U.S. Rep. David Kustoff, R-Shelby County, this morning announced that bipartisan legislation has been drawn up that would alter the NCAA’s infractions and investigation process, the Commercial Appeal reports. The bill is a direct result of the fallout over the case of University of Memphis basketball player James Wiseman, who was suspended for 12 games after the NCAA ruled him “likely ineligible” due to inducements his family received before he enrolled at Memphis. The new bill, the NCAA Accountability Act of 2021, would establish and administer due process protections for NCAA member institutions, student-athletes, coaches or administrators who are involved in investigation related to alleged NCAA bylaw infractions. Kustoff is hopeful this legislation will put the NCAA’s enforcement and infractions protocols more in line with the traditional legal system.

A Roane County grand jury will hear a report on a criminal investigation into the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and its 2008 Kingston coal ash spill and subsequent cleanup, the Knoxville News Sentinel reports. The report from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is the first major criminal proceeding against the TVA and Jacobs Engineering since the environmental disaster. More than 7 million cubic tons of coal ash spilled at the TVA’s Kingston plant in 2008. Jacobs was hired to clean up the spill, but was accused by workers of not providing them with sufficient protective gear. An ongoing federal lawsuit claims that at least 47 disaster relief workers died and 400 were sickened from exposure to the coal ash during cleanup. The TBI is set to present its report the grand jury on Nov. 15.

Jefferson County General Sessions and Juvenile Judge Dennis “Will” Roach II has announced he is seeking another term. Roach was initially elected to the position in 2014 and during his time on the bench has played a vital role in developing the county’s Safe Baby Court program, which aims to help struggling parents get back on their feet and to help babies in the foster care system get back to a permanent home. “It would be an incredible honor to be re-elected so that I may continue to serve Jefferson County for the next eight years," Roach said in an email.

Vance Dennis, assistant district attorney for the 24th Judicial District, this week announced he will be vying for the Republican nomination in the district’s Circuit Court judge race, the Paris Post-Intelligencer reports. Dennis, a Hardin County native, was partner at McGee and Dennis for more than 10 years before eventually becoming the county’s chief prosecutor. He also previously served as state representative for the 71st District from 2008 until 2014. “Having been both in private practice and serving our community as a prosecutor, I am committed to following the law and ensuring fairness in the courtroom,” Dennis said of his candidacy. The 24th Judicial District includes Hardin, Henry, Benton, Carroll and Decatur counties.

The Community Legal Center (CLC) and Memphis Area Legal Services Inc. (MALS) are joining forces to host a hybrid virtual/drive-through wills clinic this month. On Nov. 10 at 1 p.m. CST, attorneys will meet with qualified applicants via Zoom to gather information for the will. Applicants will then attend a drive-through event on Nov. 20 from noon until 2 p.m. CST to sign the wills and have them witnessed and notarized. The clinic is limited to advice only and there is no expectation that CLC, MALS or other volunteer attorneys will follow up with clients. Register for the event here.

State Sen. Brian Kelsey, R-Germantown, yesterday pleaded not guilty to charges that he violated campaign finance laws, the Daily Memphian reports. Kelsey appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey S. Frensley and surrendered his passport before being released on conditions. He is charged with one count each of conspiracy, directing “soft money” to a federal candidate, directing soft money from a state officeholder, making excessive campaign contributions and accepting excessive campaign contributions. Prosecutors allege the charges stem from Kelsey’s 2016 Congressional run. In a statement last week, Kelsey called the investigation a “political witch hunt.” He is represented by attorney Ty Howard.

The 16th Judicial District Circuit and Chancery court judges have announced they will each be running for reelection in 2022. Judges J. Mark Rogers, Jimmy Turner, Barry Tidwell, B. Jo Atwood, Darrell Scarlett and Chancellor Howard Wilson currently serve in the 16th Judicial District, which covers Rutherford and Cannon counties. “As judges, they are dedicated to the administration of justice and committed to upholding our laws and constitution,” a press release from the campaign says. Read the press release for more information on each judge.

Wyatt Nowlin Taylor, a former judge in Bedford County, died on Oct. 25. He was 89. Taylor served in the U.S. Army for three years, then earned his law degree from the Nashville School of Law and went into private practice in Shelbyville in 1964. Throughout his legal career, Taylor served as city attorney and was a judge in the Bedford County General Sessions and Juvenile courts for 18 years. Visitation and funeral services were held over the weekend for Taylor in Shelbyville. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to New Destiny Dog Rescue, P.O. Box 42, Wartrace, TN 37183.

Join the TBA Administrative Law Section for its annual forum on Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. CDT. Worth two general and one dual CLE hours, the program will begin with a session covering Supreme Court changes to the Rules of Professional Conduct and the Rules for Disciplinary Enforcement. It will also feature a session on recent updates related to the Tennessee Public Records and Open Meetings Act and a panel discussion that explores the UAPA and environmental contested cases. Learn more and register for the program here.

The University of Tennessee College of Law has announced five finalists in its search for dean. Candidates are: Melanie B. Jacobs, Michigan State University College of Law; Zachary A. Kramer, Arizona State University, Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law; Lonnie. T. Brown Jr., University of Georgia School of Law; Nicola A. Boothe, Boston University School of Law; and W. Jonathan Cardi, Wake Forest University School of Law. Each finalist will give a community presentation on campus beginning next week. Visit the College of Law’s website for a presentation schedule and to read more about the candidates.