NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Lawmakers returned to the state Capitol on Tuesday for the 108th Tennessee General Assembly.
Republicans added to their already substantial advantages in both the Senate and House during the November election, gaining supermajorities in both chambers.
Key legislation expected to come up this session includes a measure to allow wine in supermarkets and proposals allowing teachers to be armed at school.
Several Tennessee lawmakers have drafted legislation that would encourage school districts to place at least one armed police officer in every school and would allow teachers who have undergone special training to bring their personal handguns into schools.
Lawmakers are also expected to take up a slate of education-related proposals, including a measure that would allow parents to decide the fate of a struggling school.
In an attempt to limit bill filing, House Speaker Beth Harwell has proposed setting a cap on how many bills are filed each year.
Under the measure, each lawmaker would be limited to 10 bills.
Harwell's proposal would have to be approved by a special committee she will appoint when the session begins.