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TN Politics: Lawmakers Hope to "Deal With" COVID, but Not through Vaccines or Masks

As the federal government orders companies of 100 employees or more to require vaccinations, Tennessee Republicans consider calling a special session to "deal with" efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Last week Tennessee was No. 1 in the country per capita for new COVID infections and dozens are dying each day statewide.

Political analyst Otis Sanford says state lawmakers hope to find legal means to get around local and federal efforts to improve public safety during the pandemic.

A federal judge in Shelby County has temporarily upheld an injunction against Gov. Bill Lee's executive order allowing students to go unmasked in public schools.

Also this week, lawmakers begin discussion on cash bail — whether to keep or end it — as a matter of criminal justice reform.