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State Legislature Ends Deadlock Over TNReady Amendment

Posted at 7:46 PM, Apr 25, 2018
and last updated 2018-04-26 12:07:17-04

Tennessee lawmakers concluded their annual legislative session after being gridlocked over whether or not to move on a bill that would not hold teachers responsible for this year's TNReady results.

The Republican-led House and Senate adjourned late Wednesday night after passing legislation aimed to shield teachers from the recent student testing snafu. 

The session was expected to end Wednesday evening, but the house passed the resolution unanimously to hold teachers harmless from TNReady results. 

The move snagged in the senate, who didn't initially want to act. Representatives stand in opposition to the Department of Education and the governor who both wish to use the test results for next year.

Nashville representative Mike Stewart had strong words for senators, saying the goal is to protect teachers from impacts of the faltering TNReady system.

Earlier Wednesday, both chambers cleared legislation to require state and local law enforcement to detain immigrants for deportation at the request of federal officials without requiring warrants or probable cause.

The election year legislative session began in January. It marked the last annual session for House Speaker Beth Harwell, who is seeking the Republican nomination for governor, and Republican Gov. Bill Haslam, who faces term limits.