Bill Lee: “This budget shows that. A 16 percent cut is outrageous.”

Carrying out a lawfully imposed sentence is among the State’s most serious responsibilities, and the people of Tennessee expect it to be done in a manner that is not only legal and constitutional, but is effective.

It’s a tragedy, and it’s deeply disturbing that that has happened in this state. The people deserve better than that.

The people of Tennessee have determined that the death penalty is the appropriate penalty for the most heinous crimes in the state.

I have ordered a pause on all executions for the remainder of the year.