NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Tennessee lawmakers picked their leaders and gaveled in for a legislative session Tuesday, kicking off a new year of work with a booming freshman class and a new governor about to take office.
Beyond the first day’s standard ceremonial and procedural events, the House GOP also moved to close some future caucus meetings from the news media.
“It’s not a secret meeting. It’s a closed meeting,” said House Caucus Chairman Cameron Sexton, a Republican from Crossville, while announcing the change to reporters.
Lt. Gov Randy McNally (Photo credit: Office of Lt. Gov. Randy McNally)Republicans have a supermajority control inside the Tennessee General Assembly. Supporters of closed caucus meetings argue they are crucial for members to have frank discussions about legislative actions, but open government advocates counter they are a way for a large chunk of public policy to be decided outside of public view.
“We’ll always have press availability after,” Sexton said, adding he plans on the majority of the caucus meetings to be open during the session.