature on the ____________________ day of ______________, and the governor having failed to return it within the time prescribed by law, the same is hereby declared to have become a law (or, in case of a joint resolution or order, the same is hereby declared to have taken effect).
This ____________________ day of ______________, 20____________________.
____________________
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
____________________
Speaker of the Senate.
Acts 1871, ch. 139, § 2; Shan., § 228; Code 1932, § 169 (as mod. by 1953 and 1978 amend., Tenn. Const., art. III, § 18); Acts 1979, ch. 25, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-204.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 2 - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS, AND ORDERS (§§ 3-2-101 — 3-2-112) › Section 3-2-105 - Filing with secretary of state

When any bill, joint resolution, or order has been returned duly signed by the governor, or has passed over the governor's veto, or shall otherwise become a law, the committee on enrolled bills of that house wherein such bill, joint resolution, or order originated, shall forthwith file the same in the office of the secretary of state, and shall report the fact and date of such filing, which report shall be entered upon the journal.
Acts 1871, ch. 139, § 4; Shan., § 230; Code 1932, § 171; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-205.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 2 - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS, AND ORDERS (§§ 3-2-101 — 3-2-112) › Section 3-2-106 - Preservation of original acts

The original acts and resolutions passed by the general assembly, and enrolled and filed in the office of the secretary of state, shall be bound together and preserved in that form in that office, and the secretary of state shall cause the same to be done.
Code 1858, § 163 (deriv. Acts 1841-1842, ch. 123, § 1); Shan., §226; Code 1932, § 166; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-206.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 2 - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS, AND ORDERS (§§ 3-2-101 — 3-2-112) › Section 3-2-108 - Prefiling bills or resolutions - Time - Manner

(a)
At the times specified in this section and §
3-2-109
, members of the general assembly are hereby authorized to prefile legislative bills and resolutions for introduction in the next succeeding regular legislative session.
(b)
Bills and resolutions may be prefiled at the following times:
(1)
In the case of both senators and representatives, from the time that a member-elect has received the certificate of election until the next succeeding regular legislative session;
(2)
In the case of both senators and representatives, from the adjournment of the regular legislative session in odd-numbered years until the convening of the regular legislative session in even-numbered years; and
(3)
In the case of senators, from the date of each general election of representatives at which senators are not regularly elected until the next succeeding regular legislative session.
(c)
Bills and resolutions which are prefiled under this section and §
3-2-109
shall be in such final and correct form for introduction in the general assembly as is required by the constitution, laws, and rules of the respective houses of the general assembly.
(d)
The original copy of every bill and resolution prefiled shall be inspected by an attorney for the legislative drafting service.
(e)
Any bill or resolution prefiled under this section and §
3-2-109
shall be mailed to the chief clerk of either house by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or by personal delivery by a member of the general assembly who is one of the authors of the bill or resolution, and in the case of personal delivery the office of the chief clerk of either house shall deliver a signed receipt therefor to such author.
(f)
Any standing committee may prefile any bill or resolution at any time when a senator or representative is authorized to prefile bills and resolutions under this section. Bills or resolutions filed under authority of this subsection (f) shall be filed by the chair or vice chair of the standing committee in the same manner as such chair or vice chair would prefile a bill of which such person was the author, or in the event neither the chair nor vice chair desires to sign the bill any member of the committee voting with the majority of the committee may introduce it. Before prefiling any bill or resolution under authority of this subsection (f), the chair or vice chair shall be authorized to make such prefiling by a majority vote of the members of the committee.
(g)
The chief clerk of either the senate or the house of representatives shall number the bill or resolution and note thereon the date of the prefiling and the date of the first day of the next session of the general assembly on which it will be first considered and passed. The procedures for printing and distribution shall be the same for prefiled bills and resolutions as if the general assembly were in regular session.
Acts 1975, ch. 107, § 1; 1979, ch. 26, § 1; T.C.A., § 3-208.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 2 - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS, AND ORDERS (§§ 3-2-101 — 3-2-112) › Section 3-2-109 - Placing prefiled bill or resolution on calendar - Effect of procedural defects

