January 2023
Week of January 9th
The first session of the 113th General Assembly convened on Tuesday, January 10th
at noon. The big items to be considered this session will include infrastructure
funding, abortion laws stemming from the SCOTUS Dobbs decision, and criminal
justice reform.
Who’s Who?
With each new General Assembly, the Legislature is given the opportunity to elect a
Speaker of the House and a Speaker of the Senate. Representative Cameron
Sexton (R – Crossville) was re-elected as Speaker of the House with a vote of 76-
22. All 75 of the House Republicans cast their vote for Sexton. All but one of the
House Democrats cast their vote for Democratic Caucus Chair John Ray Clemmons.
The lone democrat to vote for Sexton was Antonio Parkinson of Memphis.
Senator Randy McNally (R – Oak Ridge) was re-elected to serve as Senate
Speaker and Lieutenant Governor. All 27 Senate Republicans voted for McNally.
The six Senate Democrats abstained from voting.
Leadership:
Republican Leadership in either chamber did not see much change following the
November Election. Senator Jack Johnson (R-Franklin) will continue to serve as
the Majority Leader with Senator Ken Yager (R-Kingston) serving as the Majority
Caucus Chair. Representative William Lamberth (R – Portland) was re-elected
by his caucus to be the Majority Leader, re-election was also won by
Representative Jeremy Faison (R-Cosby).
There was some shakeup with Democratic Leadership. Senator Jeff Yarbro was
replaced as Minority Leader by former Minority Caucus Chair, Senator Raumesh
Akbari (D – Memphis) and succeeding as Minority Caucus Chair is Senator
London Lamar (D – Memphis). In the House, Representative Karen Camper
(D – Memphis) was re-elected as Minority Leader, but there is a new Minority
Caucus Chair; Representative John Ray Clemmons (D – Nashville) was elected
to replace Representative Vincent Dixie of Nashville.
Constitutional Officers:
In a joint convention on Wednesday, January 11th, the House and Senate voted to
retain Treasurer David Lillard and Comptroller Jason Mumpower for new two-year terms. The third Constitutional Officer is Secretary of State Tre Hargett. Secretary Hargett is currently in the middle of a 4 year term.
Noteworthy Dates:
Senate Organizational Recess: January 16-19
House Organizational Recess: January 16-19 and January 23 – 27
Governor Bill Lee’s Inauguration: January 21
Senate bill filing deadline: January 31
House bill filing deadline: February 2
State of State: February 6
Monday, January 9th:
- 3:00pm House Ad Hoc Committee on Rules
Tuesday, January 10th:
- 12:00pm Senate and House Session
- 3:30 pm House Rules Committee
Wednesday, January 11th:
- 9:00am Senate and house Session
Thursday, January 12th:
- 9:00 am Senate and House Session
- 11:00am Joint Fiscal Review Committee
- 11:00am State Building Commission
Week of January 16th
INAUGURATION WEEKEND
This weekend marks the second inauguration of Governor Bill Lee. Governor Lee was raised on
his family’s farm in Franklin and received his B.S. in mechanical engineering from Auburn in
1981. Governor Lee returned to Franklin to join his family’s business, Lee Company, in
mechanical construction services. In 1992, he became president of the Company.
Governor Lee was first elected in November 2018 after campaigning on good jobs, good schools,
and safe neighborhoods. Governor Lee has worked on issues such as education, economic
development and criminal justice reform since being sworn in as Governor in January 2019.
The Governor’s first legislative package included a state-controlled charter commission and an
educational voucher bill for children in Memphis and Nashville. The voucher issue was caught
up in litigation until implementation in 2022. In 2021, Governor Lee signed his new education
funding formula, the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA). The plan allocated
$9 billion in state and local funds toward school systems, with $1.8 billion allocated to special
needs and underserved populations.
Tennessee has enjoyed substantial economic growth and development under the Governor’s
administration, gaining a national reputation as both business-friendly and fiscally responsible.
