America Forward — Democratic Platform Scorecard
AMERICA FORWARD
U.S. Cong. RanksState Ranksionicons-v5-aStatistical Dataionicons-v5-aBuild Your Own PlatformAboutionicons-v5-a
Justin J. Pearson — Democratic State Representative for Tennessee District 86 (official headshot)

Justin J. Pearson Voting Record & Scorecard | National Democrat Platform

TN Representative

District: 86 • Democrat

2025 DEM Alignment:

14.00%

Lifetime Alignment:

17.31%

View Member History

Voting Alignment with DEM Platform – by Chapter

Click Icon to Filter Table

Rep. Justin J. Pearson (D-TN-86) earned a 14% National Democrat Platform score for 2025, showing minimal alignment with Democratic Party Platform principles. Justin J. Pearson voted on 50 of the 67 substantive bills scored by Dem Platform in 2025. Across 3 years rated, Justin J. Pearson's lifetime Dem Platform score averages 17%, with 138 votes recorded across 183 scored bills. Justin J. Pearson represents the 86th District in the Tennessee House of Representatives.

Title

Lawmaker Position

HB 1133House 20251x

Worsening Cronyism and Increasing Tax Burdens on Other Individuals and Business Through an Expansion of Sales Tax Exemptions for Nuclear Energy Production Facilities.

With DEMs
Under current law, "certified green energy production facilities" receive a 100% tax credit on the sales and use tax of machinery and equipment used to produce or store electricity using "clean energy technology." This bill expands the definition of "clean energy technology" to include technology used to generate nuclear energy. The bill also expands the definition of "industrial machinery," which is exempt from sales and use taxes, to include machinery used for enriching, deconverting, or converting uranium materials, compounds, or products under certain circumstances. Lastly, the bill removes the enrichment of uranium materials, compounds, or products that is performed on a cost-plus basis or on a toll enrichment fee basis from taxable retail sale services. All state and local tax codes should be constructed in a broadly applied manner with as low of rates as possible for everyone. The central planning and tax cronyism enacted under this measure provides special benefits and advantages to nuclear energy production while shifting tax burdens to energy production not preferred by government.
HB 1162House 20251x

Improving Educational Outcomes and Strengthening School Choice by Allowing Charter Schools to Use Available Facilities Within City School System Boundaries.

Against DEMs
This bill reduces barriers for charter schools by allowing charter schools to use available buildings or facilities located within the geographic boundaries of the city school system located in the same county. Under the bill, the public charter school must need additional space, facilities, or buildings to serve the students, and the school must enter into a written agreement for the lease of the facilities for educational purposes. To be eligible, counties must have only one city school system operating.
HB 1205House 20251x

Strengthening Individual Liberties and Expanding Access to Healthcare by Allowing Physicians to Treat Themselves and Their Family Members.

Against DEMs
This bill allows a physician or podiatrist to treat themselves or immediately family members in certain situations, such as in emergency situations or there is no other healthcare provider within 30 miles of the physician''s primary practice site. Specifically, a provider may prescribe, dispense, or administer medication or scheduled drugs within the physician''s or podiatrist''s regular scope of practice in permitted situations under the bill.
HB 132House 20251x

Preventing Executive Overreach by Allowing the State Legislature to Terminate a State of Emergency Ordered by the Governor Through a Joint Resolution.

Against DEMs
This bill allows the state legislature, through a joint resolution, to terminate a state of emergency extended or issued by an executive order or proclamation by the governor.
HB 1330 (House Version)House 20251x

Strengthening Government Transparency and Expanding Competition by Reforming Occupational Licensing and Ensuring Public Access to Electronic Government Meetings.

Against DEMs
This bill, titled the "Less is More Act of 2025," makes various changes to licensing and public meeting laws. Notably, this bill allows governing bodies to hold meetings electronically if certain conditions are met, such as allowing the public to listen, view, participate in, and comment in the meeting by electronic means. The governing body must publish a notice and agenda stating that the meeting will be electronic and how to access it. The meeting must be recorded and later posted on the governing body''s website. Along with a litany of changes to the structures of boards and commissions, the bill provides an alternative pathway to licensure for prospective certified public accountants (CPAs), creates reciprocity for CPAs licensed in another state, and allows real estate brokers whose license has expired within the past two years to reinstate the license upon payment of a fee and completion of 30 hours continuing education.
HB 1330 (Motion to Concur - Senate Amd. 3)House 20251x

Strengthening Individual Liberties by Blocking an Attempt to Restrict Direct Lottery Ticket Sales.