(a)
Immediately upon the convening of the next succeeding regular session of the general assembly, all bills and resolutions prefiled in accordance with §
3-2-108
and this section shall be deemed properly introduced and shall be placed upon the calendar on the first legislative day for first consideration and passage in the same manner as bills and resolutions introduced after the convening of the general assembly.
(b)
When any prefiled bill or resolution is placed on the calendar for first consideration and the same is passed, any prior failure to comply with any of the procedural requirements of §
3-2-108
and this section shall have no effect on the validity of such bill or resolution.
Acts 1975, ch. 107, § 2; 1979, ch. 26, § 2; T.C.A., § 3-209.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 2 - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS, AND ORDERS (§§ 3-2-101 — 3-2-112) › Section 3-2-112 - Denomination of highways and public structures, facilities or property - Legislative action

(a)
Neither the senate nor the house of representatives shall take formal action to give a name to or to rename any road, highway, interstate highway, bridge, overpass or other public structure, facility or property unless such action shall be accomplished through enactment of legislation or adoption of a joint resolution.
(b)
Any such action taken in violation of this section shall be void and shall have no effect.
Acts 1991, ch. 17, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 3 - COMMITTEE INVESTIGATIONS (§§ 3-3-101 — 3-3-125) › Section 3-3-101 - "Committee" defined

"Committee," as used in this chapter, except when more particularly provided in this chapter, includes:
(1)
A committee appointed by either the house of representatives or the senate;
(2)
A committee appointed by the joint action of such bodies;
(3)
A committee appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives or the speaker of the senate or a joint committee appointed by both speakers in accordance with the rules of proceedings adopted by the respective houses; and
(4)
Any subcommittee designated out of the membership of any such committee;
when any such committee or subcommittee thereof is charged with any duty to make investigation and report, to or for the benefit of either or both houses, in respect of any matter or thing referred to any such committee.
Acts 1931, ch. 3, § 1; C. Supp. 1950, § 172.1; Acts 1974, ch. 613, § 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-301.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 3 - COMMITTEE INVESTIGATIONS (§§ 3-3-101 — 3-3-125) › Section 3-3-102 - Scope of chapter

This chapter shall apply to all committees authorized and appointed at any session of the general assembly.
Acts 1931, ch. 3, § 17; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 172.17; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-302.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 3 - COMMITTEE INVESTIGATIONS (§§ 3-3-101 — 3-3-125) › Section 3-3-103 - Meetings of committees - Rules - Place of hearings

(a)
Any such committee, so acting on behalf of either or both houses of the general assembly, shall always be and remain subject to the call of the chair of such committee, or in the absence of such chair, or in the event of the chair's failure for any reason to act, subject to the call of a majority of the membership of such committee.
(b)
A quorum of such committee shall consist of a majority of the membership thereof, and a quorum of the entire primary committee shall have power to make and enforce rules regulating the conduct of the business of such committee, or any subcommittee designated by it from its membership as hereinafter provided.
(c)
Such subcommittee or subcommittees as hereinafter provided may conduct hearings at such points in this state as may be deemed advisable by any such primary committee.
Acts 1931, ch. 3, § 10; C. Supp. 1950, § 172.10; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-303.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 3 - COMMITTEE INVESTIGATIONS (§§ 3-3-101 — 3-3-125) › Section 3-3-104 - Employment of personnel - Records

