Tennessee Republicans advance ban on reappointing booted lawmakers

GOP lawmakers in Tennessee advanced a bill Monday that would ban local governments from appointing state lawmakers who were expelled due to their behavior. The bill is one of Tennessee Republicans’ efforts to restrict the actions of lawmakers who have been ousted from either chamber of the state General Assembly after state lawmakers voted to expel state Reps. Justin Pearson (D-Memphis) and Justin Jones (D-Nashville) last year. The bill, sponsored by state Rep. Johnny Garrett (R-Goodlettsville), would prohibit local governments from appointing a lawmaker who was previously expelled for “disorderly...