The Tennessee legislature approved Gov. Bill Lee's signature education initiative during a special legislative session.

Tennessee lawmakers on Thursday approved legislation drastically expanding the number of families who can use taxpayer money on private schools regardless of income, a long-sought victory for Republican Gov.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, who has criticized the federal government for "excessive overreach," said the U.S. Education Department should be eliminated during Donald Trump's second term as president. (Courtesy TN.gov) The House and the Senate passed the Education Freedom Act, legislation championed by Gov. Bill Lee.

Tennessee state senators have approved legislation that would punish officials who support sanctuary policies for immigrants. In addition, the bill that passed 26-7 Wednesday requires the Department of Public Safety to issue lawful permanent residents a temporary driver’s license instead of a standard license.