Tenn. Code Ann. § 4-6-141

The governor, in the governor's discretion, may at any time order an investigation by the department having control of the management of any penal, reformatory or charitable institution of the state, and, in making such investigation, the commissioner has the power to send for persons and papers, and to administer oaths and affirmations, and the report of such investigation, with the testimony, shall be made to the governor, and shall be submitted by the governor, with the governor's suggestions, to the general assembly.