- 2025, Government
Limits governor’s emergency powers to protect constitutional rights.
HB 324 / SB 27
Bill Description
Bill Sponsors
Rep. Rusty Grills
Sen. Mark Pody
Bill Co-Sponsors
House: Hulsey, Warner, Burkhart, Capley, Howell, Fritts, Hurt, Martin B, Martin G, Davis, Carringer, Moody, Barrett, Reneau, McCalmon, Reedy, Zachary, Doggett, Sparks
Senate: Bailey, White
TLRC Statement on Bill
This bill limits the emergency powers of the governor, ensuring that executive orders, proclamations, and rules issued during a state of emergency cannot override, suspend, or conflict with the Tennessee Constitution. This bill is a necessary step in reining in executive authority and restoring checks and balances in Tennessee’s government.
Under current law, the governor has broad powers to suspend laws, regulations, and procedures under the justification of an emergency. HB 324 / SB 27 removes the ability to suspend constitutional rights and establishes clear limitations on the governor’s emergency powers. This prevents overreach like we saw during COVID-19, when emergency declarations led to restrictions on businesses, individual freedoms, and religious gatherings.
By passing this legislation, Tennessee ensures that no future governor can use emergency powers to infringe on constitutional liberties. This bill upholds the rule of law, strengthens legislative oversight, and prevents unilateral executive actions from eroding Tennesseans’ freedoms.