Against DEMs
The motion to concur with Senate amendment 3 to the "Less is More Act of 2025," which amends several provisions related to regulatory boards and commissions. The amendment restores existing law which provides that the Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation is not prohibited from directly selling lottery tickets in any amount or through any payment method. This language had been eliminated in an earlier House amendment.
HB 1332House 20251x

Strengthening Second Amendment Rights by Lowering the Eligible Age to Obtain a Handgun Carry Permit from 21 to 18.

Against DEMs
This bill codifies into law a federal court ruling, lowering the eligible age for a handgun carry permit from 21 to 18. James Madison and our nation''s other founding fathers understood that the right to keep and bear arms is a crucial individual liberty and protects the citizenry against a tyrannical government. The state should not infringe the individual liberties of adults who at age 18 can fight for our country, vote and enter into legally binding contracts.
HB 1409 (Amd. 10)House 20251x

Forcing Taxpayers (Instead of the Private Sector) to Spend Over $2.8 Million on a Grant to the Memphis Rock ''n'' Soul Museum.

Against DEMs
The Hardaway amendment 10 to an underlying bill making appropriations for fiscal years beginning in 2024 and 2025. This amendment redirects over $2.8 million from the Governor''s Office payroll to the City of Memphis Music/Rock N Soul Museum Grant. Taxpayer funds - at any level of government - should not be used to fund private museums. The private sector, through charitable endeavors, is best equipped to direct funding to the groups and initiatives which are most needed and beneficial to communities.
HB 1409 (Amd. 14)House 20251x

Expanding Cronyism and Unnecessary Spending by Redirecting $14.28 Million from the Office of the Attorney General to Provide Grants to Government-Favored Groups and Initiatives.

Against DEMs
The Glynn amendment 14 to an underlying bill making appropriations for fiscal years beginning in 2024 and 2025. This amendment reducing appropriations to the Office of the Attorney General and Report by over $14.28 million, redirecting those funds to support a litany of crony programs and private organizations. For example, $3 million in recurring funding is allocated towards supporting the AGLaunch program, $1 million for a grant to The Next Door Recovery, and $1.5 million is provided for a grant to AGAPE Family Services. The rest of the funds are directed towards the GoBuild Tennessee program, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee, Memphis Youth Villages, and other entities. The private sector (through charitable endeavors) is best equipped to direct funding to the groups and initiatives which are most needed and beneficial to communities.
HB 1409 (Amd. 15)House 20251x

Further Indebting Taxpayers and Advancing Government Interference in the Private Market Through a $4.5 Million Allocation to Provide Loans for Starter Homes.

Against DEMs
The Hemmer amendment 15 to an underlying bill making appropriations for fiscal years beginning in 2024 and 2025. This amendment removes $4.5 million from funding allocated to the attorney general special litigation program and instead provides $4.5 million to the Starter Home Revolving Fund. The fund, proposed by the governor, would have provided 0% interest construction loans to build new homes.
HB 1409 (Amd. 21)House 20251x

Attacking School Choice and Increasing Government Dependency by Earmarking $148.6 Million in Education Freedom Scholarship Funding for Grants to Former Federal Employees.

Against DEMs
The Johnson amendment 21 to an underlying bill making appropriations for fiscal years beginning in 2024 and 2025. This amendment earmarks the sum of funds available for the Education Freedom Scholarship Program, which allows residents of the state to receive scholarships to apply to their child''s education expenses at private schools, to be used for the sole purpose of providing grants to state residents who lost their employment with the federal government since January 20, 2025.
HB 1409 (Amd. 23)House 20251x

Attacking School Choice and Increasing Government Dependency by Channeling $148.6 Million in Education Freedom Scholarship Funding to Instead Expand Medicaid.

Against DEMs
The Salinas amendment 23 to an underlying bill making appropriations for fiscal years beginning in 2024 and 2025. This amendment earmarks the sum of funds available for the Education Freedom Scholarship Program, which allows residents of the state to receive scholarships to apply to their child''s education expenses at private schools, to be used for the "sole purpose of expanding Medicaid in this state."
HB 1409 (Amd. 24)House 20251x

Weakening Educational Outcomes and Attacking School Choice by Channeling $148.6 Million in Education Freedom Scholarship Funding to Instead Establish an Office of Gun Safety.

