The Select Committee on Rules in Tennessee convened on January 14, 2025, to discuss several proposed rule changes, with significant focus on issues surrounding the presence of firearms in committee rooms and the implications of potential conflicts of interest among lawmakers.

One of the primary discussions centered on Rule 82, which addressed the ethical considerations of lawmakers having personal relationships with lobbyists. Representative Williams raised a question about whether a lawmaker should resign if their spouse is a lobbyist. The committee emphasized the importance of avoiding the appearance of impropriety, with members agreeing that such situations could undermine public trust in the legislative process. Ultimately, the vote on this rule failed, with 2 votes in favor and 9 against.

The committee then moved to Rule 85, which proposed changes regarding the formation of caucuses. This rule also faced opposition, resulting in a vote of 3 ayes and 8 noes, leading to its failure as well.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to Rule 86, which proposed allowing firearms in committee rooms. The discussion highlighted contrasting views on the Second Amendment and public safety. Some members expressed trust in law-abiding citizens to carry firearms, while others raised concerns about the potential for intimidation and the safety of all individuals present in the committee rooms. Representative Jones argued against the inconsistency of allowing firearms while imposing restrictions on signs, suggesting that both rights should be treated equally.

The debate became heated, with members referencing past incidents and the broader implications of allowing firearms in government spaces. Ultimately, the committee did not reach a consensus on the firearms policy, reflecting the ongoing tensions surrounding gun rights and public safety in legislative environments.

The meeting concluded without passing any of the proposed rules, indicating a need for further discussion and consideration of these critical issues in future sessions.