TCSA Capitol Update: Week of January 13, 2026
General Assembly returned on Tuesday, January 13, 2026
As required by the Constitution, the legislature returned to Nashville on the second Tuesday of January, on the 13th this week, to start the second year of the 114th General Assembly. Tuesday morning was crammed with fundraising events as legislators worked to fill their campaign coffers before the prohibition on raising money during the legislative session kicked in at noon when the session gaveled in.
Committee and floor session calendars were light this week. Most committee meetings simply gave an overview of processes, deadlines, and rules. While hundreds of bills that didn’t pass or fail last year are still alive, legislators are busy filing a slate of new bills, with the deadline for new legislation coming later this month. County associations are monitoring the rush of bills, reviewing what’s left from last year, and tracking the rumors about what proposals may be coming. Property tax, immigration enforcement, and school vouchers look to be hot topics again this year.
Arrivals and Departures
One new House member was sworn in and took office as Michael Lankford of Montgomery County filled the vacancy left after the sudden death of Representative Jeff Burkhart. A former county commissioner himself, Lankford was appointed by the Montgomery County Commission late last year to take Burkhart’s place. This week also saw several current members of the legislature announce that they do not intend to seek re-election. Some, like Rep. Jerome Moon (R-Maryville) and Rep. Ron Travis (R-Dayton), have announced their intent to run for county office. Others are simply deciding to retire and bring their legislative careers to a close.
Governor’s ‘State of the State’ Scheduled for February 2, 2026
The Governor is slated to formally present his FY 2027 budget during the 2026 State of the State speech, scheduled for February 2, 2026. Stay tuned to TCSA’s Capitol Update for more details about the proposed budget as well as coverage of the event.
