Tennessee Legislature Expands State Control Over Local Governments
Tennessee Republicans passed sweeping measures expanding state control over Memphis schools and Nashville tourism revenue during their 2026 legislative session.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE — Tennessee lawmakers concluded their 2026 legislative session by passing measures that expand state oversight of local governments, particularly targeting Democratic-leaning counties in Memphis and Nashville.
The Republican-controlled legislature created new oversight boards and reporting requirements that critics argue undermine local governance, with House Speaker Cameron Sexton positioning himself to directly influence both Memphis and Nashville operations.
Memphis Schools Face State Takeover
Lawmakers established an oversight board that must approve nearly every policy and budget decision by the locally-elected Memphis Shelby County Schools board. The measure uses concerns about financial management and student performance as justification for state intervention.
The legislation prohibits the elected school board from suing the oversight board, which legal experts suggest may violate separation of powers principles. House Speaker Cameron Sexton could appoint himself to this Memphis oversight board, according to the Tennessee Lookout.
District Attorney Oversight Expanded
The legislature also placed Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy under enhanced state supervision. The new law requires Mulroy to report on the adjudication of every arrest made by the Memphis Safe Task Force and grants the state attorney general authority to investigate him and call for his replacement.
This represents an unprecedented level of state oversight of a locally-elected prosecutor’s office and continues the Republican legislature’s efforts to exert control over Memphis, the state’s largest Democratic stronghold.
Nashville Tourism Revenue Redirected
In Nashville, lawmakers created a new capital tourism board that will control revenue from the Nashville Convention Center, removing this authority from local officials. The panel will be chaired by a governor’s appointee rather than the Nashville mayor.
The tourism board even has authority to provide financial assistance to Lower Broadway bars affected by high property tax appraisals, inserting state oversight into local tax disputes.
House Speaker Sexton, who already serves on Nashville’s East Bank Development Authority, will gain additional influence over directing Nashville money through this new tourism board structure.
Pattern of State Control
Democratic Representative Aftyn Behn referred to Sexton as the “shadow mayor” during legislative debates, according to the Tennessee Lookout, highlighting concerns about the speaker’s expanding influence over local Nashville operations.
These measures build on previous Republican efforts to reduce local control, including attempts to cut the Metro Nashville Council in half and changes to the airport authority, both of which face ongoing legal challenges.
The 2026 session focused heavily on expanding state authority rather than major spending initiatives, as lawmakers worked with limited budget resources. The legislature has now adjourned, with members returning home to prepare for reelection campaigns.
