House Speaker Cameron Sexton and 73 House Republicans have officially asked Gov. Bill Lee for a special session to take on “misdirected” COVID-19 mandates.

Sexton said last week he would ask for a special session if schools implemented mask mandates, which some in Middle Tennessee school districts have done.

Sexton says he and other Republicans think these mandates are an “overreach” and they need to “confirm” a parent’s right to choose what’s best for their child. Lawmakers also want to take on businesses that require a COVID-19 vaccine for entry.

They’re also wanting to make sure teachers receive COVID-19 leave.  “It is of the utmost urgency to move quickly due to the potential of significant harm to Tennesseans,” the letter to Gov. Lee reads.  Sexton pointed to disciplinary actions if those under a mask mandate don’t abide by the rules.

“The six independent health boards, along with unelected officials, have made and will continue to make decisions that stifle access to educational opportunities for our children and infringe on their freedoms and liberty.”
Lee remained undecided on a special session earlier this week, but said “nothing’s off the table.”

“No one’s making decisions knowingly threatening the lives of children,” Lee said. “There are a lot of opinions about what’s the best way forward, but I feel very confident that we’ll find the way. We’ll work with the legislature. We’ll work with the parents. We’ll work with the school boards.”

The way the laws in the state are set up gives schools districts the authority to make those decisions, Lee said.

“Those schools boards are elected locally in those communities and the school boards should listen to their parents,” Lee said. “The parents should have an option on that.”

The governor continues to encourage individual choice – and the same goes for mask mandates.

“No one cares more about the children in this state than the parents of those children,” Lee said. “No one knows what’s best for a child than that child’s parents.”