Representative Barrett Rich

Rep. Rich Named Vice-Chairman of Government Operations Committee

admin — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 13:25:06 +0000

Representative Barrett Rich (R-Somerville) has been named Vice-Chairman of the House Government Operations Committee for the 107th General Assembly. Representative Rich, who was also elected by his colleagues to serve as Majority Whip, was also appointed to the Judiciary Committee. It is rare that a member of House Republican Leadership is also appointed to serve as a committee officer, but House Republican leaders noted they have confidence in Rich’s ability to lead.

“I am very honored to have been named Vice-Chairman of the Government Operations Committee,” said Rep. Rich. “I am committed to limited, efficient government, and this committee will be able to evaluate state government and make recommendations to make it better.”

The Government Operations Committee has several ongoing tasks. The committee is responsible for the periodic review of state agencies and of administrative rules and regulations. Any fundamental changes in the structure of state government must be reviewed by the Gov Op Committee. All legislation which creates, modifies, or terminates boards or commissions must be referred to this committee in addition to the original standing committee of reference.
Many bills referred to the House Judiciary Committee affect the civil law (including civil procedure, private and governmental civil liability, technical revisions in the Code); criminal law (including criminal procedure, criminal offenses and penalties, sentencing); property rights, estate law, wills, executors; law enforcement officers; courts (juvenile, municipal, state, personal courts); judges (compensation, expenses, retirement); judicial proceedings; reapportionment legislation. Many bills dealing with corrections and correctional facilities are referred to this committee.
Barrett Rich is serving his second term in the legislature. He represents District 94, which encompasses Fayette and part of Hardeman Counties.

Rep. Barrett Rich elected by Republican colleagues to serve as Whip

admin — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 01:32:59 +0000

State Representative Barrett Rich (R-Somerville) was elected Wednesday to serve the House Republican

Caucus in the Tennessee House of Representatives to the powerful position of Whip. Rich was chosen by his colleagues in a vote as the group met to organize their business in Nashville for the 107th General Assembly.

“I am looking forward to serving the House Republicans on leadership,” said Rep. Rich. “As Whip, I will be responsible for communicating leadership’s message to the caucus, and serve as the coordinator for the Caucus Campaign Committee. I am humbled and honored that my colleagues have entrusted this responsibility to me.”

“We appreciate Rep. Rich’s hard work on the behalf of our Caucus, and I certainly look forward to having him around the leadership table,” said Representative Beth Harwell, who was elected as the caucus’ nominee for

House Speaker. “He is a man of great integrity who will serve our caucus and this state extremely well.”

In other action, the caucus elected the positions below.

Judd Matheny,Speaker Pro-Tempore

Gerald McCormick, Majority Leader

Debra Maggart, Caucus Chairman

Vince Dean, Floor Leader

Kevin Brooks, Assistant Majority Leader

Ryan Haynes, Caucus Vice-Chairman

Tony Shipley, Secretary

Joey Hensley, Treasurer

Mark White, Assistant Floor Leader

The legislative session is scheduled to begin at high noon on Tuesday,

January 11th.

Republicans present voter protection measure and military voting bill in House subcommittee

admin — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 02:15:16 +0000

A bill that will protect the voting process from fraud and abuse was presented in the House Election Subcommittee this week. House Bill 270 will require that voter registration forms carry a disclaimer that clarifies giving false information to register to vote carries a criminal penalty, and also requires that the applicant affirm that they are lawfully in the United States. An amendment was offered, and the bill was discussed by the committee. It is expected to be up for a vote next week.

Another measure presented in the House Elections Subcommittee would make it easier for troops overseas to vote absentee. House Bill 2799 would allow election commissions to email ballots that troops could then print and return by mail. Currently, election administrators mail the ballots overseas and do not utilize electronic means.

The legislation hit a roadblock in the Elections Subcommittee last year, as the bill failed on a party line vote. Republicans were outraged, arguing that the state should do all it can to ensure the votes of our brave men and women serving overseas count.

The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) and the Pew Research Center for People and Press reports that one-third of states do not allow enough time for overseas voters, listing Tennessee as one of 16 states that sent ballots after the date necessary for voters to meet deadlines. Last year, at least seven states enacted legislation to authorize some form of electronic transmission. The committee will vote on the bill next week.

Tennessee Right to Life Endorses Rich for State House

admin — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 04:54:35 +0000

(Nashville) The state’s oldest and largest prolife organization announced its official endorsement of candidate Barrett Rich for the 94th district state House seat. Speaking on behalf of the organization, Tennessee Right to Life president Brian Harris joined with other affiliate leaders to make the public announcement.

“With the election of Barrett Rich, voters in Fayette, Hardeman and Tipton counties have a unique opportunity to continue a legacy of principled prolife leadership from the 94th district,” said Harris. “Based on Barrett’s active involvement with Tennessee Right to Life, we know that he is the natural candidate to represent those prolife convictions in Nashville.” Click here for more info…