Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti’s office hasn’t yet responded to an official request for a legal opinion sent seven months ago by Rep. Justin Jones, D-Nashville, though the office technically serves as legal representation for state lawmakers.
Democrats have decried what they call an increasing “politicization” of the Attorney General’s office, which has the statutory authority to publish legal opinions on behalf of the office’s clients, such as the governor and elected state House and Senate members.
Last week, Jones confronted Skrmetti about his request, sent last May regarding the use of public funds spent in the wake of a lawmaker harassment probe. Jones said the AG’s office has not responded to the request. Rep. Vincent Dixie, D-Nashville, also requested an opinion earlier this year on a new House ticketing policy.
The Attorney General’s office has statutory authority to issue official opinions, which essentially act as attorney advice, to its clients at their request. It is not unusual that Skrmetti’s office would issue more opinions for Republicans, given the GOP’s supermajority in the Tennessee General Assembly and Republican Gov. Bill Lee’s administration.