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HB 1532

General Assembly - As introduced, upon the request of an immediate family member of a deceased member or former member of the general assembly, requires the governor and the speakers of the senate and house of representatives to allow the deceased member or former member to lie in state at the state capitol building for a specified period of time not to exceed the entire day; authorizes the governor and speakers to permit such deceased member to lie in state upon their own initiative if such deceased member does not have an immediate family member. - Amends TCA Title 3, Chapter 1 and Title 4.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Larry Miller

HB 1532 authorizes Tennessee to allow deceased legislators to lie in state at the capitol for up to one day upon family request or gubernatorial/speaker initiative.

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Bill Summary · HB 1532

Legislative bill overview

HB 1532 establishes a formal process allowing deceased members or former members of Tennessee's General Assembly to lie in state at the state capitol building. Family members can request this honor for up to one full day, and the governor and legislative speakers can authorize it on their own initiative if no family requests it.

Why is this important

Lying in state is a significant ceremonial honor traditionally reserved for high-ranking public officials and represents official state recognition of service. This bill creates clear statutory authority and procedures for what was likely previously handled on an ad-hoc basis, ensuring consistent treatment and preventing disputes about eligibility or process.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and resource allocation: The bill doesn't address who pays for security, facility preparation, or related expenses during the lying in state period
  • Definition ambiguity: "Immediate family member" is not defined in the bill summary, potentially creating disputes about who has standing to request the honor
  • Discretionary authority concerns: Giving the governor and speakers unilateral authority to honor deceased members without family request could raise questions about favoritism or political considerations
  • Precedent expansion: This could establish expectations for similar honors for other state officials or employees, with broader budgetary implications

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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