(a)
Any such primary committee, appointed and acting by and on behalf of either or both houses of the general assembly, as contemplated and provided in this chapter, is given authority and power, unless otherwise directed by the house or houses of the general assembly for which the committee is acting, to employ one (1) or more sergeants-at-arms, and necessary or proper legal counsel, investigators and clerks, and a stenographer or stenographers, to take down and typewrite and make a record of the testimony given before any such committee, as well as all other data and information assembled and procured under the directions of such committee.
(b)
All such records, after use by such committee and the house or houses of the general assembly appointing it, shall be finally lodged and filed in the office of the secretary of state, and kept therein for public inspection, as other public records, statutes, etc., are kept and retained in such office.
Acts 1931, ch. 3, § 12; C. Supp. 1950, § 172.12; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-304.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 3 - COMMITTEE INVESTIGATIONS (§§ 3-3-101 — 3-3-125) › Section 3-3-105 - Compensation of employees

The compensation to be paid to any sergeants-at-arms, counsel, investigators, clerks and stenographers, for performing their duties under this chapter, shall be in pursuance of appropriations to be made in the miscellaneous appropriation bill, out of any funds in the state treasury not otherwise appropriated.
Acts 1931, ch. 3, § 16; C. Supp. 1950, § 172.16; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-305.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 3 - COMMITTEE INVESTIGATIONS (§§ 3-3-101 — 3-3-125) › Section 3-3-106 - Subcommittees - Appointment and powers

(a)
In order to expedite and efficiently perform its duties, any such committee, unless otherwise ordered and directed by the house or houses for which such committee may be acting, may appoint and designate out of its own membership, a subcommittee or subcommittees, to consist of one (1) or more of the members of such committee.
(b)
Such subcommittee or subcommittees, when so designated and directed by such committee, and subject to such restrictions as the committee may impose, shall be and are authorized and empowered, on behalf of such committee, and on behalf of the house or houses of the general assembly for which such committee has been authorized to act, to proceed with the work and investigations of such committee, including the assembling of desired information and data, and the subpoenaing and taking of testimony of witnesses, and having a record thereof made, for the later use of such committee and the house or houses of the general assembly for which such committee has been authorized to act.
(c)
Any such subcommittee or subcommittees, when acting in pursuance of the orders and directions of the committee from whose membership they have been selected, shall have and possess all the power and authority conferred by this chapter upon the committee from the membership of which such subcommittee has been designated, and any person or witness failing to obey a subpoena to appear and testify and produce any evidence, documentary or otherwise, before such subcommittee, is guilty of contempt, and may be dealt with therefor, as provided in §
3-3-111
in respects to all persons or witnesses subpoenaed to appear and appearing before any committee. Any such person or witness subpoenaed to appear or appearing before any such subcommittee who makes default in respect of such appearance, the giving of testimony or the production of any evidence, documentary or otherwise, before any subcommittee, commits a criminal offense, and upon indictment, trial and conviction therefor, shall be punished by fine and imprisonment, in all respects as provided in §
3-3-112
in regard to offending persons or witnesses subpoenaed to appear or appearing before any committee as set out and declared in §§
3-3-112
- 3-3-114 and 3-3-120.
Acts 1931, ch. 3, § 13; C. Supp. 1950, § 172.13; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-306.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 3 - COMMITTEE INVESTIGATIONS (§§ 3-3-101 — 3-3-125) › Section 3-3-107 - Assistants for subcommittees

When, under the authority of this chapter, any such committee shall designate, out of its own membership, any such subcommittee or subcommittees to act for it and to proceed with its work and investigation as provided in §
3-3-106
, then such committee, from among its authorized aides, shall designate necessary sergeants-at-arms, counsel, investigators, clerks and stenographers, who shall attend upon the work of any such subcommittee and give to it the necessary and proper aid and assistance in the performance of its duties, as ordered and directed by the committee, so designating from its membership such subcommittee or subcommittees.
Acts 1931, ch. 3, § 14; C. Supp. 1950, § 172.14; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-307.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 3 - COMMITTEE INVESTIGATIONS (§§ 3-3-101 — 3-3-125) › Section 3-3-108 - Subpoena power

