Introducing the Caucus Corner

A Letter from the Chair

Dear Friends,

I am thrilled to welcome you to Caucus Corner, the official newsletter of the Tennessee Senate Democratic Caucus. This newsletter is your direct line to the work we are doing on Capitol Hill and across our great state on behalf of Tennessee families.

During the legislative session, you can count on Caucus Corner landing in your inbox every Friday with the latest updates from the Hill. Each edition will bring you a front-row seat to the bills we’re championing, the fights we’re leading, and the progress we’re making in committee rooms and on the Senate floor. From healthcare and education to affordable housing and criminal justice reform, we want you to know exactly where your Democratic senators stand—and what we’re doing to move Tennessee forward.

When the legislature is out of session, we’re not slowing down, and neither is this newsletter. Look for seasonal editions throughout the summer, fall, and winter, spotlighting the good news and recent accomplishments from each of our caucus members. Whether it’s a senator hosting a community health fair, securing new investments for a local school district, or leading the charge on an issue that matters to working families, you’ll hear about it here.

We created Caucus Corner because we believe transparency and connection are the foundation of good governance. The people of Tennessee deserve to know what their elected officials are fighting for every single day. Our caucus may be small, but our resolve is mighty—and every member brings passion, purpose, and a deep love for the communities they serve.

So whether you’re a longtime supporter, a new subscriber, or someone just looking to stay informed, welcome. We’re glad you’re here. Share this newsletter with a neighbor, a friend, or anyone who cares about the future of our state.

Together, we are building a Tennessee that works for all of us.

With gratitude and purpose,

Senator London Lamar

Chairwoman, Tennessee Senate Democratic Caucus

Tennessee State Senate, District 33 • Memphis

Weekly Recap

A mother’s fight for justice inspires a bill giving parents the right to challenge suicide rulings

• In 2023, 29-year-old April Holt was found dead with a plastic bag taped around her neck in her Antioch apartment. Her husband told responding officers it was self-inflicted, and Metro Police ruled it a suicide.

• But Jamie Dickerson, the victim’s mother, knew something wasn't right. When she pressed officials to reopen the investigation, she faced a roadblock to get the suicide ruling reviewed: under Tennessee law, only the “next of kin” — typically a spouse — can challenge a suicide ruling. As a parent, Dickerson was no longer "next of kin."

• For ten months, Dickerson combed through investigation reports until she found the evidence: the only fingerprints on the bag and tape belonged to April’s husband. He confessed, and he's now in prison for reckless homicide.

• Last summer, Dickerson began fighting for change in the state legislature so no parent would have to endure what she went through. 

• That’s why Sen. London Lamar filed Senate Bill 1597, to ensure parents are always considered "next of kin" for challenging suicide rulings — giving them independent standing to request medical examiner meetings, seek reconsideration, and access death certificates. 

• On Feb. 23, the Senate voted 30-1 in favor of the bill. The House of Representatives will take up the bill next.

Sen. Kyle's bill eliminates paperwork for some seniors getting state property tax relief

• Senate Bill 1326, by Sen. Sara Kyle of Memphis, would make it easier for some low-income seniors to reapply for the state’s property tax relief program.

• This legislation waives the “verifying documentation” requirement for a taxpayer who is 80 years of age or older and has received property tax relief for the preceding five consecutive years. 

• The legislation requires state officials to develop a simplified reapplication process for qualifying taxpayers who must establish that their income does not exceed the participation limit.

• On Feb. 26, the Senate passed this common-sense reform for low-income seniors by a vote of 32-0. The House will take up the bill next.

Democrats propose reform after Tenn. woman denied care for being unmarried

• Democratic lawmakers introduced the Maternal Health Care Protection Act this week to prevent discrimination by health care providers after a Jonesborough, Tenn. woman was denied care in 2025 because she was unmarried.

• House Bill 2523 / Senate Bill 2510, the Maternal Health Care Protection Act, is sponsored by Rep. Aftyn Behn and Sen. Charlane Oliver. 

• Tennessee has the worst maternal mortality rate in the nation. Denying prenatal care based on marital status puts both mothers and babies at risk.

Senate approves bill to protect pregnant women after viral videos showed women in active labor turned away from hospitals

• Last year,  Sen. London Lamar saw viral videos showing mothers in active labor being denied care at hospitals in Texas and Indiana. After being turned away, one of the women in the videos was forced to give birth on the side of the road.

• With Tennessee’s restrictive and confusing reproductive health care laws, Sen. Lamar knew we needed to take action to prevent a similar situation from happening in the Volunteer State. 

• Last month, she filed Senate Bill 1681requiring that hospitals appropriately care for pregnant women experiencing emergency medical conditions or active labor. 

• Sen. Lamar included this legislation on her maternal health agenda seeking to correct Tennessee’s worst-in-the-nation maternal mortality rate.

• after 

• On Feb. 26, the Tennessee Senate passed the bill on a 26-6 vote. The next vote on the bill will be in a committee of the House of Representatives. 

Member Spotlight

Senator London Lamar

On Feb. 21, the Senate Democratic Caucus hosted the second stop of its statewide Affordability Tour in Memphis. Senators are crossing the state to advocate for policies that cut costs for working families. They’re also using these stops to connect citizens in need with local organizations focused on their communities' economic well-being. In Memphis, more than100 people attended the tour to visit with Caucus Chairwoman Lamar, Sen. Kyle, and other local officials. Community partners connected with residents in need, offering health and medical services, on-site expungement services, utility assistance, employment help services, and more.

Senator Sara Kyle

This week, Sen. Kyle met 8Ball, half of the legendary hip hop duo from Orange Mound in Memphis.  8Ball was at the state capital as part of “Memphis Day on the Hill.” Sen. Kyle enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about his collaboration with Cxffee Black and how state legislators can support small and Black-owned businesses.

Senator Charlane Oliver

On Feb. 25, Sen. Oliver met with Tennessee State University leaders for “TSU Day on the Hill.” University President Dwayne Tucker, the Student Government Association leadership, and Mr. and Miss TSU were all in attendance to highlight the exciting developments happening at Big Blue. In her remarks, Sen. Oliver celebrated TSU's continued growth and momentum.

Upcoming Events

The Tennessee Affordability Tour is coming to Chattanooga and Knoxville in March! This multi-city tour has already stopped in Memphis and Nashville, providing access to government agencies and nonprofit partners who can help make life just a little bit more affordable. To register for either stop or the table, please click here. Refreshments will be provided. We hope to see you there!