This week at the state Capitol was marked by protests over abortion-related legislation, intraparty disagreement between Democrats and continued debates over immigration bills, school vouchers and the grocery tax, among other issues.
Here’s a roundup of what legislation advanced — and failed to — in the Tennessee General Assembly this week.
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While pro-life groups from out of state came in to support the bill, House Republicans noted during a Thursday press conference that pro-life group Tennessee Right to Life was not in favor of the bill, and that Barrett opted at the last minute to put House Bill 570 up for vote after previously planning to take it off notice.
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Rep. Aftyn Behn (D-Nashville) confirmed this week that Tennessee Democrats are renewing their call to end the state’s grocery tax , with plans to replace the revenue by taxing corporations.
House Majority Leader William Lamberth (R-Portland) has co-sponsored a related bill , but it stalled last year as Republicans remain divided on the issue.
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Republican bills to expand the state's school voucher program passed initital committee votes in the House and Senate this week, paving the way for further debate.
Both Democrats and Republicans have filed legislation seeking to hold the “Education Freedom Scholarship” program accountable. Those bills are set to be heard in committees in coming weeks.
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Lara Trump appears at an Americans for Prosperity event in Nashville, March 11, 2026
Photo: Hamilton Matthew Masters
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Rep. Dave Wright gleefully shows off a chocolate Moon Pie during a House Cities and Counties Subcommittee meeting, March 11, 2026
Photo: Hamilton Matthew Masters
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