The first bill filed ahead of Tennessee's 2025 legislative session is a revival of Gov. Bill Lee's plan for a statewide expansion of school vouchers, Axios reports. House Majority Leader William Lamberth, R-Portland, and Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson, R-Franklin, introduced HB1/SB1 respectively yesterday. This year’s version of the bill also includes teacher bonuses and a funding guarantee for public schools, according to the Nashville Banner. "This bill empowers parents — not the government — to make decisions about the unique needs and diverse interests of their children," Lamberth said in a statement. On the other side, state Sen. London Lamar, D-Memphis, said the plan would divert "public dollars away from underfunded public schools."

The TBA's 2024 Environmental Law Forum will take place Nov. 15 at the Nashville office of Butler Snow. This staple for Tennessee environmental lawyers features government, in-house and private practice attorneys discussing timely topics affecting the practice area. Sessions at this year’s event include endangered species litigation, underground storage tanks, drinking water, Chevron, ethics and more. Do not miss this opportunity to earn CLE while networking with colleagues from across the state. Environmental Law Section members receive discount pricing. Not a member of the section? Join here.

Candidates who passed the July 2024 Tennessee Bar Exam were admitted to the practice of law at a ceremony in Jackson. Matthew Flood, a staff attorney at West Tennessee Legal Services, congratulated the new lawyers, saying, “Today represents the pinnacle of years of study, and countless late nights and early mornings. The students of yesterday have become the attorneys of today, and in short order will be the leaders of tomorrow.” See a photo from the event.

All 99 seats in the Tennessee House of Representatives were decided, including in 31 districts with unopposed candidates, yesterday. The state legislature will remain a Republican supermajority, with that party maintaining its 75-24 seat advantage. The Secretary of State has the unofficial results. Among the state House races that were especially close was District 97, where incumbent Rep. John Gillespie, R-Memphis, defeated former Shelby County Democratic Party Chair Jesse Huseth by just over 1,000 votes, and District 18, with Rep. Elaine Davis, R-Knoxville, retaining her seat over Democratic opponent Bryan Goldberg with a margin of 2,600 votes, WBIR reports.. In District 67, Rep. Ronnie Glynn, D-Clarksville, won re-election by 131 votes, narrowly defeating Republican challenger Jamie Dean Pelz, and in District 74, incumbent Rep. Jeff Burkhart, R-Clarksville, secured a victory over Democratic candidate Allie Phillips by just under 2,000 votes. Clarksville Now has more on both races. The Democratic party was able to retain two seats, as Shaundelle Brooks defeated Republican Chad Bobo in the race to replace retiring Nashville Democrat Darren Jernigan in District 60, and Nashville Rep. Bo Mitchell kept his District 50 seat in the race against Metro Councilmember Jennifer Frensley Webb, Tennessee Lookout reports.

Vicki Shoulders, a longtime employee of the Nashville Bar Association (NBA), died Oct. 31. Shoulders, who worked at the NBA for 24 years, was known for her welcoming demeanor and dedication to the organization. TBA President Ed Lanquist Jr. had the privilege of working with Shoulders during his time as president of the NBA. "To many, she was the face of the Nashville Bar Association in her customer services role. She cared deeply for the organization and the membership and she will be missed by all," he said. Service information is pending.

This is an appeal from a three-day divorce trial in which both parties presented expert testimony regarding how to calculate the husband’s income for purposes of paying support. The husband raises nine issues on appeal regarding proof of marital fault, the valuation of marital property, and the alimony and attorney fees awarded to the wife. For the following reasons, we vacate in part and affirm the decision of the trial court as modified.

This accelerated interlocutory appeal is taken from the trial court’s order denying Appellant’s motion for recusal. Because there is no evidence of bias that would require recusal under Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 10B, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

This appeal concerns the division of marital property, and an award of alimony entered as part of a final decree of divorce. For the reasons stated herein, we vacate the trial court’s judgment with respect to both subjects and remand the case for further proceedings consistent with this Opinion.

Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti recently announced settlements with corporate defendants Heritage Pharmaceuticals and Apotex — contingent upon obtaining signatures from all necessary states and territories — to resolve allegations that both companies engaged in widespread, long-running conspiracies to artificially inflate and manipulate prices, reduce competition and unreasonably restrain trade with regard to numerous generic prescription drugs. The deals total $49.1 million. As part of the settlement, both companies agree to cooperate in the ongoing multistate litigations against 30 corporate defendants and adopt a series of internal reforms to ensure fair competition and compliance with antitrust laws.

Following yesterday's election, the Tennessee state Senate will gain three new Republican members when it convenes in January. The Tennessean reports that Tom Hatcher will fill the open District 2 seat, previously held by retiring Sen. Art Swann, R-Maryville. In District 4, newcomer Bobby Harshbarger defeated independent Dalia Price. He had previously defeated incumbent Sen. Jon Lundberg in the August Republican primary. In District 8, Jessie Seal — who ousted Sen. Frank Niceley in the Republican primary with support from a pro-voucher political action committee — won that seat. The Tennessean looks at the even-numbered Senate seats that were up for grabs in this year's election.