Either house of the general assembly, acting in committee of the whole, or both houses acting in joint session or committee of the whole, or any committee of either or both houses, has the power, respectively, to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of papers or other evidence; and to that end each of them, respectively, has the power to issue subpoenas, including subpoenas duces tecum, to enforce the attendance of witnesses and the production of any records, documents, papers or other items of evidence, deemed to be material to any matter under inquiry or investigation by any of them respectively.
Acts 1931, ch. 3, § 3; C. Supp. 1950, § 172.3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-308.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 3 - COMMITTEE INVESTIGATIONS (§§ 3-3-101 — 3-3-125) › Section 3-3-109 - Service of subpoenas - Form

(a)
Any such subpoenas may be delivered to, and, when so delivered, shall be served by the sergeant-at-arms of the senate, acting for it, or by the sergeant-at-arms of the house of representatives, acting for it, or by either of the sergeants-at-arms when the subpoena relates to a matter pending before both houses acting in joint session, or by a sergeant-at-arms to be appointed by any committee to act for it.
(b)
Any such sergeant-at-arms shall promptly serve, execute and make return of any such process delivered to the sergeant-at-arms, and has the power to deputize any person to serve, execute and make return of such process for and in the stead of the sergeant-at-arms, to the house or houses or committee issuing same.
(c)
Such subpoenas shall be signed, respectively, by the speaker or speaker pro tem of either house, or the chair of a committee of the whole of the house or houses, or by the chair or chair pro tem of any committee, issuing such subpoena; and same shall run in the name of the state of Tennessee, and the county in which the subpoena is issued, or is to be served, and may be in the usual form of subpoenas issuing out of courts of record of this state, requiring the attendance of witnesses and production of any such evidence before the bodies or committees issuing such subpoenas.
Acts 1931, ch. 3, § 3; C. Supp. 1950, § 172.3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-309.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 3 - COMMITTEE INVESTIGATIONS (§§ 3-3-101 — 3-3-125) › Section 3-3-110 - Offenses constituting contempt

Any person who, after having been served with a subpoena to appear as provided in §
3-3-109
, fails to appear and makes willful default in that regard, or who, having appeared, willfully refuses to answer any question, propounded by any member of the committee or any legal counsel of such committee acting in its presence and by its permission, pertinent to the matter under investigation, or willfully refuses to produce any papers, documents, records, or other items of evidence, deemed to be material by any such body or committee, in any such pending inquiry or investigation, commits contempt in impeding the progress of such investigation and the proper functioning of such body or committee then engaged in such investigation.
Acts 1931, ch. 3, § 3; C. Supp. 1950, § 172.3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-310.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 3 - COMMITTEE INVESTIGATIONS (§§ 3-3-101 — 3-3-125) › Section 3-3-111 - Arrest and punishment for contempt

Such body or committee has the right and power to issue and enforce process of arrest or attachment and impose penalty for disobedience and contempt, as contemplated, set out and provided in §
3-3-110
, to the same extent as belongs by law in this state to courts of record in instances of such like offending, and as now provided by law. In addition to being guilty of such offense so then, for the time being, impeding the progress of such investigation and inquiry and the functioning of such body or committee, such offending and contemptuous person commits a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1931, ch. 3, § 4; C. Supp. 1950, § 172.4; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-311; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 3 - COMMITTEE INVESTIGATIONS (§§ 3-3-101 — 3-3-125) › Section 3-3-112 - Penalty for willful default of summoned witness

Every person who, having been summoned as a witness by the authority of either house or of both houses of the general assembly, or by the authority of any standing or special committee of either house or any joint committee of both houses of the general assembly, to give testimony or to produce any papers, or other items of evidence, upon any matter under inquiry before either house, or both houses, or any such committee of either house or joint committee of both houses of the general assembly, willfully makes default, by failing to appear, or who, having appeared, willfully refuses to answer any question or to produce any papers or other evidence pertinent to the matter under inquiry, whether such question be propounded by any member of such committee, or by any legal counsel of such committee, in its presence and by its permission, commits a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1931, ch. 3, § 5; C. Supp. 1950, § 172.5; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-312; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 3 - COMMITTEE INVESTIGATIONS (§§ 3-3-101 — 3-3-125) › Section 3-3-113 - Violation of Section 3-3-112 as continuing offense - Limitation of prosecutions

