(The Center Square) – Gov. Bill Lee is asking lawmakers to meet for a special session to discuss the school choice bill and hurricane relief.
The Jan. 27 gathering will also address immigration, the governor said Wednesday.
“We believe the state has a responsibility to act quickly on issues that matter most to Tennesseans, and there is widespread support in the General Assembly and across Tennessee for a special session on the most pressing legislative priorities: the unified Education Freedom Act and a comprehensive relief package for Hurricane Helene and other disaster recovery efforts,” Lee said in a joint statement with Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, House Speaker Cameron Sexton, Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson, and House Majority Leader William Lamberth. “The majority of Tennesseans, regardless of political affiliation, have made it clear that they support empowering parents with school choice, and the best thing we can do for Tennessee students is deliver choices and public school resources without delay.”
School choice was the first bill introduced for the 2025 legislative session. It would expand the program from three counties to all 95. Scholarships of $7,075 would be available to 20,000 students in its first year.
Lee is asking lawmakers for $450 million for disaster relief for Hurricane Helene victims. The Disaster Relief Grants fund would receive a $240 million boost. The rest of the money would be split between a new fund that would help cover interest costs at 5% per year on loans taken out by entities for disaster relief and $100 million for a new fund that would provide resources for future emergencies, according to the governor’s office. Carter County’s Hampton High School will receive $20 million to rebuild after it was damaged in the storm.
The governor and legislative leaders did not specify what public safety measures are on the table.
“The American people elected President Trump with a mandate to enforce immigration laws and protect our communities, and Tennessee must have the resources ready to support the administration on Day One,” they said in their joint statement.
House Democrats are issuing a response to the special session call later Wednesday.
