America Forward — Democratic Platform Scorecard
AMERICA FORWARD
U.S. Cong. RanksState Ranksionicons-v5-aStatistical Dataionicons-v5-aBuild Your Own PlatformAboutionicons-v5-a
Steve Southerland — Republican State Senator for Tennessee District 9 (official headshot)

Steve Southerland Voting Record & Scorecard | National Democrat Platform

TN Senator

District: 9 • Republican

2025 DEM Alignment:

80.77%

Lifetime Alignment:

76.12%

View Member History

Voting Alignment with DEM Platform – by Chapter

Click Icon to Filter Table

Sen. Steve Southerland (R-TN-9) earned a 81% National Democrat Platform score for 2025, showing strong alignment with Democratic Party Platform principles. Steve Southerland voted on 52 of the 57 substantive bills scored by Dem Platform in 2025. Across 3 years rated, Steve Southerland's lifetime Dem Platform score averages 76%, with 151 votes recorded across 169 scored bills. Steve Southerland represents the 9th District in the Tennessee State Senate.

Title

Lawmaker Position

HB 1133Senate 20251x

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

Against 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 1143Senate 20251x

Protecting Tennesseans from Higher Utility Costs by Ensuring Natural Gas is Designated as a "Clean Energy" if a Locality Imposes an Energy Mandate on a Public Utility.

With DEMs
This bill stipulates that any political subdivision that imposes requirements or expectations related to the type of energy use by a public utility must include certain sources of energy as permissible sources or clean, green, or renewable energy, regardless of the political subdivision''s own energy classifications. Under the bill, solar energy, hydropower, nuclear power, natural gas, fuel cells, geothermal energy, biomass, and more energy sources must be accepted as a source of clean, green, or renewable energy. A number of state and local governments across the country have imposed "clean energy" mandates on utility companies which unnecessarily drive-up consumer costs in order to advance a politized environmental agenda. 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.
HB 1157Senate 20251x

Promoting Medical Freedom and Government Transparency by Limiting the Dissemination of Misleading Health Information by Public Agencies.

With DEMs
This bill enacts the "Restore Trust in Public Health Messaging Act," prohibiting department of health, commissioner of health, a local health department, and the state executive branch from directly or indirectly promoting, distributing, or endorsing information regarding an FDA-regulated product in a manner that conflicts with or does not accurately reflect the FDA-approved or FDA-authorized label for such product. The bill clarifies the different between "FDA-approved" and "FDA-authorized" and prohibits the use of grants or public funds to disseminate information that violates these provisions. For example, government agencies may not distribute information that "implies that safety or effectiveness has been established for coadministration of the vaccine, mask, or emergency use authorized product when adequately powered and well-controlled clinical trials needed to substantiate such representations have not been completed." Under the bill, disseminated information must be universally true for all products with the related products general category or type and provide the necessary qualification and disclaimers. It is not the proper role of government to propagate certain medical services or treatments. Instead, the free market should be allowed to advocate for products and grant individuals the freedom to choose what services or treatments they wish to obtain.
HB 1162Senate 20251x

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

With 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 132Senate 20251x

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

With 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 1330Senate 20251x

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

With 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 1332Senate 20251x

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

With 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. 8)(Motion to Defeat)Senate 20251x

Blocking an Effort to Weaken Educational Outcomes and Attack School Choice by Redirecting Over $145 Million of Educational Freedom Scholarship Funding to Public Schools.

With DEMs
Lay on the table (defeat) the Yarbro amendment 8 to an underlying bill making appropriations for fiscal years beginning in 2024 and 2025. This amendment redirects over $145 million in funding slated for the Education Freedom Scholarship Program to the state public schools. Additionally, the amendment earmarks $198 million initially allocated for the Career Ladder program to provide one-time bonuses of $2,000 to each K-12 teacher employed at a public school. 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 331Senate 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 6004Senate 20251x

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

Against 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 62Senate 20251x

Expanding Access to Healthcare and Lowering Costs by Allowing Athletic Trainers to Administer Dry Needling.