(a)
Any person willfully making default in appearance when subpoenaed, or who, having appeared, willfully refuses to answer any question or to produce any paper or other evidence, pertinent to the matter under inquiry, whether such question be propounded by any member of such committee, or by any legal counsel of such committee, in its presence or by its direction, in violation of §
3-3-112
, commits a continuing offense under that section, so long as the default in appearance or refusal to answer or to produce such paper or other evidence, shall continue during such inquiry.
(b)
No such person guilty of violating §
3-3-112
shall be subject or liable to more than one (1) conviction for any one (1) violation of that section, and any indictment under that section shall be returned within five (5) years after the date of the final adjournment of the general assembly at which the inquiry or investigation was made or authorized.
Acts 1931, ch. 3, § 6; C. Supp. 1950, § 172.6; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-313.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 3 - COMMITTEE INVESTIGATIONS (§§ 3-3-101 — 3-3-125) › Section 3-3-114 - Venue for violations of Section 3-3-112

Any person violating §
3-3-112
shall be subject to indictment, trial and conviction in any county of this state in which, after having been subpoenaed, the person has gone, remains or may be found, while willfully disobeying the subpoena, or in which the person willfully fails to appear, as directed in the subpoena, or having appeared, willfully refuses to answer any question or produce any paper or other evidence pertinent to the matter under inquiry, as provided in §
3-3-112
.
Acts 1931, ch. 3, § 6; C. Supp. 1950, § 172.6; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-314.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 3 - COMMITTEE INVESTIGATIONS (§§ 3-3-101 — 3-3-125) › Section 3-3-115 - Penalty for evasion of service

Any person who, after having knowledge that an inquiry or investigation has been ordered by either house or both houses of the general assembly, willfully leaves and is absent from the county of such person's usual residence for the purpose of evading the service upon such person of any subpoena that thereafter might be issued to command such person to appear and give testimony or produce documents or other evidence in the course of any such inquiry or investigation, commits a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1931, ch. 3, § 7; C. Supp. 1950, § 172.7; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-315; Acts 1989, ch. 519, § 113.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 3 - COMMITTEE INVESTIGATIONS (§§ 3-3-101 — 3-3-125) › Section 3-3-116 - Violation of section 3-3-115 as continuing offense - Venue - Limitation of prosecutions

(a)
Any person violating §
3-3-115
commits a continuing offense during all the time such person is so willfully absent from the county of such person's usual residence for the purpose of evading any subpoena that might be issued for such person during the session of the general assembly which has ordered such investigation.
(b)
Such continuing offender shall be subject to indictment, trial and conviction, in any county of this state to which such person has gone, or in which such person remains or may be found during the continuance of such offense, as well as in the county of such person's usual residence from which such person has willfully gone and is absent for the purpose of evading the service of any such subpoena.
(c)
No such person guilty of violating §
3-3-115
shall be subject or liable to more than one (1) conviction for any one (1) violation, and any indictment under §
3-3-115
shall be returned within five (5) years after the date of the final adjournment of the session of the general assembly at which the inquiry or investigation, at which such offender has willfully sought to avoid appearing, was made or authorized.
Acts 1931, ch. 3, § 7; C. Supp. 1950, § 172.7; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-316.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 3 - COMMITTEE INVESTIGATIONS (§§ 3-3-101 — 3-3-125) › Section 3-3-117 - Issuance of attachments

(a)
Power is given to such committees or subcommittees to issue attachments to be served on all persons who may willfully violate any subpoena, rule or order, made or promulgated by such committee.
(b)
Such attachment may be served by a sergeant-at-arms of any such committee on the offending person, who shall be kept in the custody of the sergeant-at-arms and brought before such committee to be dealt with as such committee may determine, under the power and authority provided and given in this chapter.
Acts 1931, ch. 3, § 11; C. Supp. 1950, § 172.11; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-317.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 3 - COMMITTEE INVESTIGATIONS (§§ 3-3-101 — 3-3-125) › Section 3-3-118 - Oaths of witnesses

