American politics are polarizing, but in no place are they more polarizing than in the Tennessee State House.

Two years ago, the Republican-ruled supermajority expelled two Democratic lawmakers after they led spectators in a chant “Gun control now!” and “No action, no peace!” The controversy was ignited by the Covenant School Shooting and Republican lawmakers’ failure to enact gun reform.

Since then, the divide has only deepened. But lawmakers on both sides of the aisle agree it's about more than expulsions.

In this episode of the Spirit of Bipartisanship, hosts Angie Lawless and Brandon Miller sit down with Republican Reps. Kevin Vaughan and Ryan Williams and Democratic Rep. Bo Mitchell to unpack the partisanship in Tennessee’s State House.

Tennessee Republican State House Rep. Jody Barrett is proposing legislation that would change the discharge process of individuals who are involuntarily committed to mental health facilities in Tennessee.

Under Barrett's bill, the CEO of an inpatient treatment facility would be required to notify the court when an individual is eligible for discharge. The court would hold a hearing and decide whether to release or return a patient. Currently, the courts are not notified.

Barrett says the legislation will provide much needed oversight and transparency in the discharge process. Those opposed argue these decisions should be made by medical professionals. They fear the court’s involvement could result in longer, unnecessary commitments.

In this episode of the Spirit of Bipartisanship, Angie Lawless and Brandon Miller sit down with Republican Rep. Jody Barrett and Democratic Rep. Harold Love to discuss this mental health legislation.

About the Spirit of Bipartisanship

The Spirit of Bipartisanship is designed to foster a dialogue between Democrat and Republican state lawmakers. It’s a special edition series of the Climbing the Charts podcast — a local podcast featured in the Tennessean and Nashville Scene.F

Each episode, co-hosts Angie Lawless and Brandon Miller bring representatives from opposing parties to the table for a deep dive on a single issue. The guests are challenged to find common ground.

17% of children in Tennessee face food insecurity. TN Democratic State House Rep. John Ray Clemmons proposed legislation to provide free school meals — breakfast and lunch — to all TN children regardless if they meet federal SNAP benefit requirements.

This isn’t the first time Clemmons has introduced this legislation. He’s brought this bill forward every year since 2018. It has yet to prevail.

In this episode of the Spirit of Bipartisanship, Angie Lawless and Brandon Miller sit down with Republicans Rep. Ron Travis and Rep. Todd Warner and Clemmons to discuss the legislation.