Since 2019, the Governor has facilitated an increase of nearly 40,000 jobs with $12.9 billion in
capital investment projects, to include Ford Motor Company, Amazon, Oracle, Smith & Wesson,
FedEx, and In-N-Out Burger, to name a few.
In 2021, Governor Lee signed two bills tied to his signature cause of criminal justice reform.
The bills diverted people away from state prisons by expanding the group of people eligible for
recovery courts and preventing some people from going back to jail for technical probation
violations and expanded support services for people who are leaving prisons after serving their
sentences.
Governor Lee easily won re-election in 2022. Governor Lee will continue to work on education
and economic development in his second term with expectations of vocational and technical
training expansion. Governor Lee has announced his plans to focus on Tennessee infrastructure,
such as roads, bridges and broadband.
Inaugural proceedings will take place on Saturday, January 21st, beginning with the traditional worship service at the Ryman Auditorium. The Governor will be sworn in at 11:00 am on Legislative Plaza, with the oath administered by Tennessee Supreme Court Chief Justice Robert Page. The inaugural ball will take place later in the evening at the Fisher Center.
INAUGURAL HISTORY
Tennessee’s first gubernatorial inauguration took place in 1796, in which John Sevier was sworn
in at the original capital of Knoxville. Since then, Tennessee has seen fifty Governors, including
eventual Presidents, James K. Polk and Andrew Johnson.
Thursday, January 19th:
- 12:30pm House Finance, Ways & Means Committee
Friday, January 20th:
- 9:00am House Finance, Ways & Means Committee
- 2:00pm House Session
- 3:00pm Senate Session
Week of January 23rd
Weekly Legislative Update, January 23 – January 27, 2023
On Saturday, January 21st Governor Lee delivered his second inaugural address. The Governor
reflected on several challenges met by the State over the last four years, including natural
disasters, Covid 19, and the Christmas Day bombing in Nashville. The Governor maintained
that despite difficulties presented by these tragedies, communities across Tennessee came
together, providing hope for one another. Additionally, the Governor remarked on successful
endeavors within his first term, such as the passage of the new education funding formula, rapid
economic growth, and an increase in agricultural investment. The Governor concluded remarks
by encouraging civility among those who disagree and thanking Tennesseans for the opportunity
to serve again.
The Senate returned from recess this week, with standing committees meeting on Tuesday and
Wednesday. Committee minutes include introduction of new and returning members and staff as
well as presentations. Notably, the new Health Commissioner, Ralph Alvarado, was introduced
in Senate Health Committee and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency presented a
management plan for the newly designated Lake Halford in Senate Finance Committee.
The Bill filing deadline for the Senate is fast approaching on Tuesday, January 31st. Next week,
the House will reconvene following its two-week recess, with its filing deadline set for Monday,
February 6th.
As a reminder, on February 6th, Governor Lee will deliver his State of the State Address before a
joint session of the General Assembly. The address will take place at 6 pm, CST and Governor
Lee has posted he looks forward to sharing the budget and legislative priorities that will ensure
our state remains a standard bearer for opportunity, security & freedom.
February 2023
Week of February 3rd
Weekly Legislative Update, January 30 – February 3, 2023
SIX MORE WEEKS OF WINTER; TWICE AS MANY WEEKS OF SESSION
REMAIN
This week Punxatawny Phil saw his shadow and the General Assembly saw quite a bit of action.
The legislature reconvened in its entirety, with the House returning from its two-week recess and
committees for both chambers heard the presentation of bills, adoption of amendments, and
relevant testimonies. Focal points included a proposed prohibition on adult cabaret performances
in locations that could be accessed by minors, a proposed prohibition on surgeries intended to
enable minors to identify with an identity inconsistent their sex, and a proposal to reduce
Metropolitan Nashville City Council from 40 to 20 members.