Against DEMs
The Brooks amendment 24 to an underlying bill making appropriations for fiscal years beginning in 2024 and 2025. This amendment earmarks funds allocated to the Education Freedom Scholarship Program, which allows residents of the state to receive scholarships to apply to their child''s education expenses at private schools, to establish the office of gun safety within the Department of Safety. The creation of the office of gun safety is merely an attempt to restrict the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens.
HB 1409 (Amd. 8)House 20251x

Weakening Educational Outcomes by Redirecting Over $225 Million in Funding Allocated for Charter Schools and School Choice Initiatives to Public Schools.

Against DEMs
The Miller amendment 8 to an underlying bill making appropriations for fiscal years beginning in 2024 and 2025. This amendment redirects over $225 million in nonrecurring funding slated for school choice expansion to the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) public school funding formula. This amendment funnels funding intended for the Charter School Commission, Charter School Facilities Fund, the Educational Freedom Scholarship Program, and more. School choice improves educational outcomes for all students by fostering competition and a market in education, which encourages schools to provide the best education so they can attract parents to enroll their child and receive the associated funding.
HB 1409 (Amd. 9)House 20251x

Increasing Government Dependency Through a $77.7 Million Appropriation to Expand the Summer Food Service Program.

Against DEMs
The Clemmons amendment 9 to an underlying bill making appropriations for fiscal years beginning in 2024 and 2025. This amendment appropriates $77.7 million in funding to the Department of Human Services for the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), which provides food assistance to school-aged children in low-income areas when school is closed to supplement free school lunches. The funding originally was slated for the administration of the school choice voucher program and Teach for America. This measure further grows government dependency, which oftentimes leads to intergenerational poverty.
HB 331House 20251x

Increasing Government Dependency and Housing Market Costs by Raising the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) Bonding Authority from $4 to $5 Billion.

Against DEMs
This bill increases from $4 billion to $5 billion the maximum aggregate principal amount that the Tennessee housing development agency (THDA) may issue bonds and notes at any one time. The THDA runs various programs meant to "promote the production of more affordable new housing" which include tax credits, rental assistance, grants, loans, and vouchers.
HB 6004House 20251x

Improving Education Outcomes by Expanding School Choice via the Education Freedom Scholarship Program.

With DEMs
This bill enacts the "Education Freedom Scholarship Act," creating a scholarship program for the costs and expenses of attending private school for eligible students. Under the bill, a maximum of 20,000 scholarships must be awarded for the 2025-2026 school year; half of the scholarships are designated for eligible students who meet certain income requirements or other eligibility criteria and the other 10,000 are available for eligible students, regardless of whether the student meets the other related criteria. Each scholarship is equal to the base funding amount set by current law and may be used for tuition and fees of private schools, textbooks and materials, fees for transportation, and more. This bill improves educational outcomes for all students by fostering competition and a market in education, which encourages schools to provide the best education so they can attract parents to enroll their child and receive the associated funding.
HB 6004 (Amd. 16)(Motion to Defeat)House 20251x

Blocking an Attempt to Weaken School Choice by Making Education Freedom Scholarships Dependent on Public School Funding.

Against DEMs
Lay on the table (defeat) the Johnson amendment 16 to a bill creating the education freedom scholarship act. This amendment ties education freedom scholarships to public school funding levels by prohibiting the department of education from awarding a scholarship to an eligible student for a school year in which the comptroller of the treasury certifies that public schools in the state are not "fully funded." The amendment defines "fully funded" as public schools having equitable access to resources, high-quality educational facilities, and can adequately compensate teachers. Public schools must also provide "sufficient financial support" to meet the academic and social-emotional needs of all students. This measure is merely designed to hinder school choice by implementing barriers to awarding scholarships through vague and overly broad public school funding requirements.
HB 6004 (Amd. 19) (Motion to Defeat)House 20251x

Blocking an Effort to Discourage Private School Acceptance of Education Freedom Scholarship Recipients Through Reporting Requirements.

Against DEMs
Lay on the table (defeat) the Love amendment 19 to a bill creating the education freedom scholarship act. This amendment imposes reporting requirements onto private schools that enroll recipients of the education freedom scholarship. Under the amendment, the school must provide information about each recipient to the office of research and education accountability, such as the students household income level, sex, race, and where the student resides.
HB 622House 20251x

Strengthening Government Integrity and Efficiency by Prohibiting Discrimination in Public Employment Decisions Through the "Dismantle DEI in Employment Act".

