Update/Memo
Last week, Gov. Bill Lee gave his second State of the State address, announcing his administration’s proposed budget & investments in major areas, including education and mental health. Gov. Lee announced a $250M endowment aimed at improving mental health in K-12 education, along with over $100M set aside for pay raises for Tennessee’s teachers. He renewed his call for criminal-justice reform (expanding recovery courts and improving occupational licensing requirements to aid those leaving prison). Overall, the budget proposal totals $40.8B, a state record. In General Assembly news, the bill-filing deadlines for the House and Senate have passed. More than 1,500 bills were filed, down from ~1,800 in 2019. The assembly has begun the budgetary process; committees are hearing department budgets. As always, please do not hesitate to contact us with any issues or concerns regarding any legislation.
Weekly Bill Tracker: (View/Download/Print PDF)
Calendar Report
Week of Feb. 10, 2020
Mon 2/10/20 2:00pm – House Hearing Rm I, House Government Operations Committee
HEADER: The committee will have hearings by Commissioner Penny Schwinn with the TN Department of Education and by Commissioner Stuart McWhorter with the TN Department of Finance & Administration. MEMBERS: CHAIR M. Daniel (R); VICE CHAIR I. Rudder (R); M. Littleton (R); G. Johnson (D); J. Faison (R); M. Stewart (D); J. Reedy (R); J. Ragan (R); W. Lamberth (R); J. Lafferty (R); D. Howell (R); G. Hardaway (D); C. Halford (R); B. Dunn (R); K. Camper (D); K. Calfee (R)
| 2. | HB1951 Daniel M. | GOVERNMENT REGULATION: UAPA – rulemaking hearings by state agencies. Requires state agencies to hold rulemaking hearings when promulgating proposed administrative rules that may affect a person’s rights. Senate Status: 02/06/20 – Introduced in the Senate House Status: 02/06/20 – Set for House Government Operations Committee 02/10/20. Meetings: Mon 2/10/20 2:00pm – House Hearing Rm I, House Government Operations Committee; SB2322 – K. Roberts – 02/06/20 – Introduced in the Senate |
Mon 2/10/20 4:30pm – Senate Chamber, Senate Consent 2
| 1. | SB1625 Briggs R. | TAXES PROPERTY: Revisions to the property tax appeal process. Removes language that prohibits taxpayers in certain counties from filing an appeal directly with the state board of equalization. Specifies that any additional tax due following an appeal will accrue interest from the delinquency rate at the composite prime rate published by the federal reserve board minus two points. Makes other revisions to the property tax appeal process. Fiscal Note: (Dated January 27, 2020) NOT SIGNIFICANT Senate Status: 02/06/20 – Set for Senate Consent 2 02/10/20. House Status: 02/06/20 – Set for House Local Committee 02/12/20. Meetings: Tue 2/4/20 10:30am – Senate Hearing Rm I, Senate State & Local Government Committee; Tue 2/4/20 4:30pm – House Hearing Rm IV, House Property & Planning Subcommittee; Wed 2/12/20 2:00pm – House Hearing Rm I, House Local Committee; Mon 2/10/20 4:30pm – Senate Chamber, Senate Consent 2; HB1813 – J. Crawford – 02/06/20 – Set for House Local Committee 02/12/20. |
Tue 2/11/20 9:00am – House Hearing Rm I, House Health Committee
MEMBERS: CHAIR B. Terry (R); VICE CHAIR E. Helton (R); R. Williams (R); P. Sherrell (R); R. Smith (R); J. VanHuss (R); K. Vaughan (R); S. Whitson (R); J. Clemmons (D); B. Freeman (D); B. Ramsey (R); M. White (R); J. Sexton (R); L. Miller (D); T. Leatherwood (R); D. Byrd (R); B. Cooper (D); V. Dixie (D); R. Gant (R); M. Hall (R); M. Hill (R); D. Jernigan (D); S. Kumar (R)
