Senator Paul Rose

Spent my evening yesterday early voting with my beautiful wife!

The Senate has passed the Charlie Kirk Act to protect free speech and open debate on Tennessee’s college campuses.

I was proud to sponsor Senate Bill 1741, ensuring our public colleges and universities cannot disinvite or block speakers based on their viewpoints or political pressure. Higher education should be a place where ideas are challenged—not silenced.

This legislation requires institutions to adopt strong free speech protections, remain neutral on divisive issues, and safeguard the rights of students and faculty, including academic freedom, religious liberty, and conscience rights.

The Charlie Kirk Act reinforces Tennessee’s commitment to civil discourse, intellectual diversity, and the fundamental right to free expression.

Happy Easter!

Today, we celebrate the hope, renewal, and promise of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. As we gather with family and loved ones, we are reminded of the true meaning of this day.

May this Easter fill your hearts with peace, joy, and the assurance of God’s love and grace. Wishing you and your family a blessed and happy Easter Sunday!

I’m proud to have sponsored Senate Bill 2372, which the Senate has passed to better protect Tennesseans from the dangers of drink spiking. This legislation makes it a Class D felony to tamper with food, drinks, or medicine with the intent to intoxicate, harm, seriously injure, or kill another person—with penalties increasing based on the severity of the harm.

Drink spiking is a serious public safety threat and is too often linked to sexual assault. Studies show that one in five sexual assaults involve drink spiking, making stronger protections critical.

This bill also requires establishments that sell or sample alcoholic beverages to provide access to drug-testing devices, giving customers a quick way to check if their drink has been compromised.

We are taking meaningful steps to protect victims, hold offenders accountable, and make our communities safer.

Today, on Good Friday, we pause to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice made for each of us. It is a solemn reminder of the depth of God’s love, grace, and mercy.

This day calls us to humility, gratitude, and faith as we remember the meaning of the cross and the hope it brings to the world. Even in its sorrow, Good Friday points us toward redemption and the promise of new life.

As we spend time with family, friends, and our communities, may we carry forward a spirit of compassion, service, and unwavering faith.

Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed and meaningful Good Friday.

Proud to have introduced Binyam Dunne from the YMCA Center for Civic Engagement Youth in Government to speak on behalf of the program on the Senate floor.

Standing beside him are my granddaughter Ella, an alumna of the program, and my colleagues Senator Brent Taylor and Senator Ed Jackson, who are also alumni of their respective Youth in Government programs. It’s always encouraging to see young people learning about leadership and public service.

So thankful for the dedicated women and men serving our great state with the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

Their commitment to protecting and serving Tennesseans each day does not go unnoticed. Grateful for their service and sacrifice.

Great to participate in Read Across America with 2nd graders at Atoka Elementary School today during Read Across America Week.

Encouraging young students to develop a love for reading is always time well spent!

Enjoyed providing a legislative update at Dyersburg State Community College.

Grateful for the opportunity to share what’s happening at the Capitol and visit with students, faculty, and community members about the issues impacting West Tennessee.

Great to see former Tennessee State Representative Ed Haley and Arlington Vice Mayor Harry McKee in the Senate Chamber this past Monday. Always good to catch up with leaders who continue to serve their communities!