Against DEMs
This bill creates the "Dismantle DEI in Employment Act," prohibiting state and local governments, LEAs, and public institutions of higher education from basing hiring and employment decisions on an applicant''s race, ethnicity, sex, age, or any other demographic characteristic, rather than on individual merit, qualifications, or lawful eligibility criteria. Lawmakers have a duty to ensure government provides equal treatment and opportunity to all under the law. Government should be held strictly accountable to ensure discrimination is prohibited across every category, including race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and any other class.
HB 888House 20251x

Strengthening Democracy by Prohibiting Foreign Nationals from Influencing Elections Through Contributions to Tax-Exempt Entities.

Against DEMs
This bill prohibits a foreign national from directing, dictating, controlling, or directly or indirectly participating in the decision-making process of any person to influence a measure. Under the bill, political campaign committees are prohibited from knowingly receiving, soliciting, or accepting contributions or expenditures from a foreign national, whether directly or indirectly. To enforce this measure, political campaign committees must keep records of contributions or expenditures for at least 2 years after the relative election and the entity''s treasurer must obtain an affirmation from the donor that the donor is not a foreign national. The bill allows the registry of election finance to bring a civil action against violators of this bill, however, it provides privacy protections for the lawful donors of a tax-exempt organization by prohibiting public entities from revealing lawful donor identities. This measure helps strengthen democracy and ensure American elections remain free from foreign interference.
SB 1084House 20251x

Protecting Taxpayer Funds and Reducing Politicization by Prohibiting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Offices in Public Entities.

Against DEMs
This bill enacts the "Dismantling DEI Departments Act," prohibiting any department, agency, or other unit of state government from establishing or maintain an office, division, or department or using a discriminatory preference to increase "diversity, equity, or inclusion." The prohibition also applies to county, municipality, and metropolitan governments, and public institutions of higher education. The bill prohibits the governor from granting preferential treatment when making appointments to any board, commission, committee, or other entity of the executive branch of state government on the basis of race.
SB 1143House 20251x

Strengthening Election Integrity and Reducing Voter Fraud by Expanding Election Official Education on Temporary Identification Provided to Non-Citizens.

Against DEMs
This bill combats voter fraud by requiring the coordinator of elections to expand the minimum standards for educating election officials to include training on temporary forms of identification issued to non-citizens that may not be used as a valid form of voter identification. Maintaining safeguards to prevent voter fraud are critical aspects of ensuring free and fair elections, an essential component of democracy under our nation''s constitutional republic.
SB 1274House 20251x

Driving Up Business and Consumer Costs by Increasing the Maximum "Air Contaminant Emissions Fee" by Over 100%.

With DEMs
This bill increases the maximum "air contaminant emissions fee" set by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation by over 100%, from $18.75 to $38 per ton. Additionally, the bill allows the department to recover "direct and indirect costs, including administrative costs, incurred through the regulation of coal combustion residuals disposal units." This includes costs associated with permitting, oversight, supervision, investigation, regulation, and remediation activities. Finally, the bill adds an exception allowing a permit to be issued for a coal ash disposal facility without a liner and final cap, if the facility is used for certain purposes, such as agricultural uses.
SB 128House 20251x

Increasing Access to Animal Care by Slightly Expanding Chiropractor Scope of Practice to Include Providing "Animal Chiropractic".

Against DEMs
This bill expands access to animal care by allowing licensed chiropractors to perform "animal chiropractic." Under the bill, chiropractors may treat animals upon receiving certification from the Board of Chiropractic Examiners, which requires an additional 6 hours of animal chiropractic continuing education annually and a certificate in animal chiropractic from the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association.
SB 1310House 20251x

Improving Education Outcomes and Expanding School Choice by Expediting the Charter School Application Process.

Against DEMs
Under previous law, public charter school applicants must first apply to their local school board for approval and if denied, the applicant has the right to appeal to the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission. This bill expedites the process by allowing applicants the ability to apply directly to the commission if they want to open a school in a district that''s had three charter denials overturned in three years. The bill implements timeline requirements the commission must rule to approve or deny the application and upon a denial, the commission must provide the application with objective reasons for such denial. Additionally, the charter school commission may renew charters every five years and charter operators who want to replicate an existing academic model are provided the opportunity to apply directly to the commission. This measure improves educational outcomes for all students by fostering competition and a market in education, which encourages schools to provide the best education so they can attract parents to enroll their child and receive the associated funding.
SB 1360House 20251x

Protecting Knife and Peppery Spray Manufacturers and Retailers from Frivolous Litigation by Expanding Existing Liability Protections.

