Joey Hensley

Joey Hensley is an American politician currently serving as a Republican member of the Tennessee State Senate, representing District 28. He has been in office since January 8, 2013, following a decade of service in the Tennessee House of Representatives. Hensley has a background in medicine, having earned his medical degree and practiced as a physician. His legislative career has included a range of policy initiatives and controversies, reflecting his positions on various social and political issues.

Early life and career

Joey Hensley was born on July 28, 1955. He pursued higher education at Columbia State Community College, where he earned an Associate of Science degree. He continued his studies at the University of Memphis, obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree. Hensley then attended the University of Tennessee, where he completed his medical degree, becoming a practicing physician. His medical background has informed some of his legislative priorities and perspectives.

Before entering politics, Hensley built a career in medicine, which likely contributed to his understanding of health-related issues within the legislative context. His transition into politics began in the early 2000s when he sought election to the Tennessee General Assembly. In 2002, he successfully ran for the Tennessee House of Representatives, representing District 70. Hensley faced no opposition in the Republican primary and won the general election, marking the beginning of his political career.

Hensley served in the House from January 2003 until January 2013, during which time he was involved in various legislative activities and initiatives. His tenure in the House laid the groundwork for his subsequent election to the Senate, where he has continued to influence state policy.

Legislative service

In the 2012 election cycle, Hensley sought to transition from the House to the Senate, running for the open seat in District 28 after the retirement of Democratic Senator Jim Kyle. He won the Republican primary with a significant majority and subsequently secured victory in the general election, officially taking office in January 2013.

Throughout his legislative career, Hensley has introduced and supported a variety of bills, reflecting his political ideology and the interests of his constituents. Notably, he introduced a controversial bill in 2012 and 2013 aimed at prohibiting discussions of LGBT issues in schools, which was informally referred to as the "Don't Say Gay" bill. This legislation ultimately did not pass.

Hensley has also been involved in legislation concerning the rights of counselors and therapists. He cosponsored a bill that allowed these professionals to refuse to provide services to clients whose goals conflicted with their sincerely held religious beliefs. This bill was signed into law in April 2016, highlighting Hensley's focus on religious freedom issues.

In 2017, he introduced a bill that would categorize children conceived through artificial insemination as illegitimate, regardless of the marital status of the parents. This proposal drew significant attention and criticism. Additionally, he sponsored a bill requiring public universities to allow any invited speaker, which was named after right-wing commentator Milo Yiannopoulos.

Hensley's legislative actions have not been without controversy. In February 2020, he opposed the inclusion of female hygiene products in a state sales-tax holiday, expressing concerns about potential abuse of the program. His comments sparked discussions about women's health issues and the accessibility of necessary products.

In 2021, following a decision by a historical commission to remove a bust of Nathan Bedford Forrest from the state capitol, Hensley called for the dismissal of the commission members. This statement underscored his position on historical representation and the legacy of the Confederacy in Tennessee.

In 2022, Hensley introduced a bill that would classify individuals with enhanced handgun carry permits as members of law enforcement. This proposal faced opposition from the Tennessee State Lodge for the Fraternal Order of Police and was ultimately assigned to subcommittees that did not take action, effectively halting its progress.

Policy focus and district

Hensley's policy focus reflects a conservative Republican platform, with particular attention to issues related to social values, education, and gun rights. His legislative initiatives often align with the interests of his constituents in District 28, which encompasses a mix of urban and rural areas in Tennessee. Hensley's medical background informs his perspectives on health care policy, although specific health-related initiatives have not been highlighted in the available information.

As a member of the Tennessee Senate, Hensley has maintained a visible presence in state politics, engaging in debates and discussions on various legislative matters. His positions on social issues, particularly those related to LGBT rights and religious freedoms, have positioned him as a polarizing figure within the political landscape of Tennessee.

Hensley's personal life has also attracted attention, particularly regarding his marital history and legal issues. He has been married four times and has three children. In 2015, he introduced a bill related to property distribution in divorce cases, citing personal experiences as a motivation. His personal circumstances have occasionally intersected with his political career, influencing public perception.

In summary, Joey Hensley is a prominent figure in Tennessee politics, with a legislative career characterized by a commitment to conservative principles and a focus on issues relevant to his constituents. His tenure in the Tennessee General Assembly has seen a range of legislative efforts, reflecting both his professional background and personal experiences. As he continues to serve in the Senate, Hensley's influence on state policy remains significant.