NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee issued the special session proclamation ahead of the convening of the Tennessee General Assembly on January 27. Gov. Lee and legislative leadership’s priorities include passing the Education Freedom Act and addressing recovery needs for Hurricane Helene, as well as future natural disasters. The session will also address public safety measures regarding illegal immigration, as the incoming Trump administration has called on states to prepare for policy implementation.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced two key judicial appointments.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced that he will call for the Tennessee General Assembly to convene a special session on Monday, January 27, to pass the Education Freedom Act. Additionally, the Governor will introduce a disaster relief legislative package addressing recovery needs for Hurricane Helene, as well as future natural disasters. The session will also address public safety measures regarding illegal immigration, as the incoming Trump Administration has called on states to prepare for policy implementation.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Due to the forecasted significant winter storm and the threat of hazardous travel conditions across Tennessee, Governor Bill Lee has closed state offices on Friday, January 10, 2025.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee released 2024 highlights and accomplishments that have contributed to greater opportunity, security and freedom for all Tennesseans.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee led a bipartisan coalition of 33 governors in urging President Biden to act following a decision to halt foreign adoptions by The People’s Republic of China (PRC). The suspension of China’s intercountry adoption program has indefinitely delayed the adoptions of more than 260 children already matched to American families in 44 states.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and First Lady Maria Lee announced the state’s official Christmas celebrations: Christmas at the Capitol and “Tender Tennessee Christmas” tours of the Tennessee residence.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced the Tennessee Nuclear Energy Advisory Council delivered its final report to guide the state in advancing nuclear energy innovation and driving continued investment to create a nuclear energy ecosystem that continues to lead the Nation.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee signed Executive Order 108, to establish the Duck River Watershed Planning Partnership and further the state’s commitment to balancing economic growth, water resource management, and environmental and habitat conservation to ensure the long-term sustainability of Tennessee’s watersheds. The Order specifically recognizes the Duck River Watershed as North America’s most biologically diverse freshwater river and its critical contribution to Tennessee’s outdoor recreation economy and communities as the sole water source for approximately 250,000 Tennesseans.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Gov. Bill Lee has announced an extension of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance (IA) program application deadline for Tennessee residents affected by Tropical Storm Helene. Survivors now have until Tuesday, January 7, 2025, to apply for federal disaster assistance.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced the approval of FEMA’s Direct Temporary Housing Assistance for survivors in six Northeast Tennessee counties impacted by Tropical Storm Helene on September 26. The Tennessee counties eligible for this assistance are Carter, Cocke, Greene, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee shared additional guidance on how communities impacted by Hurricane Helene may opt-in to receive immediate financial relief via the HEAL Program, which was established swiftly in the days following the disaster. The $100 million fund directly serves the health and wellness of Tennesseans in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Counties eligible for assistance include Carter, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi and Washington. If any additional counties are added to the Major Disaster Declaration for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance Categories A through G, they will become eligible for the program.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee unveiled the Helene Emergency Assistance Loans (HEAL) Program, a $100 million fund to directly serve the health and wellbeing of Tennesseans in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Counties eligible for assistance include Carter, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Sevier, Sullivan, Unicoi and Washington.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced three more counties have been approved for FEMA’s Public Assistance program. The program is now available to eligible jurisdictions and certain private, non-profit organizations in a total of 12 counties following significant flooding from Hurricane Helene that impacted Northeast Tennessee on September 26.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and the Tennessee Department of Revenue announced four tax relief measures for Tennessee businesses and individuals affected by Hurricane Helene.