Tennessee’s lawmakers are gearing up for a special session this week, tackling two hot-button issues: stricter immigration policies and broader school voucher programs. It’s no coincidence these priorities mirror the conservative agenda championed by former President Trump.

The session, starting Monday afternoon, is set to address disaster aid alongside these controversial topics. Governor Bill Lee is pushing for tighter immigration enforcement, including a new government role to work directly with federal immigration authorities. He’s also reviving his plan to expand the use of public funds for private schools across the state.

This move signals how red states might double down on Trump’s policies now that he’s back in the White House. With Republican supermajorities in many Southern states, leaders are ready to roll out conservative measures without the pushback they faced under the Biden administration.

Experts note that this shift represents a significant change in tone. “During the Biden years, red states often clashed with federal policies,” one analyst explained. “Now, they’ve got a federal partner who’s fully on board with their goals.”

As the Tennessee legislature takes up these issues, it could set the stage for other conservative-led states to follow suit. The session kicks off in Nashville, where lawmakers will debate how far to go in reshaping immigration and education policies.

Stay tuned to see how this unfolds and what it could mean for the future of Tennessee—and beyond.