Both the House and Senate reached bill filing deadlines on January 31st and February 2nd,
respectively. 1,692 bills have been filed thus far this Session, with more to come in the
Governor’s Legislative Package.
On February 6th at 6:00 pm CST, the Governor will deliver his fifth State of the State Address in
the House Chamber before a joint session of the General Assembly. The address is expected to
cover the administration’s budget and legislative priorities for the current fiscal year. The
address will be streamed live at https://www.youtube.com/c/govbilllee. The Governor’s budget
will be presented in the House and Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committees on Tuesday,
February 7th. The Governor’s Administration bills have a filing deadline of Monday, February
13th.
Tennessee Realtors Bills of Interest:
SB122/HB40 (Sen. Nicely/Rep. Reedy): Prohibits a nonresident alien, foreign business, or
foreign government, or an agent, trustee, or fiduciary thereof, from purchasing or otherwise
acquiring real property in this state if the laws of the country where the nonresident alien resides,
the foreign business is located, or the official foreign government representing the country, or
agents, trustees, or fiduciaries thereof, prohibit citizens of the United States or its territories or
possessions from purchasing real property located within that country. Specifies instances in
which such restriction does not apply, including property acquired by devise or descent.
Senate: Referred to Senate Commerce and Labor Committee
House: Set for House Property and Planning Subcommittee on 2/8/23
Week of February 6th
Weekly Legislative Update, February 6 – February 10, 2023
address to a joint session of the Tennessee General Assembly. The Governor
reflected on the past year, shared his legislative agenda, revealed portions
of his proposed budget, and gave homage to Tennessee’s own Sergeant.
Alvin C. York.
Who’s Alvin C. York? You May Ask
Sergeant York was born September 2nd in Pall Mall, Tennessee. While serving
in World War I, York led a bold attack behind enemy lines during the Meuse-
Argonne offensive. Sergeant York was awarded the Congressional Medal of
Honor for his actions.
Governor Lee’s Budget Overview:
The Governor’s $55.6 billion budget includes $3 billion for the Transportation
Modernization Fund, which is intended to relieve urban traffic congestion by
utilizing private public partnerships for choice lanes and allocate funding to
rural road infrastructure. Additionally, the Governor proposed $288.3 million
for a three-month sales tax holiday on groceries from August 1st-October 31st,
$37.8 million for small business excise tax relief, $370.8 million to modernize
Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) facilities, $386.2 million to
invest in new buildings and improvements to the sixteen current TCAT
campuses, $147.5 million to build six new TCATs across the state, $350
million in additional funding to LEAs, including $125 million for teacher pay
raises, $20 million in school safety grants, $6.3 million to revitalize all 175
known brownfield sites, $190 million to the Department of Childrens
Services, paid family leave for State employees, and funding to develop four
new state parks.
The Governor also outlined his Strong Families initiative, which increases
eligibility for pregnant women and caregivers to receive TennCare services,
twelve-month continuous TennCare eligibility for low-income children, and a
permanent expansion to postpartum health coverage under TennCare. A
expecting mothers.
Choice Lanes and More:
The legislative vehicle for the Governor’s highway infrastructure initiative is
HB321 by Lamberth, Cochran, Howell. The bill passed House Transportation
Subcommittee on Wednesday, February 8th, and will be presented at House
Transportation full on Tuesday, February 14th at 8:00 AM. The bill allows for
the transportation department to award design-build contract and
performance-based asset maintenance contracts when certain criteria are
met. Allows for the construction manager/general contractor (CM/GC)
method and progressive design-build (PDB) method as delivery methods for
procuring transportation project services. Details the characteristics of the
selection committee and their duties to evaluate proposed transportation
projects. Details the award process and the steps the department of
transportation takes after a project is awarded. Establishes the
transportation modernization fund that is composed of three billion dollars to
be used within each of the four regions of the department of transportation.