Against DEMs
This bill expands existing law that provides firearm manufacturers and retailers immunity from most civil liability, except in certain cases such as those relating to product defects. Specifically, this bill expands "qualified products" under the law to include knives, body armor, pepper spray, silencers, tasers, and other certain products. This measure helps protect the Second Amendment by ensuring manufacturers and retailers that provide these products are not driven out of business through costly frivolous litigation.
SB 1379House 20251x

Expanding Cronyism by Providing Childcare Facilities the "Right of First Refusal" for Public School Properties.

With DEMs
This bill establishes that in areas where an operating LEA does not have one or more public charter schools operating within the same geographic boundaries, child care agencies have a right of first refusal to purchase vacant or underutilized LEA property at or below fair market value. Under the bill, child care agencies include places or facilities that operate as a family or group child care home or a child care or drop-in center, that provides child care for five or more children for three or more hours per day. If an LEA has a public charter school operating within its geographical boundaries, the child care agency would receive a right of second refusal. All government transactions should be based strictly on factors relating to cost and quality, without providing special benefits or privileges to certain industries.
SB 1389 (House Version)House 20251x

Strengthening Individual Liberties by Prohibiting Healthcare Providers who Accept Medicaid from Refusing Services Based on a Patient''s Vaccination Status.

Against DEMs
This bill prohibits healthcare providers who participate in Medicaid or the Children''s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) from refusing to provide services to members of those programs based on the person''s vaccination status. This includes refusing or failing to receive a vaccine, or for minors, if the parent has a religious or moral objection. However, this does not apply to oncology, organ transplant, or immunocompromised patient specialists. While this bill does increase restrictions on healthcare providers, the bill helps protect the right of individuals to decide whether or not to obtain vaccinations.
SB 1414House 20251x

Extorting Drug Manufacturers Through Additional Mandates on Distribution of Discounted Drugs (340B-Covered).

With DEMs
Under federal law, manufactures are forced to provide a certain amount of their drugs at below market rates (aka 340B-covered drugs). This bill now prohibits "discriminatory practices" by drug manufacturers against 340B entities, such as imposing additional conditions to the access of 340-B eligible medications, requiring health information or claims data as a condition of 340B participation, or requiring accreditation or credentialing beyond what is set by the federal government. Additionally, the bill bars drug manufacturers from interfering with, prohibiting, or restricting the 340B covered entities arrangements with contract pharmacies. this measure further grows government interference in the marketplace and enriches pharmacies by extorting drug manufactures.
SB 207House 20251x

Expanding Cronyism Through the Creation of a "Farmland Preservation Fund" to Provide Grants to Landowners Who Enter into a Permanent Conservation Easement.

Against DEMs
This bill creates a special agency account titled the "farmland preservation fund" to support a grant program for farmland and forestland owners to enroll their land in a permanent conservation easement owned by a nonprofit organization. Landowners who enter the conservation fund legal agreement state that their land remains farmland or forestland. The commissioner of agriculture is provided the authority to establish rules and eligibility criteria for the grant program.
SB 221House 20251x

Increasing Public Safety by Allowing Courts to Consider a Defendant''s Previous Juvenile Record in Bail Determinations.

Against DEMs
This bill allows a court to use juvenile court records in certain situations, including pretrial reports used to set bonds (if the offense occurred within the previous five years), presentence investigations, and criminal prosecutions for a firearm possession violation. Additionally, the bill requires the magistrate to consider a defendant''s prior juvenile record when determining the defendant''s risk of danger to the community.
SB 227House 20251x

Strengthening Public Safety and Deterring Illegal Immigration by Holding Charitable Organizations Knowingly Housing an Illegal Immigrant to be Held Liable for Any Crimes Committed by the Immigrant.

Against DEMs
This bill allows a charitable organization that provides housing to an individual the organization knows is an illegal alien to be held liable for a loss, damages, injury, or death resulting from a criminal offense committed by the alien while receiving housing services from the organization. The charitable organization''s conduct must constitute negligence, gross negligence, or willful and wanton misconduct to be held liable. This measure helps deter illegal immigration, which places an immense strain on U.S. infrastructure and taxpayer resources, ranging from welfare to the education system, while also creating serious national security and human trafficking issues.
SB 263House 20251x

Ensuring Tennesseans Maintain Control Over State Policy and Not International Organizations by Stipulating That the WHO, UN, and the WEF Have No Authority in the State.

