Governor says special session likely right before regular session

NASHVILLE, Tenn. Copyright 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. — Gov. Phil Bredesen said Thursday that a special session to discuss making Tennessee’s ethics laws more strict will likely start right before the regular session of the General Assembly begins in January.

“I have not set a date, but I think we’re definitely on track to have a special session at the beginning of the convening of the Legislature,” Bredesen said.

The 105th General Assembly is scheduled to begin Jan. 10. But if the special session on ethics occurs, the regular session will be pushed back indefinitely.

However, the governor has said he doesn’t expect the special session to last that long because of the bipartisan support he’s seen in the crafting of ethics legislation that will serve as a blueprint for discussion during the session.

“I feel that we have some bipartisan legislation and if that bipartisan coalition can be held together I think we can move fairly rapidly,” Bredesen said.

Despite some partisan bickering early on, members of a joint legislative committee managed to put aside their differences and unanimously approved the proposed ethics legislation last month.

The legislation covers three broad areas: the creation of an independent ethics commission, increased disclosure and regulation of lobbyists and reform of campaign finance laws.

In preparation for the special session, House Speaker Jimmy Naifeh has sent a letter to the heads of three committees — Government Operations, State and Local Government and Finance Ways and Means — asking them to hold briefings this month to discuss the legislation.

“The purpose of these briefings is to allow members to become familiar with the provisions of the proposed legislation,” wrote Naifeh, D-Covington. “I believe this will help streamline the process so that once the proposal is formally before us we can move it along at a deliberate but steady pace.”

Rep. Michael Kernell, D-Memphis and chair of the Government Operations Committee, believes the meetings are a good idea because they allow members to make suggestions before it goes before the full body.

“There won’t be any conclusions at the meetings,” said Kernell, adding that his committee will focus on provisions of the independent ethics commission. “This is an open discussion.”

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On the Net:

Special Joint Legislative Committee on Ethics: http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/