| 2. | HB741 Hill M. | HEALTH CARE: References to insurance and banking committee of the house. Corrects a reference to the insurance and banking committee of the house of representatives by replacing it with a reference to the insurance committee of the house of representatives. Broadly captioned. Amendment Summary: House Public Health Subcommittee amendment 1 (005163) rewrites the bill. Creates the Rural Health Care Task Force to assess the impact of administrative rules on access to health care in rural areas of this state, with particular emphasis on any effects administrative rules might have on rural health clinics (RHCs) and federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and make recommendations for improving access to health care in rural areas. Establishes that the Task Force must consist of 13 members, 6 of which are to be legislative members. Establishes that non-legislative members of the Task Force will serve without compensation or reimbursement for expenses. Authorizes the Task Force chairman to obtain assistance from appropriate state agencies. Requires the Task Force to include an examination of eight specific items outlined in the amendment in its assessment and recommendations. Requires the Task Force to report their findings and recommendations for improving access to health care in rural areas through the administrative rulemaking process by the Bureau of TennCare and other administrative agencies of this state, to the Governor and the General Assembly no later than February 1, 2020, at which time the Task Force terminates. Establishes that any rule filed with the Secretary of State pursuant to this part on or after the effective date, but before February 1, 2020, that pertains to reimbursements or payments to RHCs, FQHCs and federally qualified health center lookalikes filed with the office of the Secretary of State on January 29, 2019, expires on the effective date of this Act and is void and no effect. Requires the Department of Finance and Administration Division of TennCare rule regarding reimbursement for RHCs, FQHCs and federally qualified health center lookalikes filed with the office of the Secretary of State on January 19, 2019, expires on the effective date of this Act and is void and no effect. Requires the Department of Finance and Administration and the Bureau of TennCare to ensure that interim payments are continued to all RHCs, FQHCs and federally qualified health center look-alikes that, on the effective date of this Act, are affected by the reimbursement moratorium. Fiscal Note: (Dated February 6, 2019) NOT SIGNIFICANT Senate Status: 04/16/19 – Taken off notice in Senate Commerce & Labor Committee. House Status: 02/06/20 – Set for House Health Committee 02/11/20. Meetings: Tue 3/26/19 1:00pm – Senate Hearing Rm I, Senate Commerce & Labor Committee; Wed 3/27/19 2:00pm – House Hearing Rm II, House Public Health Subcommittee; Tue 4/2/19 1:00pm – Senate Hearing Rm I, Senate Commerce & Labor Committee; Wed 4/3/19 2:00pm – House Hearing Rm II, House Public Health Subcommittee; Tue 4/9/19 8:15am – House Hearing Rm I, House Public Health Subcommittee; Tue 4/9/19 1:00pm – Senate Hearing Rm I, Senate Commerce & Labor Committee; Tue 4/16/19 3:00pm – Senate Hearing Rm I, Senate Commerce & Labor Committee; Tue 4/16/19 8:00am – House Hearing Rm I, House Health Committee; Tue 2/11/20 9:00am – House Hearing Rm I, House Health Committee; SB1467 – P. Bailey – 04/16/19 – Taken off notice in Senate Commerce & Labor Committee. |
Tue 2/11/20 9:00am – Senate Hearing Rm I, Senate Finance Revenue Subcommittee
HEADER: The subcommittee will meet immediately following Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee. MEMBERS: CHAIR J. Hensley (R); VICE CHAIR T. Gardenhire (R); B. Gilmore (D); F. Haile (R); K. Yager (R)
| 1. | SB1717 Massey B. | TAXES SALES: Tax relief for disability accessibility improvements. Establishes a sales and use tax rebate of up to $2,500 for certain homeowners who make eligible purchases of appliances, fixtures, and materials to improve disability accessibility in the homeowner’s principal residence. Fiscal Note: (Dated January 16, 2020) Increase State Expenditures $8,667,400/FY20-21 $5,791,500/FY21-22 and Subsequent Years Senate Status: 02/05/20 – Set for Senate Finance Revenue Subcommittee 02/11/20. House Status: 01/15/20 – Referred to House Finance, Ways & Means Subcommittee. Meetings: Tue 2/11/20 9:00am – Senate Hearing Rm I, Senate Finance Revenue Subcommittee; HB1552 – R. Staples – 01/15/20 – Referred to House Finance, Ways & Means Subcommittee. |