Requires an annual report on each project. Allows user fees as an additional
and alternative method for funding or financing the development and
operation of highways and appurtenant facilities or other transportation-
related facilities. Details that fees are subject to enforcement or restrictions
by the department of transportation. Establishes the transportation
modernization board to oversee all user fee facility projects. Allows for the
penalty of the operator of a vehicle that is driven through a user fee facility
without payment of the user fee with additional fees, suspension of vehicle
registration, or non-renewal of registration.
Thinking of Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally:
Thoughts and prayers are also encouraged for Lt. Governor McNally, who
was hospitalized on Thursday evening for an irregular heartbeat and will
likely need a pacemaker. The Lt. Governor maintained that he hopes to
return to work soon.
Week of February 13th
Weekly Legislative Update, 2/13 – 2/17 , 2023
legislation moving through the committee system. The House Health
Population Subcommittee adopted an amendment for HB883 (Rep. Helton-
Haynes; R-East Ridge), which carves out exceptions in which abortions are
permissible in life-threatening situations and reduces liability for doctors in
those circumstances. The bill, as amended, will be presented in House
Health Committee on February 22nd at 3:30 pm.
HB321, the legislative vehicle for Governor Lee’s transportation
modernization initiative, was rolled two weeks. The bill, which includes over
$3 billion in additional funding for highways and choice lanes, is expected to
be presented in House Transportation Committee on February 28th at 8:00
am.
Welcome Back, Governor McNally
Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge) returned to the Senate on
Thursday after having pacemaker surgery last week. The Lt. Governor
maintained that the surgery “went smoothly” and he felt “100% better”
following the surgery.
A Long Weekend Ahead
The General Assembly will remain in recess through Monday in observance
of Presidents’ Day. Originally celebrated as George Washington’s birthday,
the third Monday in February was officially designated as a Federal Holiday in
1879. Tennessee, like most other states, adopted Presidents’ Day as a state
holiday, honoring all those who have held the office. Three Tennesseans
have served as President of the United States—Andrew Jackson, James K.
Polk, and Andrew Johnson.
Week of February 27th
Weekly Legislative Update, 2/27 – 3/3 , 2023
This week, the General Assembly continued to move legislation through committees
and floor sessions, with some bills being transmitted to Governor Lee’s desk.
Notably, the Governor signed Senate Bill 3 into law, making it a Class A
misdemeanor to engage in adult cabaret performances in violation of obscenity
statutes on public property or in a location that could be viewed by minors. The
new law will take effect on April 1st of this year. Senate Bill 273, part of the Governor’s transportation modernization initiative, passed Senate Transportation Committee by a narrow 5-4 margin on Wednesday. The bill includes appropriations for “choice lanes” which expand major throughfares, allowing drivers to use select lanes for a fee. The plan intends to utilize public-private partnerships to accomplish the infrastructural development. SB273 has been referred to Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee. The House Companion has passed transportation committee and will be considered in House Government Operations on Monday, March 6th.
SEC and Supreme Court Nominations
House and Senate GOP caucuses nominated candidates for the State Election
Commission this week, with Democrats expected to follow suit. The candidates will
be voted on next week before a joint session of the legislature. Additionally, the
joint session is expected to confirm Dwight Tarwater as the newest state Supreme
Court Justice.
Bills of Interest to TN REALTORS
Tennessee REALTORS® Bills of Interest:
HB40 by Reedy, prohibiting foreign ownership: This legislation has been
amended to only disallow individuals or entities from governments on the U.S.
Sanctions list from owning property in the State. As amended, the legislation will
release real estate licensees from any liability under the part. This bill has passed
Local Government Committee and will be considered in House Finance, Ways and
Means Committee on March 8, 2023 since the legislation does carry an initial cost of
$80,000.00 to the Secretary of State’s office.
SB234 by Oliver, limiting number of times a real estate developer can
contact a consumer: This legislation limits the number of times that a real estate
developer, business entity, or individual working on behalf of the developer or
offer to buy the property owner’s property to once a year. The bill was rolled in
Senate Commerce this week will be presented next Tuesday at 1:00 pm with an
amendment to exempt licensed real estate agents.
