Glen Casada, R- Franklin, photographed by John Partipilo on Jan. Sexton, R-Crossville, succeeded him as House speaker. He resigned amid a scandal involving racist and sexist text messages and an attempt by his chief of staff to frame a racial justice activist for a crime. The investigation was also the subtext of an anti-corruption law promoted by House Speaker Cameron Sexton.Ĭasada’s fall from grace began in 2019, when he briefly served as House speaker. They don’t chair any committees, and most of the legislation they passed was minor. To be sure, the three have far less power and influence than they would have if the FBI had not come knocking to investigate the potential laundering of campaign funds. “The committee system determines which bills pass” Most bills hit roadblocks in committees or subcommittees. The numbers may sound small, but House members are limited to sponsoring 15 bills each year, with some exceptions. Smith and Casada each carried one that passed just the House. For Casada, R-Franklin, three bills became law. Smith, R-Hixson, sponsored six bills that became law. Robin Smith, R-Hixson, talks to reporters at opening day of the 112th General Assembly.

Judging by the number of their bills that became law, Casada, Smith and Warner were more productive than most Democrats and many of their Republican colleagues. Glen Casada, Robin Smith and Todd Warner sponsored 14 bills that became law, plus a handful more that passed the Tennessee House of Representatives or are awaiting Gov. The same was true for one Senate Democrat, who got two bills passed despite fraud and money laundering charges. If you’re under investigation by the FBI-or even facing federal charges-you can still be a productive lawmaker in Tennessee.Įven after FBI agents raided their homes and offices in January-just before this year’s legislative session started-three Republican state lawmakers avoided total pariah status in the Tennessee House of Representatives.

Shadows by Robin Todd