Tue 2/11/20 10:30am – House Hearing Rm I, House State Committee
HEADER: The committee will hear a FY 20-21 budget presentation by Chairman Richard Montgomery with the TN Board of Parole and a FY 20-21 budget presentation by CEO David Hart wit TRICOR. MEMBERS: CHAIR K. Keisling (R); VICE CHAIR R. Eldridge (R); C. Todd (R); P. Marsh (R); J. Moon (R); J. Powell (D); B. Ramsey (R); J. Reedy (R); J. Shaw (D); R. Staples (D); R. Tillis (R); H. Love Jr. (D); M. Littleton (R); J. Lafferty (R); B. Beck (D); R. Bricken (R); G. Casada (R); A. Farmer (R); C. Halford (R); G. Hicks (R); B. Hulsey (R)
| 2. | HB1677 Ramsey B. | LOTTERY: TN Nonprofit Gaming Law – submission of list of qualifying applicants to conduct charitable gaming event. Extends the date by which the secretary of state must transmit to the house of representatives the omnibus list of qualifying applicants to conduct a charitable gaming event in this state from March 1 until March 8. Allows rather than requires the secretary of state to develop application and other forms required to obtain approval to conduct a charitable gaming event in this state. Amendment Summary: Senate State & Local Government Committee amendment 1 (013785) adds language to the original bill that authorizes volunteer fire departments, in continuous and active existence in this state for at least 10 years, and federally exempted as a nonprofit organization for at least two years, to apply for and host annual charitable gaming events. Authorizes nonprofit organizations to submit an annual charitable gaming event application to the Secretary of State within five calendar days after March 9, 2020, for events to be held prior to June 30, 2021. Fiscal Note: (Dated January 16, 2020) NOT SIGNIFICANT Senate Status: 02/04/20 – Senate State & Local Government Committee recommended with amendment 1 (013785). Sent to Senate Calendar Committee. House Status: 02/06/20 – Set for House State Committee 02/11/20. Meetings: Tue 2/4/20 10:30am – Senate Hearing Rm I, Senate State & Local Government Committee; Tue 2/4/20 12:00pm – House Hearing Rm II, House Department & Agencies Subcommittee; Tue 2/11/20 10:30am – House Hearing Rm I, House State Committee; SB1596 – D. White – 02/04/20 – Senate State & Local Government Committee recommended with amendment 1 (013785). Sent to Senate Calendar Committee. |
Tue 2/11/20 10:30am – Senate Hearing Rm I, Senate State & Local Government Committee
HEADER: The committee will have budget hearings by the Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Historical Commission and the Veterans Services. MEMBERS: CHAIR S. Dickerson (R); VICE CHAIR R. Briggs (R); 2ND VICE CHAIR T. Gardenhire (R); E. Jackson (R); B. Kelsey (R); S. Reeves (R); D. White (R); K. Yager (R); J. Yarbro (D)
| 2. | SB1607 Massey B. | PROPERTY & HOUSING: Housing authority may assist in development of projects that promote affordable rental housing. Specifies that a housing authority may assist in the development of projects that promote affordable rental housing, including mixed-income rental housing developed primarily for persons of low and moderate income as part of its authority to further the goals and local objectives established in redevelopment and urban renewal plans. Authorizes the exercise of such powers in the same manner as mixed finance projects for persons of low income. Fiscal Note: (Dated January 26, 2020) NOT SIGNIFICANT Senate Status: 02/05/20 – Set for Senate State & Local Government Committee 02/11/20. House Status: 01/22/20 – Referred to House Property & Planning Subcommittee. Meetings: Tue 2/11/20 10:30am – Senate Hearing Rm I, Senate State & Local Government Committee; HB1654 – B. Dunn – 01/22/20 – Referred to House Property & Planning Subcommittee. |