SB820/HB1206 by Hensley/ Cepicky, development taxes: This legislation, as
amended allows counties and cities to enact development taxes on the
development of residential real estate without meeting any population growth
thresholds to show the need for such taxes. Under the legislation, the new
development tax can be used to fund libraries, government buildings, landfills,
parks and recreation, schools, public utilities, roads and bridge, law enforcement,
fire services, emergency medical services, and ANY OTHER capital project.
Tennessee REALTORS opposes this legislation and issued a call for action. The bill
was rolled two weeks in Senate State & Local Government Committee and to the
final calendar in House Property & Planning subcommittee.
SB368/HB1162 by Niceley/Garrett, unfair service agreements: This
legislation deems certain listing agreements unfair under the consumer protection
act. The bill was previously scheduled in House Business & Utilities Subcommittee
but was rolled 2 weeks after amendatory language was presented to the bill
sponsor and committee chairman by TN REALTORS, adding “monetary
consideration” to the definition of “service agreements,” and exempts property
management agreements. TN REALTORS are still working with proponents of the
legislation on a friendly amendment.
March 2023
Week of March 6th
Weekly Legislative Update, 3/6 – 3/10 , 2023
The Governor’s tax reform act (SB275/HB323) received a positive
recommendation from the Senate Finance Revenue Subcommittee and will
be considered in Senate Finance, Ways and Means committee on March 14th
and the House Finance, Ways and Means Subcommittee on March 15th. The
legislation is intended to reduce sales tax, franchise tax, excise tax, and
business tax burdens. Under the plan, the first $50,000 in business income
would be exempt from Tennessee’s 6.5% corporate tax, referred to as the
excise tax. The legislation also adopts single sales factor apportionment,
exempts up to $500,000 of property from the franchise tax minimum
measure, and creates a 3 month sales tax holiday on food, among other
things. This legislation led Forbes Magazine to run the headline, “Tennessee
Governor Seeks to Make One of the Nation’s Best Tax Climates Even More
Hospitable.” You can read the full article here.
Less is More?
HB48/SB87, which effectively reduces the size of the Metropolitan Nashville
City Council from 40 members to 20 members, was signed into law by
Governor Lee on March 9th. The legislation takes effect as of the next
general metropolitan election. Metro Nashville will have 30 days to redraw its
district lines, which must be approved by May 1.
The Final Countdown
Several committees have closed for this session or are on final calendars.
The Senate Energy, Ag. and Natural Resources Committee concluded its
legislative business this past Wednesday, March 8 and is closed subject to
the call of the Chair. The Senate Commerce and Labor Committee,
Transportation and Safety Committee, Education Committee, and Health and
Welfare Committees have all published their final calendars. The House
FB959098 / F-B LBY
announced final calendars for the following subcommittees: Higher
Education, Cities and Counties, Property and Planning and Population Health
Subcommittee.
Joint Convention
A joint convention of the General Assembly elected members of the State
Election Commission on March 9th. The current members are Donna Barrett,
Murfreesboro; Judy Blackburn, Morristown; Greg Duckett, Memphis; Jimmy
Eldridge, Jackson; Mike McDonald, Portland; Tom Wheeler, Clinton; and
Kent Younce, LaFollette. In addition, the joint session confirmed Dwight E.
Tarwater for the State Supreme Court and Matthew J. Wilson for the Court of
Criminal Appeals, Western Section.
Tennessee REALTORS® Bills of Interest:
HB40/SB122 by Reedy/Niceley, prohibiting foreign ownership: This
legislation has been amended to only disallow individuals or entities from
governments on the U.S. Sanctions list from owning property in the State. As
amended, the legislation will release real estate licensees from any liability under
the part. This bill has passed Local Government Committee and placed behind the
budget in the House Finance, Ways and Means Committee since the legislation does
carry an initial cost of $80,000.00 to the Secretary of State’s office. The Senate
Companion will be considered in Senate Commerce Committee on March 14th.