With DEMs
This bill allows athletic trainers to use dry needling to carry out the practice of preventing, managing, and treating athletic injuries. The trainer must complete required training before practicing dry needling.
HB 622Senate 20251x

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

With 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 64Senate 20251x

Strengthening Safety and Privacy in Residential Education Programs by Requiring Use of Restrooms, Changing Areas, and Showers by Biological Sex (Male or Female).

With DEMs
Geared towards summer camps and pre-college programs. This bill protects the privacy of minors by requiring all residential education programs in the state that allow minors access to residential facilities or allow minors to stay overnight in residential facilities must segregate restrooms, changing areas, and showers by biological sex. This applies to programs at private schools or higher education institutions.
HB 65Senate 20251x

Worsening Cronyism by Allowing the City of Brentwood to Enter into a Public-Private Partnership for Sport Facility Development.

Against DEMs
This bill allows a city incorporated under a city manager-commission charter to contract with a private entity to develop, construct, manage, and operate an indoor or outdoor sports facility. Under the bill, the city must have a bond rating of AAA (i.e., City of Brentwood) issued by a national recognized statistical rating organization. It is solely the role of the free market - not the government - to develop and construct recreational facilities.
HB 749Senate 20251x

Strengthening National Security by Providing that Driver''s Licenses Issued by Other States to Illegal Immigrants are Invalid.

With DEMs
This bill invalidates certain out-of-state driver licenses that are issued exclusively to illegal aliens, creating a class B misdemeanor for those violating the provisions of this bill. 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.
HB 888Senate 20251x

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

With 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 1084Senate 20251x

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

With 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 1143Senate 20251x

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

With 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 1274Senate 20251x

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

Against 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 128Senate 20251x

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

With 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 1310Senate 20251x

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

With 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 1360Senate 20251x

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

With 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 1377Senate 20251x

Improving the State''s Business Climate and Enhancing Opportunities for Independent Contractors by Allowing Businesses to Voluntarily Contribute to a "Portable Benefit Plan".

With DEMs
This bill allows a public or private entity to voluntarily contribute funds to a portable benefit plan as a form of compensation to an independent contractor, without affecting the worker''s employment classification. The bill defines a "portable benefit plan" as a benefit plan administered by a third-party that is chosen by a self-employed worker and includes health insurance, unemployment insurance, disability insurance, life insurance, and retirement benefits. This bill protects employment opportunities and allows companies to maintain flexibility and low consumer costs by ensuring independent contracting remains a viable and competitive option in the workforce.
SB 1379Senate 20251x

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

Against 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 1414Senate 20251x

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

Against 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 221Senate 20251x

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

With 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 227Senate 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.

With 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 263Senate 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.

With 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 27Senate 20251x

Limiting Government Overreach and Reducing Governor Emergency Authority by Prohibiting Emergency Powers that Violate the State Constitution.

With DEMs
This bill adds to existing law to clarify that while the governor may suspend certain parts of a law, order, rule, or regulation under the governor''s emergency management powers, such powers may not conflict with, suspend, or oppose the state constitution.
SB 282Senate 20251x

Strengthening Individual Liberties and Medical Freedom by Providing the "Right to Try" Individualized Investigative Treatments to Treat Severe of Life-Threatening Illnesses.