| 11. | SB1825 Kelsey B. | PROPERTY & HOUSING: Subdivision regulations – sale of land prior to final subdivision plat approval. Permits an owner or agent of the owner of land to sell, agree to sell, or negotiate to sell the land by reference to a subdivision plat before the final subdivision plat is approved by the planning commission Fiscal Note: (Dated February 5, 2020) Other Fiscal Impact In the event local governments are required to provide infrastructure improvements to subdivision plats, the proposed legislation will result in a mandatory increase in local expenditures, the timing and extent of which cannot reasonably be determined.* Senate Status: 02/05/20 – Set for Senate State & Local Government Committee 02/11/20. House Status: 01/31/20 – Referred to House Property & Planning Subcommittee. Meetings: Tue 2/11/20 10:30am – Senate Hearing Rm I, Senate State & Local Government Committee; HB1969 – E. Helton – 01/31/20 – Referred to House Property & Planning Subcommittee. |
Tue 2/11/20 12:00pm – House Hearing Rm II, House Department & Agencies Subcommittee
MEMBERS: CHAIR B. Ramsey (R); B. Beck (D); C. Halford (R); K. Keisling (R); M. Littleton (R); R. Staples (D); R. Tillis (R); G. Casada (R)
| 3. | HB1811 Wright D. | COMMERCIAL LAW: Business filings submitted to the secretary of state. Makes various changes concerning filings submitted by different entities to the secretary of state (32 pp). Fiscal Note: (Dated February 6, 2020) NOT SIGNIFICANT Senate Status: 01/23/20 – Referred to Senate State & Local Government Committee. House Status: 02/06/20 – Set for House Department & Agencies Subcommittee 02/11/20. Meetings: Tue 2/11/20 12:00pm – House Hearing Rm II, House Department & Agencies Subcommittee; SB1754 – J. Lundberg – 01/23/20 – Referred to Senate State & Local Government Committee. |
Tue 2/11/20 1:30pm – House Hearing Rm I, House Commerce Committee
HEADER: The committee will hear testimony from Dr. Leslie Gillespie-Marthaler Ph.D. about collaborative efforts to address rural water infrastructure. MEMBERS: CHAIR T. Hill (R); VICE CHAIR C. Doggett (R); T. Leatherwood (R); J. Moon (R); J. Powell (D); D. Powers (R); R. Staples (D); D. Wright (R); R. Bricken (R); G. Hardaway (D); D. Jernigan (D); R. Travis (R); P. Marsh (R); C. Johnson (R); C. Boyd (R); K. Calfee (R); J. Chism (D); Y. Hakeem (D); K. Haston (R); P. Hazlewood (R); J. Holsclaw, Jr. (R); C. Hurt (R)
| 1. | HB1606 Lamberth W. | PROPERTY & HOUSING: Notice period for termination of residential tenancy. Reduces the required notice period for termination of residential tenancy to three days in a county with a population more than 75,000 and to 14 days for all other counties in situations where an unauthorized subtenant refuses to vacate the premises Fiscal Note: (Dated January 15, 2020) NOT SIGNIFICANT Senate Status: 01/22/20 – Referred to Senate Commerce & Labor Committee. House Status: 02/06/20 – Set for House Commerce Committee 02/11/20. Meetings: Tue 2/4/20 3:00pm – House Hearing Rm III, House Business Subcommittee; Tue 2/11/20 1:30pm – House Hearing Rm I, House Commerce Committee; SB1615 – F. Haile – 01/22/20 – Referred to Senate Commerce & Labor Committee. |
Tue 2/11/20 3:00pm – House Hearing Rm III, 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. | HB1944 Daniel M. | PROFESSIONS & LICENSURE: Licensing Independence for Future Tennesseans Act. Enacts the Licensing Independence for Future Tennesseans Act or LIFT Act. Authorizes a licensing authority to issue a license to practice if an applicant meets certain requirements including if the applicant holds a valid license in another state, they held the license in another state for at least one year prior to application, the other state required the application to pass an examination and the applicant does not have a disqualifying criminal history. Establishes other requirements for applicants and licensing authorities. Senate Status: 02/06/20 – Introduced in the Senate House Status: 02/06/20 – Set for House Business Subcommittee 02/11/20. Meetings: Tue 2/11/20 3:00pm – House Hearing Rm III, House Business Subcommittee; SB2451 – K. Roberts – 02/06/20 – Introduced in the Senate |