SB234/HB528 by Oliver/Thompson, limiting number of times a real estate
developer can contact a consumer: This legislation limits the number of times
that a real estate developer, business entity, or individual working on behalf of the
developer or business entity is permitted to contact a property owner to make an
unsolicited offer to buy the property owner’s property to once a year. The bill was
rolled in Senate Commerce this week will be presented next Tuesday at 1:00 pm
with an amendment to exempt licensed real estate agents. The bill is also
scheduled to be considered in House Banking & Consumer Affairs Subcommittee on
Tuesday, March 14th.
SB820/HB1206 by Hensley/ Cepicky, development taxes: This legislation, as
amended, allows counties and cities to enact development taxes on the
development of residential real estate without meeting any population growth
thresholds to show the need for such taxes. Under the legislation, the new
development tax can be used to fund libraries, government buildings, landfills,
parks and recreation, schools, public utilities, roads and bridge, law enforcement,
fire services, emergency medical services, and ANY OTHER capital project.
Tennessee REALTORS opposes this legislation and issued a call for action. The bill
was previously rolled in both chambers, now scheduled to be presented in Senate
State & Local Government Committee on Tuesday, March 14th and House Property &
Planning Subcommittee on Wednesday , March 15th.
act. This bill will be considered in the House Business & Utilities Subcommittee and
Senate Commerce Committee on Tuesday, March 14th with an amendment
prohibiting the recording of agreements for the marketing of residential real estate.
HB988/SB7171 BY Beck/Oliver, notice of termination of tenancy: This
legislation was amended in House Business & Utilities Subcommittee to limit the 90
days’ notice requirement to facilities that are for individuals 55 and older AND
receive federal funding. The tenant must be current on rent and the notice
provisions only apply if the termination is to allow for new residential development.
SB1256/HB34 by Akbari/Thompson, Shelby County landlord registry: This
legislation requires residential landlords in Shelby County to register with the
county and pay a $10.00 fee for registration. The bill was taken off notice in the
Senate Commerce Committee this past Tuesday.
Week of March 13th
Weekly Legislative Update, 3/13 , 2023
HB40/SB122 by Reedy/Niceley, prohibiting foreign ownership: This
legislation has been amended to only disallow individuals or entities from
governments on the U.S. Sanctions list from owning property in the State. As
amended, the legislation will release real estate licensees from any liability under
the part. This bill has passed Local Government Committee and placed behind the
budget in the House Finance, Ways and Means Committee since the legislation does
carry an initial cost of $80,000.00 to the Secretary of State’s office. The Senate
Companion will be considered in Senate Commerce Committee on March 20th or
March 21st.
SB234/HB528 by Oliver/Thompson, limiting number of times a real estate
developer can contact a consumer: This legislation limits the number of times
that a real estate developer, business entity, or individual working on behalf of the
developer or business entity is permitted to contact a property owner to make an
unsolicited offer to buy the property owner’s property to once a year. The bill
passed Senate Commerce Committee unanimously with an amendment to exempt
licensed real estate agents. The bill is scheduled to be considered in House Banking
& Consumer Affairs Subcommittee on Tuesday, March 21st.
SB820/HB1206 by Hensley/ Cepicky, impact fees: This legislation, as most
recently amended, allows counties and cities to enact impact fees and development
taxes on the development of residential real estate via private act prior to
December 2023. Tennessee REALTORS opposes this legislation and issued a call for
action. The bill was previously rolled in both chambers, now scheduled to be
presented in Senate State & Local Government Committee on Tuesday, March 21st
at 10:30 am in Senate Hearing Room I and House Property & Planning
Subcommittee on Wednesday , March 22nd at 10:30 am in House Hearing Room II.
