A Tennessee Republican lawmaker who has been accused of sexual misconduct by three women has been tapped to lead a legislative education panel.
Newly elect House Speaker Glen Casada announced Thursday that Rep. David Byrd of Waynesboro will oversee the education subcommittee.
The change was part of sweeping changes Casada unveiled on Thursday to the House's committee system.
Byrd has been accused of sexual misconduct by three women when he was their high school basketball coach decades ago. Casada has been a strong defender of Byrd, often comparing the lawmaker's scrutiny to Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh and President Donald Trump.
Another key appointment in the House included naming Rep. Susan Lynn, a Republican from Mt. Juliet, to the Finance Committee.
Lynn will be the first woman to chair the panel.
