House Speaker-select Cameron Sexton is asking the State Attorney General to issue an opinion on whether a member of the Legislature can be expelled for actions prior to their election.
The reference is to Rep. David Byrd, R-Waynesboro. Three former members of a high school team he coached claim he was involved in sexual misconduct.
Rep. Sexton said, “These allegations are serious, and this situation is complex and unprecedented.
The Tennessee House of Representatives has rules that govern our body, and we follow those rules.
"After consulting with Republican leadership, I am asking the Attorney General to formulate an opinion as to whether we can remove a member for potential misconduct prior to that member serving in the legislature. This will ensure due process, clarify any constitutionality questions raised, and guarantee we are operating within legal parameters because of the timeframe in which this alleged behavior occurred.”