Update/Memo

This week marked the beginning of session for the Tennessee General Assembly. On Tuesday, January 14 at Noon, Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally and newly elected Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton officially gaveled in the second legislative season of the 111th General Assembly. State Representative Rusty Grills, this year’s lone new member in the General Assembly, was officially sworn in marking one of the first actions of the House. Rep. Grills was elected via Special Election in December to replace Representative Bill Sanderson of the 77th District who resigned from his seat in July, 2019.

Beginning the week of the 20th, committee meetings will be in full swing for both chambers, and the bill-filing deadline has been set as February 5th for the House, and February 6th for the Senate. Topics of interest this year include criminal justice reform, public education, and Governor Lee’s paid family leave policy. Additionally, Governor Lee will give his annual State of the State address on February 3rd, and Lt. Governor McNally has stated that he hopes to adjourn by Easter. We look forward to working with you this session.

Weekly Bill Tracker:  (View/Download/Print PDF)

Calendar Report
Week of Jan. 20, 2020

Tue 1/21/20 3:00pm – House Hearing Rm IV, House Business Subcommittee

MEMBERS: CHAIR R. Travis (R); J. Chism (D); C. Doggett (R); T. Hill (R); C. Hurt (R); D. Wright (R); G. Hardaway (D); J. Holsclaw, Jr. (R); T. Leatherwood (R)

1. HB859 Thompson D. GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION: Establishes the office of apprenticeship and work-study programs. Establishes the office of apprenticeship and work-study programs within the department of economic and community development. Requires the commissioner to appoint a director of the office, in consultation with THEC, the Tennessee board of regents, the department of education, and the department of labor. Requires the office to promote federally certified apprenticeship and work-study programs to assist industries that have needs for such programs and to establish industry consortiums in which the apprenticeship and work-study programs are organized by industry and where companies can participate to best meet their individual needs. Provides a tax credit to entities that participate in the programs. Reinstates certain apprenticeship programs for certain professional boards and commissions. 
Fiscal Note: (Dated March 11, 2019) Increase State Revenue Exceeds $253,300/FY19-20/Office of Apprenticeship Exceeds $243,300/FY20-21 and Subsequent Years/Office of Apprenticeship Increase State Expenditures $253,300/FY19-20/Office of Apprenticeship $243,300/FY20-21 and Subsequent Years/Office of Apprenticeship
SB941 – J. Yarbro – 04/16/19 – Senate Commerce & Labor Committee deferred to first calendar of 2020.
2. HB1108 Powell J. PROFESSIONS & LICENSURE: Repeals revocation of professional license for defaulting on student loans. Repeals revocations of professional licenses in cases where the revocation was the result of defaults on student loans. Requires reinstatement of licenses revoked or denied due to defaulting on repayment of student loans. 
Fiscal Note: (Dated February 4, 2019) NOT SIGNIFICANT SB 37
SB37 – B. Gilmore – 01/19/19 – Referred to Senate Commerce & Labor Committee.

Wed 1/22/20 11:00am – House Hearing Rm III, House Finance, Ways & Means Subcommittee

MEMBERS: CHAIR G. Hicks (R); J. Deberry Jr. (D); R. Tillis (R); R. Staples (D); L. Miller (D); A. Holt (R); D. Hawk (R); R. Gant (R); K. Camper (D); B. Ogles (R); S. Lynn (R); M. Hill (R); P. Hazlewood (R); S. Whitson (R)

4. HB1467 Daniel M. GOVERNMENT REGULATION: UAPA – effects administrative rules and regulations have on small businesses. Requires an agency to submit an estimate to the members of the government operations committees of the senate and the house of representatives prior to filing a rule or regulation with the secretary of state. Orders the estimate to include implementation costs incurred by all small businesses over three years, number of small businesses affected by the regulation, reasoning upon which the estimate is based and all information used in determining the estimate. Prohibits the agency from promulgating a regulation that will cost equal to or greater than $3,000,000, unless there is authorizing legislation or a germane modification to reduce costs below the $3,000,000 threshold. Does not apply to institutions of higher education, emergency rules, or regulations required by federal mandate. 
Amendment Summary: House Government Operations amendment 1 (005092) establishes that an agency must submit an estimate to the fiscal review committee between 60 and 90 days of filing a rule or regulation with the secretary of state, with the review from the fiscal review staff for accuracy. Declares that the fiscal review staff must review the estimate for accuracy, where after confirmation or modification, the executive director of the fiscal review committee will submit the estimate to the members of the government operations committees of the house and senate.  
Fiscal Note: (Dated February 16, 2019) Other Fiscal Impact Due to the uncertain complexity of the additional responsibilities and the extent to which certain agencies will be impacted, there may be additional state expenditures incurred in order to comply. Future interpretation or expansion of what is requested of agencies may result in the need to contract for services.
SB1329 – B. Watson – 02/11/19 – Referred to Senate Government Operations Committee.