Against DEMs
This bill dictates that the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations (UN), and the World Economic Forum (WEF) have no jurisdiction in the state of Tennessee. Specifically, the bill stipulates that the state and its political subdivisions must not be compelled to enforce requirements or mandates issued by the listed international organizations. Mandates of the WHO, UN, or WEF are prohibited from being used as a basis for action or to impose mandates that are contrary to the state''s laws and constitution. These mandates include those for masks, vaccines, medical testing, or the gathering of public or private information about the state''s citizens. This measure helps ensure Tennesseans remain in control over the policy of the state and not globalist entities which do not place the interest of Americans first.
SB 376House 20251x

Combatting Affirmative Action by Prohibiting Race-Based Discrimination in Higher Education for Student Admission and Financial Aid Decisions.

Against DEMs
This bill prohibits institutions of higher education located in the state from discriminating against a person on the basis of one''s race, color, ethnicity, or national origin in admission and financial aid determinations. The bill also prohibits an institution from utilizing aggregated data to develop admissions or student population quotas based on race. A cause of action is allowed for individuals who believe that the provisions of this bill were violated. It is a role for taxpayers to fund K-12 education - not advanced degrees for select individuals who decide to pursue higher education. However, if taxpayer funds are provided to state institutions of higher education, their usage should be based on merit, not racial discrimination. While this bill does apply to private institutions, overall the measure serves as a step in the right direction.
SB 449House 20251x

Weakening Life Protections and Threatening Religious Liberties by Establishing a "Right" to Contraception./Strengthening Medical Freedom and Expanding Pathways to Parenthood by Establishing a Right to Access Fertility Treatments.

With DEMs
This bill establishes an individual right to access fertility treatments and contraception, clarifying that the state does not prohibit activity associated with fertility treatment or contraception. The bill does stipulate that this does not entitle a person to fertility treatment or contraception, nor to the coverage or funding of such activities. [Establishing a legal right to contraception risks infringing upon the sincere moral and religious convictions of individuals and faith-based organizations.] [Establishing a legal right to fertility treatments responsibly expands family-building options and strengthens the medical freedom of prospective parents. Support]
SB 468 (House Version)House 20251x

Strengthening Safety and Privacy in Schools, Prisons, and Institutions of Higher Education by Requiring Usage of Restrooms, Sleeping Quarters, and Changing Rooms be Based on Biological Sex (Male or Female).

Against DEMs
This bill, the "Women''s Safety and Protection Act," requires correctional facilities, juvenile detention facilities, public higher educational institutions, and domestic violence shelters to designate the use of restrooms, sleeping quarters, and changing rooms by biological sex. The bill allows for single-occupancy restrooms, changing rooms, or sleeping quarters not designated by sex. Under the bill, domestic violence shelters, higher education institutions, and correctional facilities must designate the listed facilities by females, males, or members of the same family. Members of the opposite sex are prohibited from entering facilities that are designated for females or males unless the individual is a member of that sex, with certain exceptions. This measure helps strengthen safety and privacy in restrooms and locker rooms at educational facilities, prisons and other locations across the state.
SB 471House 20251x

Promoting Personal and Societal Success Through a Family Life Curriculum that Encourages Education, Employment, and Family Stability.

Against DEMs
This bill, known as the "Success Sequence Act," expands the family life curriculum for public schools to include age-appropriate instruction and evidence regarding the positive personal and societal outcomes associated with the "success sequence." The bill defines the "success sequence" as a method by which a person obtains a high school diploma (or equivalent credential), enters into the workforce or pursues higher education, marries, and has children, in that order.
SB 525House 20251x

Protecting Against Local Government Overreach by Ensuring Municipalities Can''t Impose Unconstitutional Charter Amendments.

Against DEMs
This bill dictates that an amendment to the charter of a home rule locality is prohibited from being placed on any ballot if the amendment violates the Constitution or state law. The bill expands current law to allow for a civil action to be brought before a three-judge panel to challenge the constitutionality of a proposed charter amendment ordinance. While some may argue this bill undermines "local control", our founding fathers only recognized three entities within the U.S. Constitution - federal government, state government, and the individual. It is not the role for any level of government to unduly infringe the rights of individuals, therefore making preemption measures, such as this bill, necessary.
SB 6002House 20251x

Strengthening National Security and Helping Combat Illegal Immigration and Human Trafficking Through the Creation of the "Centralized Immigration Enforcement Division".

