Most Recent News

Don’t horse around, Governor
May 11, 2013 But when Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris, R-Collierville, introduced an amendment making the bill applicable to everyone who witnesses animal abuse, Gresham successfully moved to table it. more…

Editorial: Obvious case for a veto
May 7, 2013 In considering whether to issue a veto, which would stand a good chance of being upheld, Haslam should listen to Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris, R-Collierville, who correctly pointed out that the legislation would criminalize filming, not abuse. more…

Second municipal school bill signed into law
April 29, 2013 Gov. Bill Haslam on Monday signed into law the second of the two municipal school district bills — this one removing the limits on the number of school systems permitted in a county. more…

Gov. Haslam signs main municipal school district bill
April 24, 2013 Norris said, “Governor Haslam’s timely signature on this important legislation demonstrates that he shares our commitment to neighborhood schools and parental choice. We appreciate his decisive action, and I appreciate the support of so many who have worked hard to help us remove these artificial barriers to education improvement.” more…

Pressure builds on Haslam to veto ‘Ag-Gag’ bill
April 22, 2013 When the bill was debated in the Senate, Majority Leader Mark Norris, R-Collierville, said the bill would criminalize the documenting, not the abuse, and he said the Tennessee Farm Bureau “should be ashamed” for supporting the bill. more…

State Senate approves budget and closes 2013 legislative session
April 22, 2013 “In direct contrast to Washington, Tennessee’s budget is balanced,” said Leader Norris. “The state is ranked 48th lowest in the nation in per capita debt and 47th in per capita tax burden, all while balancing our state budget and lowering tax burdens for our citizens.” more…

Tennessee lawmakers Ag Gag bill angers singing celebrity Carrie Underwood
April 22, 2013 “They support the bill but they should be ashamed for doing so. If you’re truly concerned about animal abuse, deal with the root cause not what people do after they see it. The implication of this bill is that it’s OK to abuse animals. It’s all right.” more…

TN REPORT: Senate passes tax cut on groceries
April 17, 2013 Senate Bill 199, sponsored by Majority Leader Mark Norris of Collierville, would reduce retail sales tax on food from 5.25 percent to 5 percent. The measure passed the state Senate almost unanimously Monday. more…

Tennessee municipal school district bill passes legislature, en route to governor
April 16, 2013 With suburban mayors from Shelby County watching in support, both houses of the state legislature approved the bill allowing the six Memphis suburban cities to create new municipal school districts Monday. more…

TN General Assembly to vote on lifting municipal school ban
April 14, 2013 “I’m optimistic about it, I’m hopeful,” said the bill’s author Senator Mark Norris of Collierville. more…

TN Lawmakers push education bills in final days of session
April 14, 2013 Republican Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris of Collierville said oversight is important and he believes the measure will pass the Senate Finance Committee if such an amendment is added. more…

Major bills combating criminal gangs are approved as legislature prepares to close 2013 legislative session
April 13, 2013 “One complaint that is often heard about Tennessee’s current criminal gang statue is that it is difficult even for the most astute prosecutor, defense lawyer or judge to navigate,” said Leader Norris. “Simplifying this definition goes far in making the law more effective — keeping gang members off the street and out of our communities.” more…

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