What will the Republican takeover of the General Assembly mean?

Several recent articles speculate on this:

Tom Humphrey at KnoxNews.com writes:

Despite past differences, the Legislature’s Republicans now appear united to assure that last week’s historic election victories translate into a wholesale shake-up of Tennessee’s political power base.

The shift in control of the state House to Republicans and solidifying of the GOP’s Senate strength also will open the door to multiple changes in state law, ranging from greater rights for gun owners to stronger restrictions on abortion.

There also may be ramifications on such policy matters as selection of judges and school superintendents, expansion of charter schools and damages awarded in lawsuits.

This, of course, is in addition to the selection of State Constitutional Officers, positions on County Election Commissions and the make-up on committees in the General Assembly. 

Richard Locker of CommercialAppeal.com writes:

Conservative proposals on abortion, immigration, guns, selection of judges, legal liability reform and education — all for years blocked by Democrats in committees — will have a fair shot at reaching floor votes.

At the top of that list for many grassroots Republicans is an anti-abortion state constitutional amendment long stymied in the House. It is designed to reverse a Tennessee Supreme Court ruling that the state constitution contains an even stronger right to privacy, and abortion rights, than the U.S. Constitution.

. . .

The most likely victim of the Republican political takeover is Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen, who had hopes of continued expansion of the voluntarily pre-kindergarten program he has championed. Most Republicans have opposed its expansion beyond “at risk” children, fearing it will become a costly entitlement.

Other high-profile issues that will be on the Republican agenda:

Allowing people with gun-carry permits to take their firearms into places that serve alcohol.

Medical malpractice and liability reform: The legislature last year approved a compromise law designed to eliminate malpractice lawsuits that have little chance of winning in court. But advocates have wanted stronger measures, including limits on damage awards, in malpractice and other liability lawsuits.

Election of Tennessee Supreme Court justices: Conservatives have charged that the state constitution’s provision that judges, including the five state Supreme Court justices, be elected is violated by the 15-year-old “Tennessee Plan” that provides for nomination of the justices by an appointed commission, appointment by the governor, with votes by the public only on whether to retain the justices in office.

Ramsey tried last year to give legislative leaders more control in the appointment of members of the judicial nominating commission.

Charter schools: Conservatives have been stymied in their attempts to broaden options for public charter schools to be created, using taxpayer funds for new schools that are governed by groups that “charter” them rather than local school boards.

Immigration: Ramsey said bills that require proof of citizenship and photo IDs in order to vote will likely pass.