The first session of the 107th Tennessee General Assembly remains in recess until February 7.
The deadline for members to file bills will be February 17 in both houses.
On January 14, after last week’s Update was published, Governor Haslam completed appointing his cabinet. Two commissioners may not be permanent. Commissioner of Health Susan Cooper was asked”to serve indefinitely” as the interim commissioner of health. Patrick Smith was named acting commissioner of education.
Finally, it is a great pleasure to congratulate our colleague Ashleigh Harb, who was named and is now serving as Deputy Legal Counsel to the Governor. She assumed her new position last weekend and will work with Counsel to the Governor, Herbert Slatery, to give advice to Governor Haslam on the broad range of legal issues that all governors confront. Ms. Harb joined the firm in the fall of 2007 and has been a valuable member of Bass, Berry & Sims’ litigation section. Governor Haslam is fortunate to be able to rely on her keen intellect, bountiful good humor and impressive work ethic. We wish her the best in her new position.