With DEMs
This bill, the "Individualized Investigational Treatment Act," allows manufacturers to provide drugs, biological products, or devices that are unique to and produced exclusively for use for an individual patient, based on the patient''s own genetic profile, known an individualized investigative treatment. Under the bill, patients who have a life-threatening or severely debilitating illness and has considered all other treatment options currently approved by the FDA may request an individualized investigative treatment. The bill prohibits a licensing board from retaliating against a healthcare provider based solely on the provider''s recommendation of an individual investigative treatment to an eligible patient and prevents any state official or agent from blocking (or attempting to block) an eligible patient''s access to such treatments. While the bill does prohibit a patient''s heirs from being held liable for outstanding debt related to the treatment if the patient dies while be treated, overall, this measure strengthens individual liberties and medical freedom by ensuring patients and their doctors - not government bureaucrats - are the ones making decisions over treatment and healthcare.
SB 351Senate 20251x

Preventing Wealth Redistribution by Prohibiting Localities from Establishing "Guaranteed Income Programs".

With DEMs
This bill prohibits localities in the state from adopting or enforcing any guaranteed income program. Under the bill, a "guaranteed income program" is a program in which an individual is issued an unconditional cash payment on a regular basis to be used for any purpose by the individual. Guaranteed income programs increase government dependency and wealth redistribution and run contrary to the limited government principles of the U.S. Constitution. 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.
SB 376Senate 20251x

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

With 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 392Senate 20251x

Strengthening State and National Security by Criminalizing Transporting or Harboring Illegal Immigrants Through the New Offense of "Human Smuggling".

With DEMs
This bill creates the crime of harboring, hiding, or concealing an individual that a person knows to be illegally in the United States. Specifically, the bill establishes an offense of "human smuggling" for knowingly transporting, concealing, harboring, or shielding from detection an individual who is illegally in the country with the intent to conceal the person from law enforcement for commercial advantage or private financial gain. The offense of human smuggling under the bill is a Class E felony, however, the bill stipulates that the smuggling of a victim who is younger than 13 years old at the time of the offense is a Class A felony. The bill clarifies that human smuggling does not constitute a human trafficking offense.
SB 419Senate 20251x

Protecting Life by Raising the Maximum Compensation for Wrongful Death of an Unborn Child Through Abortion-Inducing Drugs from $1 to $5 Million.

With DEMs
This bill increases the maximum compensation for cases of the wrongful death of an unborn child when an abortion-inducing drug is sent directly to a patient by a defendant via courier, delivery, or mail service in violation of current law. Under current law, the maximum compensation for noneconomic damages suffered by an injured plaintiff is set at $750,000, $1 million if the "injury or loss is catastrophic in nature." This bill specifically exempts the wrongful death of an unborn child caused by abortion-inducing drugs from these limits, setting the statutory amount of $5 million in compensatory damages. All abortions are tragedies and every child deserves the right to life.
SB 44Senate 20251x

Increasing Government Dependency by Expanding Medicaid to Include Coverage of Doula Services.

Against DEMs
This bill expands the state''s Medicaid system, TennCare, to include coverage of doula services. This measure further increases government dependency under a state system that already provides substantial benefits due to its expansion under Obamacare. Lawmakers should work to reduce barriers for the private sector (through charitable endeavors) to direct aid and assistance to those that truly need it, not expand ineffective welfare systems.
SB 449Senate 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 480Senate 20251x

Strengthening Property Rights by Restricting the Use of Eminent Domain to Seize Blighted Properties.

With DEMs
This bill limits the ability of localities to seize property via eminent domain by replacing the current definition of "blighted area" with a limited "blighted property." Under the bill, property owners have the right to have a court determine if the taking of property using eminent domain is to "remediate blight and resell the property." The bill also limits the acquisition of property via eminent domain by a housing authority or community development agency to acquiring blighted property or property for public use. While the bill gives housing authorities powers to establish Tax Increment Financing Zones and the ability to acquire blighted properties through sales, overall, this measure serves as a step in the right direction to strengthening property rights. Eminent domain should only be utilized as a measure of last resort and for cases of significant general societal benefit.
SB 525Senate 20251x

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

With 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 6002Senate 20251x

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

With 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 626Senate 20251x

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

With 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 670Senate 20251x

Strengthening Property Rights by Easing Burdensome Regulations on Isolated Wetlands.