| 2. | HB1946 Daniel M. | VETERANS & MILITARY AFFAIRS: Occupational training for members of the U.S. armed forces and honorably discharged veterans. Allows members of the United States armed forces and veterans who have been honorably discharged to receive equivalent credit toward the receipt of an occupational license relating to the training that was received. Broadly captioned. Fiscal Note: (Dated January 30, 2020) NOT SIGNIFICANT Senate Status: 01/30/20 – Referred to Senate State & Local Government Committee. House Status: 02/06/20 – Set for House Business Subcommittee 02/11/20. Meetings: Tue 2/11/20 3:00pm – House Hearing Rm III, House Business Subcommittee; SB1915 – J. Bowling – 01/30/20 – Referred to Senate State & Local Government Committee. |
Tue 2/11/20 3:00pm – House Hearing Rm II, House Civil Justice Subcommittee
MEMBERS: CHAIR M. Carter (R); B. Beck (D); M. Curcio (R); J. Garrett (R); D. Howell (R); J. Towns Jr. (D); D. Moody (R)
| 1. | HB1914 Carter M. | TRANSPORTATION GENERAL: Easements on private property. Restricts the width of a private easement or right-of-way to 20 feet. Adds provision that specifies that in counties with a metropolitan form of government, the maximum permissible width for an easement or right-of-way is 15 feet. Authorizes the court to award attorney fees to the defending landowner in an action for an easement or right-of-way brought by a private person owning land obstructed entirely from a public road by the intervening land of another person. Makes other changes regarding private easements. Fiscal Note: (Dated February 1, 2020) NOT SIGNIFICANT Senate Status: 01/30/20 – Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee. House Status: 02/06/20 – Set for House Civil Justice Subcommittee 02/11/20. Meetings: Tue 2/11/20 3:00pm – House Hearing Rm II, House Civil Justice Subcommittee; SB1896 – T. Gardenhire – 01/30/20 – Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee. |
Tue 2/11/20 4:30pm – House Hearing Rm IV, House Property & Planning Subcommittee
MEMBERS: CHAIR D. Carr (R); J. Crawford (R); E. Helton (R); G. Johnson (D); B. Ramsey (R); Y. Hakeem (D); M. Hall (R)
| 1. | HB1627 Parkinson A. | TAXES PROPERTY: Property purchased at tax sale conveyed to veteran under certain conditions. Permits property purchased at a tax sale by the state, a county, a municipality of the state, or a county and a municipality to be conveyed to a veteran if the veteran provides documentation verifying the veteran’s income does not exceed $150,000 per year and agrees to bring the property into compliance with all applicable local building codes and ordinances within 12 months of acquiring the property. Waives property taxes on the conveyed property for up to 12 months and provides various restrictions on the use of the property by the veteran. Fiscal Note: (Dated January 30, 2020) Other Fiscal Impact Due to multiple unknown factors the precise timing and impact to local government revenue cannot reasonably be determined; however any impact on local revenue is considered permissive. Senate Status: 02/06/20 – Introduced in the Senate House Status: 02/06/20 – Set for House Property & Planning Subcommittee 02/11/20. Meetings: Tue 2/11/20 4:30pm – House Hearing Rm IV, House Property & Planning Subcommittee; SB2516 – S. Dickerson – 02/06/20 – Introduced in the Senate |
Wed 2/12/20 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)