(a)
All such witnesses, when so subpoenaed, before giving their testimony before the bodies or committees subpoenaing them, shall take an oath or make affirmation as provided by law for witnesses appearing in a court of record of this state to give testimony in such court.
(b)
The speaker of the senate, the speaker of the house of representatives, or a chair of a committee of the whole of either or both houses, or the chair or chair pro tem of any committee of either or both houses, is authorized and empowered to administer oaths or affirmations to witnesses appearing before any such committee.
Acts 1931, ch. 3, §§ 2, 3; C. Supp. 1950, §§ 172.2, 172.3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-318.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 3 - COMMITTEE INVESTIGATIONS (§§ 3-3-101 — 3-3-125) › Section 3-3-119 - Self-incrimination

(a)
No person shall be excused from attending and testifying or producing papers, documents, records, or other items of evidence, before houses of the general assembly, or any such committee of either or both houses, in obedience to a subpoena of those bodies or any such committee, on the ground or for the reason that the testimony or evidence, documentary or otherwise, required of such person, may tend to incriminate or subject such person to a penalty or forfeiture; but the testimony so given shall not be used in evidence against such person in any criminal prosecution in the courts of this state, seeking conviction for any offense about which such person has been required to testify, except for perjury in giving the testimony.
(b)
No such person so testifying, or producing such evidence, documentary or otherwise, in obedience to such subpoena shall thereafter be liable to indictment, prosecution or punishment for or on account of any transaction, matter or thing, concerning or with reference to which such person may testify, or produce evidence, documentary or otherwise, before those bodies or either of them or before any such committee, in obedience to any subpoena issued by them or either of them, in the course of such inquiry and investigation pending before them or any of them. Such person may plead or prove the giving of testimony accordingly in bar of such indictment or prosecution; provided, that the above immunity from use of any such testimony or evidence, documentary or otherwise, against such person and witness, and the above immunity from indictment, prosecution or punishment of such person and witness, shall be claimed by such person and witness declining to answer the particular question or questions which such person may think has a tendency to incriminate such person, upon the expressly stated claim or objection that an answer or answers may tend to incriminate the witness.
(c)
When, after making such claim and objection, the witness is nevertheless directed to make answer, and obeys such direction and makes answer accordingly, then the full immunity hereinbefore given and declared shall be possessed by such person and witness after being directed to make answer, notwithstanding the claim or objection that an answer may tend to incriminate the witness; provided, that any witness upon being called to testify or required to produce evidence, documentary or otherwise, before such bodies, or a committee of either or both of them, may be given the option of signing a waiver of all such immunity, and if witness shall sign the waiver, then the testimony and evidence, documentary or otherwise, given or produced by such witness, shall be admissible against such person, if otherwise competent and relevant, in any criminal prosecution brought against any such person and witness.
Acts 1931, ch. 3, § 8; C. Supp. 1950, § 172.8; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-319.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 3 - COMMITTEE INVESTIGATIONS (§§ 3-3-101 — 3-3-125) › Section 3-3-120 - Perjury and subornation of perjury - Penalty

(a)
Any person who willfully and corruptly swears or affirms falsely in any material manner, upon any oath or affirmation, in respect of any matter under inquiry before either house, or such committee of either house or joint committee of both houses, commits perjury and shall be subject to indictment, trial and conviction for such perjury.
(b)
Any person who corruptly procures another to swear or affirm falsely in any such inquiry commits subornation of perjury and shall be subject to indictment, trial and conviction for such offense.
(c)
A violation of this section is a Class E felony.
Acts 1931, ch. 3, § 9; C. Supp. 1950, § 172.9; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-320; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 15.