With 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 674Senate 20251x

Preventing Local Government Overreach by Declaring the General Assembly Has Sole Authority to Regulate Employment.

With DEMs
This bill declares that the general assembly preempts and occupies the entire field of regulating the terms and conditions of employment. Under the bill, a locality, agency, or department shall not adopt or enforce any rules or regulations that exceeds or conflicts with state or federal law concerning employment. 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 690Senate 20251x

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

With 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 734Senate 20251x

Increasing Taxation and the Growth of Government by Extending by 6 Years a Local Tax on Hotels for Wasteful Tourism Promotion Initiatives.

Against DEMs
This bill extends the sunset date from 2020 to 2026 of a law authorizing Davidson County to charge an additional $0.50 privilege tax on the occupancy of a hotel room to fund tourism promotion. All state and local tax codes should be constructed in a broadly applied manner with the lowest rates possible for everyone. Additionally, it is not the proper role of government to fund tourism promotion and taxpayer funds should not be utilized to advance government-favored industries.
SB 7 (House Amd. 1)Senate 20251x

Slightly Strengthening Property Rights by Limiting the Authority of the Tennessee Historical Commission to Regulate Real Property.

With DEMs
This bill limits the authority of the Tennessee historical commission (and other relevant entities) from regulating the renovation, alteration, or demolition of improved public or private property that is not listed on the state register of historic places. Under the bill, if property has been considered for placement on the register and denied, or has not been provided with any protection, grant, or other benefits associated with being on the register of historic places, the commission is prohibited from regulating or taking "adverse action" against the owner of the property. While it is not the proper role of government to promote the preservation of properties it deems "historic," this measure serves as a step in the right direction to strengthen property rights and prevent local government overreach.
SB 827Senate 20251x

Reducing a Barrier to School Choice by Ensuring Private Online Schools are Not Subjected to the Class Size or Vaccination Requirements of Public Schools.

With DEMs
This bill prohibits the state board of education from requiring a private school that provides a fully online, self-paced educational program and meets certain accreditation requirements from complying with listed conditions. Under the bill, eligible private schools do not have to comply with class size mandates, meet the minimum number of instructional days or instructional hours per school day, or adhere to vaccination requirements applied to public schools.
SB 836Senate 20251x

Discouraging Illegal Immigration by Allowing Public Schools to Charge Students Tuition if They Are Unable to Prove Lawful Residence in the Country.

With DEMs
This bill allows LEAs and public charter schools to elect not to enroll the student without the student or the parent or guardian of the student paying tuition, if the student is unable to provide necessary documentation to prove they are legally residing in the country. Lawmakers must eliminate all incentives that may encourage illegal immigration, including taxpayer-funded benefits surrounding housing, education, and other welfare programs.
SB 880Senate 20251x

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

With 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 931Senate 20251x

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

Against 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 937Senate 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.

With 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.
Loading more bills…

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sen. Steve Southerland's voting record?

Sen. Steve Southerland (R-TN-9) earned a 81% National Democrat Platform score for 2025, showing strong alignment with Democratic Party Platform principles. Steve Southerland voted on 52 of the 57 substantive bills scored by Dem Platform in 2025. Across 3 years rated, Steve Southerland's lifetime Dem Platform score averages 76%, with 151 votes recorded across 169 scored bills. Steve Southerland represents the 9th District in the Tennessee State Senate.

How aligned is Steve Southerland with Democratic Party Platform principles?

Steve Southerland earned a 81% National Democrat Platform score in 2025, showing strong alignment with Democratic Party Platform principles.

What is Steve Southerland's Dem Platform score?

Steve Southerland has a 81% Dem Platform score for 2025. Across 3 years rated, Steve Southerland's lifetime average is 76%.

Where does Steve Southerland serve?

Sen. Steve Southerland (R-TN-9) represents the 9th District in the Tennessee State Senate as a Republican.

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