The Tennessean reports that the Tennessee Department of Corrections failed to follow its own lethal injection protocol since it was introduced in 2018, according to the findings of an independent probe into the state's execution procedures released Wednesday. The probe, led by former U.S. Attorney Edward Stanton, found that the three drugs used in Tennessee's lethal injection protocol were not properly tested for endotoxins, a type of contaminant. This oversight was caused in part by a lack of communication: DOC never gave its lethal injection protocol to the Texas pharmacy contracted to oversee the procurement and testing of the deadly drugs, the probe found. Gov. Bill Lee tapped Stanton to lead the investigation into the state's lethal injection protocols in May, following a failure to properly test the lethal drugs the state planned to use to kill Oscar Franklin Smith.

Scammers often pose as legitimate businesses to try to get money from people, but there are often red flags that can warn you of a scam. The Florida Bar tells of Ronald Austin, who is licensed in both Florida and Georgia and received what appeared to be a legitimate request for legal services. When Austin investigated further, several small things — like minor misspellings in the email and an unreasonable end date to the proposed project — raised questions for him regarding the legitimacy of the request, which he ultimately refused. Read the full story here.

Alcoholic beverage law in Tennessee can be confusing, and not always clear when it comes to how to obtain a liquor license. This session focuses on an overview of licensing rules and regulations, as well as interactions among the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission, the Tennessee Department of Revenue and local governments. Tabatha Blackwell, assistant director of the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission, will be the featured speaker. Earn one general credit hour in this online CLE.

The U.S. Senate confirmed all six of President Biden’s nominees to the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Board of Directors on Wednesday, as lawmakers sought to finalize a flurry of legislation and appointments before the holidays. WPLN reports that the TVA Board is supposed to have nine, president-appointed members at all times. But, for nearly two years, the board has been short-staffed with only members appointed by former President Trump. That’s even though three of these new members were first nominated by Biden in April 2021. The Board acts as the federal utility’s main check on power, unlike private utilities that answer to a state public utility commission.

The Manchester Times reports that the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference (TNDAGC) announced a partnership with The Jason Foundation, Inc. (JFI) to further their mission of suicide prevention within the state. The Jason Foundation, headquartered in Hendersonville, is a nationally recognized leader in suicide awareness and prevention. This new partnership will allow for the information, tools and resources provided by The Jason Foundation to reach even more communities throughout Tennessee. Together, the two groups will work with state agencies and other non-profits to raise awareness and provide additional resources to Tennesseans.

More than a dozen laws will go into effect on Jan. 1, WKRN reports. Laws related to medical records, subscription service cancellations, early retirement for emergency communications personnel and mail-order pharmaceuticals are among some of the new laws that will be enforced starting in 2023. The most notable law taking effect in January is “Dallas’s Law,” named for Dallas “DJ” Barrett, who died after a fight with security guards at Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row on Aug. 16, 2021. The law revises the required training necessary for someone working as a security guard/officer, adding de-escalation techniques, safe restraint techniques and emergency first aid/CPR training. Prior to the law’s passage, those hired as security guards by a “proprietary security organization” were exempt from those certain training requirements; now all those hired as security guards in Tennessee will be required to show proof of that training. Read summaries of the other laws taking effect.

The Supreme Court recently agreed to review the Biden administration’s student debt relief plan, but the justices declined to immediately revive the program, reports The Hill. In a brief unsigned order, the court indicated it would hear arguments in the case in February. The move comes after the administration urged the Supreme Court last month to clear one of the legal obstacles blocking the policy. The administration is currently fending off two separate rulings issued in recent weeks that have effectively halted the student loan forgiveness plan, which would give federal borrowers making less than $125,000 a year up to $10,000 debt relief. Separately, the New Orleans-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit last night denied the administration’s request to revive the policy while it appeals a lower court ruling.

Tennessee Lookout reports that on Wed., Nov. 30, House Democrats named Hakeem Jeffries, of New York, as their leader when the 118th Session of Congress opens next year. Jeffries, 52, will make history as the first Black lawmaker to lead any party in Congress. Katherine Clark, 59, of Massachusetts, was elected as whip, and Pete Aguilar, 43, of California, a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, as caucus chair. The trio will take over in January when Congress convenes for the next session and Democrats move into the minority.

Join the Construction Law section in person in Nashville on Jan. 27 for the Construction Law Forum. Details for this annual staple coming soon! 

The City of Clarksville is hiring a risk manager. Responsibilities may include evaluating risks and identifying and implementing appropriate responses; determining the need for third party or self insurance; selecting third-party insurers; investigating, evaluating and monitoring liability claims; compiling and analyzing financial information; inspecting city facilities for risks and liabilities; and developing and presenting loss control training. Incumbents supervise lower level staff. Visit TBA's JobLink page for more information and details on how to apply.