Signed by Governor Bill Haslam

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with House amendments and pass a bill that urges the Attorney General to file a lawsuit in relation to the Refugee Resettlement Program.

Highlights:

• Urges the Attorney General of Tennessee to initiate or intervene in a civil lawsuit against the Federal Government in relation to the implementation and operation of the refugee resettlement program.

• Specifies that the lawsuit shall also seek to prohibit the appropriation of state funds to the refugee resettlement program without the authorization of the state legislature.

• Authorizes the Attorney General to hire outside counsel to consult or assist in the lawsuit described in the provisions of this resolution.

• Authorizes the Speakers of the state House of Representatives and Senate to hire outside counsel to commence a lawsuit, should the Attorney General decline to initiate or intervene in a lawsuit.

• Prohibits the use of state funds, if outside counsel is employed, to pay any litigation costs including attorney fees.

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that urges the Attorney General to file a lawsuit in relation to the Refugee Resettlement Program.

Highlights:

• Urges the Attorney General of Tennessee to initiate or intervene in a civil lawsuit against the Federal Government in relation to the implementation and operation of the refugee resettlement program.

• Specifies that the lawsuit shall also seek to prohibit the appropriation of state funds to the refugee resettlement program without the authorization of the state legislature.

• Authorizes the Attorney General to hire outside counsel to consult or assist in the lawsuit described in the provisions of this resolution.

• Authorizes the Speakers of the state House of Representatives and Senate to hire outside counsel to commence a lawsuit, should the Attorney General decline to initiate or intervene in a lawsuit.

• Prohibits the use of state funds, if outside counsel is employed, to pay any litigation costs including attorney fees.

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a joint resolution that urges the Attorney General to file a lawsuit against the Federal Government in relation to the refugee resettlement program.

Highlights:

• Urges the Attorney General of Tennessee to initiate or intervene in a civil lawsuit against the Federal Government in relation to the implementation and operation of the refugee resettlement program.

• Specifies that the lawsuit shall also seek to prohibit the appropriation of state funds to the refugee resettlement program without the authorization of the state legislature.

• Authorizes the Attorney General to hire outside counsel to consult or assist in the lawsuit described in the provisions of this resolution.

• Authorizes the Speakers of the state House of Representatives and Senate to hire outside counsel to commence a lawsuit, should the Attorney General decline to initiate or intervene in a lawsuit.

Full Bill Text