Against DEMs
This bill creates the centralized immigration enforcement division within the department of safety, designed to facilitate state and local collaboration with federal immigration authority. The bill establishes a grant program to incentivize local agreements with the federal attorney general under the 287(g) program, creates new proof of citizenship requirements to acquire a Tennessee driver license, and makes the adoption or enforcement of a sanctuary policy a Class E felony. Ensuring public safety and national defense is arguably the most important role of government. Failure to secure our nation''s border not only has catastrophic implications on the ability to maintain law and order, but also creates countless other issues ranging from welfare to the education system.
SB 6002 (Amd. 7)House 20251x

Weakening National Security and Public Safety by Restricting Immigration Enforcement Around Areas Deemed "Critical to Public Well-Being".

Against DEMs
The Dixie amendment 7 to a bill creating the centralized immigration enforcement division. This amendment prohibits enforcement of immigration laws within 1,000 feet of schools, places of worship, hospitals, and other areas "critical to public well-being." Ensuring public safety and national defense is arguably the most important role of government. Failure to secure our nation''s border not only has catastrophic implications on the ability to maintain law and order, but also creates countless other issues, ranging from welfare to the education system.
SB 626House 20251x

Strengthening Election Integrity by Prohibiting Voting via Internet and Other Reforms to Election Laws.

Against DEMs
This bill makes various revisions to election law. Notably, the bill prohibits internet voting entirely, stating that any marked ballots submitted via the internet shall not be counted. The bill also prohibits voting machines from being connected to the internet. Additionally, the bill outlines the necessary steps for county election commissions to remove inactive voters and requires individuals to provide proof of residency when registering to vote.
SB 670House 20251x

Strengthening Property Rights by Easing Burdensome Regulations on Isolated Wetlands.

Against DEMs
Under current law, developers wishing to build on isolated wetlands must get approval from the state and pay mitigation fees. This bill would scale back some of those rules by exempting certain isolated wetlands from mitigation and permitting requirements depending on the size and quality of the wetland. The bill divides isolated wetlands into four categories, based on ecological function: artificial, low-quality, moderate-quality, and high-quality. The bill specifically exempts low-quality isolated wetlands up to one acre in size, moderate-quality isolated wetlands up to one-fourth acre, and artificial isolated wetlands of any size, provided certain environmental safeguards are followed. Additionally, the bill stipulates that isolated wetlands and artificial isolated wetlands must not be considered when determining the cumulative impact of a project for purposes of a permit even if the project contains other wetlands that are deemed jurisdictional by the United States army corps of engineers (USACE).
SB 690House 20251x

Reducing a Barrier to School Choice by Ensuring Virtual School Students May Participate in Interscholastic Athletics.

Against DEMs
This bill requires a public school under the jurisdiction of an LEA that offers students the opportunity to participate in interscholastic athletic commissions to allow virtual school students to participate in the athletics at the public school. Under the bill, the virtual school student must be zoned in the public school and be otherwise eligible to attend. This measure improves educational outcomes by removing a barrier which may have prevented families from pursuing school choice.
SB 763House 20251x

Expanding Government Overreach and Infringing Individual Liberties by Prohibiting the Sale of Vapor Products Not Authorized by the FDA and Imposing a 10% "Sin Tax".

Against DEMs
This bill creates a state directory of vapor products that can be legally sold in Tennessee, based on whether the products are approved by the FDA and if manufacturers certify that the "consumable material" of the product was processed or blended in the United States. Starting in 2027, unregistered vapor products are banned from being sold in the state. The bill also imposes a 10% wholesale tax on all vapor products, beginning July 1, 2025. Billboard advertisements for vapor products are prohibited within 1,000 feet of childcare centers, churches, substance abuse recovery facilities, parks, and more, and retailers are saddled with various new restrictions meant to prevent the sale of vapor products to individuals under 21. Vapor product usage is an individual liberty which individuals who have reached the age of majority should be able to exercise without unnecessary government restriction. The bill provides an advantage to big tobacco companies and is expected to drive countless small vape shops out of business.
SB 880House 20251x

Combatting Government Overreach and Easing Onerous Environmental Regulations by Establishing "Bodily Harm" Criteria for Agency Restrictions on Pollutants and Contaminants.

