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Senate adopts temporary rules, appoints clerks and committees at organizational session
Summary
The Tennessee Senate adopted the 113th General Assembly rules as temporary rules for the 114th, appointed clerks and sergeant at arms, and named committees to notify the governor and House that the Senate is organized.
The Tennessee Senate adopted procedural rules, appointed chamber officers and named notification committees during its Jan. 14, 2025, organizational session.
Senator Johnson moved that the Senate adopt the permanent rules of order of the 113th General Assembly as the temporary rules for the 114th; Leader Actberry seconded. The clerk recorded an aye vote of 33 and no nays, and the motion was adopted. Adopting temporary rules allowed the Senate to proceed with other organizational business that requires parliamentary order.
The speaker appointed Russell Humphreys of Williamson County as chief clerk, Alan Whittington of Davidson County as deputy chief clerk, and Ronnie Towns of Davidson County as chief sergeant at arms; each took the oath specified for officers of the Senate.
The Senate appointed committees to notify the governor and the House of Representatives that the Senate had perfected its organization. The committee to notify the governor included Senators Actberry, Powers, Reeves, Rose, Stevens and Wally, with Senator Stevens named chairman. The committee to notify the House included Senators Bolling, Campbell, Hensley, Jackson, Lamar and White, with Senator White to serve as chairman. The committees reported back that the House and the governor had been notified.
Other organizational items adopted without objection included this week’s Senate schedule and a state photographer schedule for official member photos (times were posted for Jan. 14–16 at locations in the Cordell Hull Building).
Why it matters: Adopting rules and appointing clerks and notification committees clears preliminary procedural hurdles so the Senate can consider legislation and begin committee work.
Action details: Motion to adopt temporary rules (mover: Senator Johnson; seconder: Leader Actberry) — adopted by recorded vote (ayes 33, nays 0). Appointments of chief clerk, deputy chief clerk and chief sergeant at arms — oaths administered. Committees to notify governor and House appointed by the speaker and reported back to the Senate.