| 1. | HB722 Coley J. | TAXES BUSINESS: Exemptions from professional privilege tax – judges and chancellors. Exempts judges and chancellors from the professional privilege tax assessed to persons licensed as attorneys. Fiscal Note: (Dated February 16, 2019) Decrease State Revenue Net Impact – $215,300/FY18-19 and Subsequent Years Increase Local Revenue – $3,100/FY18-19 and Subsequent Years Senate Status: 05/01/19 – Taken off notice in Senate Finance, Ways & Means Committee. House Status: 02/06/20 – Set for House Finance, Ways & Means Subcommittee 02/12/20. Meetings: Wed 2/20/19 11:00am – House Hearing Rm III, House Finance, Ways & Means Subcommittee; Tue 3/19/19 9:30am – Senate Hearing Rm I, Senate Finance Revenue Subcommittee; Tue 3/26/19 9:30am – Senate Hearing Rm I, Senate Finance Revenue Subcommittee; Tue 4/23/19 8:30am – Senate Hearing Rm I, Senate Finance, Ways & Means Committee; Tue 4/23/19 4:00pm – House Hearing Rm I, House Finance, Ways & Means Subcommittee; Wed 4/24/19 2:30pm – House Hearing Rm I, House Finance, Ways & Means Subcommittee; Wed 4/24/19 1:00pm – Senate Hearing Rm I, Senate Finance, Ways & Means Committee; Thu 4/25/19 1:00pm – Senate Hearing Rm I, Senate Finance, Ways & Means Committee; Mon 4/29/19 5:30pm – CANCELED, House Finance, Ways & Means Subcommittee; Mon 4/29/19 2:00pm – Senate Hearing Rm I, Senate Finance, Ways & Means Committee; Tue 4/30/19 1:00pm – Senate Hearing Rm I, Senate Finance, Ways & Means Committee; Tue 4/30/19 3:00pm – House Hearing Rm I, House Finance, Ways & Means Subcommittee; Wed 5/1/19 9:30am – Senate Hearing Rm I, Senate Finance, Ways & Means Committee; Wed 2/12/20 11:00am – House Hearing Rm III, House Finance, Ways & Means Subcommittee; SB992 – B. Kelsey – 05/01/19 – Taken off notice in Senate Finance, Ways & Means Committee. |
Wed 2/12/20 2:00pm – House Hearing Rm I, House Local Committee
MEMBERS: CHAIR J. Crawford (R); VICE CHAIR D. Wright (R); R. Grills (R); M. Hall (R); J. Chism (D); M. Carter (R); R. Travis (R); R. Tillis (R); T. Rudd (R); B. Ramsey (R); J. Moon (R); L. Lamar (D); G. Johnson (D); E. Helton (R); Y. Hakeem (D); D. Carr (R); K. Calfee (R)
| 2. | HB1622 Baum C. | PUBLIC FINANCE: Issuance of bonds by THDA. Increases the maximum aggregate principal amount for which the THDA may issue bonds and notes at any one time from $2.93 billion to $5 billion. Fiscal Note: (Dated January 15, 2020) NOT SIGNIFICANT Senate Status: 01/28/20 – Senate State & Local Government Committee recommended. Sent to Senate Calendar Committee. House Status: 02/06/20 – Set for House Local Committee 02/12/20. Meetings: Tue 1/28/20 10:30am – Senate Hearing Rm I, Senate State & Local Government Committee; Tue 2/4/20 4:30pm – House Hearing Rm IV, House Property & Planning Subcommittee; Wed 2/12/20 2:00pm – House Hearing Rm I, House Local Committee; SB1576 – K. Yager – 01/28/20 – Senate State & Local Government Committee recommended. Sent to Senate Calendar Committee. |
| 3. | HB1813 Crawford J. | TAXES PROPERTY: Revisions to the property tax appeal process. Removes language that prohibits taxpayers in certain counties from filing an appeal directly with the state board of equalization. Specifies that any additional tax due following an appeal will accrue interest from the delinquency rate at the composite prime rate published by the federal reserve board minus two points. Makes other revisions to the property tax appeal process. Fiscal Note: (Dated January 27, 2020) NOT SIGNIFICANT Senate Status: 02/06/20 – Set for Senate Consent 2 02/10/20. House Status: 02/06/20 – Set for House Local Committee 02/12/20. Meetings: Tue 2/4/20 10:30am – Senate Hearing Rm I, Senate State & Local Government Committee; Tue 2/4/20 4:30pm – House Hearing Rm IV, House Property & Planning Subcommittee; Wed 2/12/20 2:00pm – House Hearing Rm I, House Local Committee; Mon 2/10/20 4:30pm – Senate Chamber, Senate Consent 2; SB1625 – R. Briggs – 02/06/20 – Set for Senate Consent 2 02/10/20. |
