After thoroughly reviewing the merits of each case, I have decided to grant 33 individuals executive clemency,” said Governor Lee.

This year, the state declined federal participation and instead, ran a much smaller state-only pilot program — reaching only 18,000 children in 15 rural Tennessee counties, with each family receiving a one-time payment of $120.

At a Dec. 8 press conference in Nashville, leaders noted that Pope Leo XIV — as well as his predecessors St. John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis — has expressed opposition to the death penalty.

Top Republican leaders announced a partnership between Tennessee and Turning Point USA last week, but Gov. Bill Lee says there's no formal plan.