Tennessee legislature begins special session on redistricting

Tennessee lawmakers have begun a special session on redistricting, and Republicans have now released a proposed congressional map as the fight over the state’s districts moves quickly through Nashville.

Gov. Bill Lee called the special session to review the congressional map, and lawmakers convened on May 5. By May 6, Republicans had released a draft plan that would reshape the state’s congressional lines, including the Memphis-centered District 9.

The session was called after a recent Supreme Court ruling narrowed how race can be used in redistricting, giving the issue new urgency in state capitals across the country.

Official Tennessee General Assembly records show redistricting bills filed on May 4 and May 5, underscoring how quickly the process is moving. The legislative index for the special session lists the redistricting measures now under consideration.

The proposed map is expected to be the central focus as lawmakers debate whether to advance a new congressional plan. Protesters were also outside the Capitol as the session began, according to local reporting.

What happens next will likely determine whether Tennessee redraws its congressional lines in mid-decade and whether the proposed Memphis-area changes become law.