Against DEMs
This bill prohibits an agency from adopting a rule establishing numeric criteria or limitations for a substance, mixture, or chemical related to drinking water, water pollution control, hazardous substances, contaminated site remediation, air quality, or solid or hazardous waste handling unless the regulatory action is based upon the "best available science." Under the bill, the best available science must establish a direct link that the substance or pollutant is believed to "manifest bodily harm in humans."
SB 931House 20251x

Imposing Additional Mandates on the Private Sector Through New Labeling Restrictions on Lab-Grown Meat.

With DEMs
This bill prohibits labeling a "cell-cultured food product," defined as food that is produced without slaughter by growing cells harvested from an animal, as meat or as meat food product. Under the bill, the cell-cultured food product label may indicate the animal from which the cells were harvested, that the product is intended as a substitute for meat or poultry, or another similar description. Violators of this bill will be subject to a $2,000 fine for each misbranded product.
SB 937House 20251x

Protecting First Amendment Rights in Schools by Prohibiting Adverse Action Against Students and Employees Who Refuse to Use Someone''s "Preferred" Name or Pronouns.

Against DEMs
This bill implements free speech protections for students, teachers, employees, and contractors of public schools and universities, prohibiting listed individuals from being disciplined or held civilly liable for refusing to use another person''s "preferred" name or pronouns. Specifically, public schools and universities are prohibited from creating policies that penalize those who decline to use a person''s preferred pronouns that are inconsistent with that person''s biological sex or use a preferred name without a legal name change.
SB 950House 20251x

Preparing for a Potential Return to State Authority in Education by Establishing a Federal Deregulation Task Force.

Against DEMs
This bill creates a federal education deregulation cooperation task force to prepare Tennessee for the potential deregulation of federal laws, regulations, and requirements for K-12 education. Under the bill, the task force must identify and track federal funding, federal requirements to receive such funding, the number of state and local employees funded through federal money, and more. The US Constitution reserves powers not specifically delegated to the federal government to the states or the people. K-12 education should be solely under the authority of the state and this measure is proactively preparing Tennessee to fully take charge of education upon a potential devolution of power.
SB 955House 20251x

Protecting Individual Liberties of Healthcare Providers and Insurers Through the "Medical Ethics Defense Act".

Against DEMs
This bill establishes the "Medical Ethics Defense Act," which creates a right of conscience for healthcare providers. Under the bill, healthcare providers must not be required to participate in or pay for any healthcare procedure, treatment, or service that violates the sincerely held ethical, moral, or religious beliefs or principles held by the provider. The bill establishes legal protections for healthcare providers that exercise their right to conscience, along with providers who expose violations, testify, assist, or participate in proceedings concerning such violations. The bill provides exceptions for certain scenarios, including performing procedures under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA), religious healthcare providers in employment and staffing, and performing healthcare procedures for an individual who is in imminent danger of harming themselves or others. Lastly, government entities are prohibited from reprimanding or sanctioning a healthcare provider or denying or revoking a license or certification based on the provider''s engagement in their First Amendment rights. Unfortunately, this bill only serves as a step in the right direction as it contains provisions that would infringe upon the contracting rights of private companies and organizations by forcing them to retain employees that may refuse to perform certain services because of their beliefs. Overall, businesses and individuals should have the freedom to not be forced to provide services that violate their beliefs.
Loading more bills…

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rep. Justin J. Pearson's voting record?

Rep. Justin J. Pearson (D-TN-86) earned a 14% National Democrat Platform score for 2025, showing minimal alignment with Democratic Party Platform principles. Justin J. Pearson voted on 50 of the 67 substantive bills scored by Dem Platform in 2025. Across 3 years rated, Justin J. Pearson's lifetime Dem Platform score averages 17%, with 138 votes recorded across 183 scored bills. Justin J. Pearson represents the 86th District in the Tennessee House of Representatives.

How aligned is Justin J. Pearson with Democratic Party Platform principles?

Justin J. Pearson earned a 14% National Democrat Platform score in 2025, showing minimal alignment with Democratic Party Platform principles.

What is Justin J. Pearson's Dem Platform score?

Justin J. Pearson has a 14% Dem Platform score for 2025. Across 3 years rated, Justin J. Pearson's lifetime average is 17%.

Where does Justin J. Pearson serve?

Rep. Justin J. Pearson (D-TN-86) represents the 86th District in the Tennessee House of Representatives as a Democrat.

Institute for Legislative Analysis logo

Let's build a platform together!

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Build Your Own Platform
  • Methodology

Resources

  • Data Sources
  • Report Correction

Contact

  • Contact Page
© 2023 - 2026 Institute for Legislative Advocacy. All Rights Reserved.
Open Options