All interested REALTORS® are welcome to attend. Tennessee REALTORS® filled
the House Hearing Room last Wednesday.
SB368/HB1162 by Niceley/Garrett, unfair service agreements: This
legislation deems certain listing agreements unfair under the consumer protection
act. This bill passed House Business & Utilities Subcommittee and will be
considered in the House Commerce Committee on Tuesday March 21st. The Senate
companion will be considered in Senate Commerce Committee on Monday, March
20th or Tuesday, March 21st with an amendment prohibiting the recording of
agreements for the marketing of residential real estate.
HB988/SB717 BY Beck/Oliver, notice of termination of tenancy: This
legislation was amended in House Business & Utilities Subcommittee to limit the 90
days’ notice requirement to facilities that are for individuals 55 and older AND
receive federal funding. The tenant must be current on rent and the notice
provisions only apply if the termination is to allow for new residential development.
This bill has passed substantive House Committees and will be considered on the
House floor Monday March 20th. The bill was rolled in Senate Commerce Committee
last week after comments from Committee members asking the sponsor to consider
60 days’ notice.
maintenance email address (if different), a telephone number and an emergency
telephone number (if different). Current law only requires disclosure of an agent
authorized to manage the premises and address. The bill does contain a $10/day
fine for not furnishing the information with a maximum of $150. Rep. Thompson
has indicated he is filing an amendment to remove the fines.
Week of March 20th
Weekly Legislative Update, 3/20 – 3/24 , 2023
moving through appropriate committees and subcommittees, while other legislative
items have met death through democracy.
Choice lanes (likely) coming to a city near you
Notably, SB275/HB323, the legislative vehicle for the Governor’s Transportation
Modernization Act passed on the Senate floor on Monday, March 20th. The House
companion bill will be considered on the Monday, March 27th floor session.
Tennessee strives to continue to be a low tax State
Additionally, SB275/HB323, the legislative vehicle for Governor Lee’s business tax
relief plan, was rolled one week in the Senate and House Finance, Ways, and Means
Committees. The bills are expected to be presented in both committees on
Tuesday, March 28th. The tax plan is intended to provide exemptions from state
excise taxes for business earning thresholds, which the administration expects will
remove 144,000 employers from business tax rolls.
The end is near…..
The following Senate committees have concluded their business for the Session:
Commerce and Labor, Health and Welfare, Agriculture, Energy and Natural
Resources, and Transportation. In the House, the following subcommittees closed
this week: Higher Education, Corrections, Civil Justice, Departments and Agencies,
Property and Planning, Agriculture, and Children and Family Affairs.
The Administration’s budget amendment is expected to be presented in early April,
which may suggest a late April or early May adjournment.
Tennessee REALTORS® Bills of Interest:
HB40/SB122 by Reedy/Niceley, prohibiting foreign ownership: This
legislation has been amended to only disallow individuals or entities from
governments on the U.S. Sanctions list from owning property in the State. As
amended, the legislation will release real estate licensees from any liability under
the part. This bill has passed Local Government Committee and placed behind the
budget in the House Finance, Ways and Means Committee since the legislation does
carry an initial cost of $80,000.00 to the Secretary of State’s office. The Senate
Companion has passed the Senate Commerce Committee and will now go to the
SB234/HB528 by Oliver/Thompson, limiting number of times a real estate
developer can contact a consumer: This legislation limits the number of times
that a real estate developer, business entity, or individual working on behalf of the
developer or business entity is permitted to contact a property owner to make an
unsolicited offer to buy the property owner’s property to once a year. The bill
passed the Senate with an amendment to exempt licensed real estate agents.
However, the bill was put off for consideration in the House banking and consumer
affairs subcommittee until 2024.
SB820/HB1206 by Hensley/ Cepicky, impact fees: This legislation, as most
recently amended, would have allowed counties and cities to impact fees on the
development of residential real estate via private act and referendum prior to
December 1, 2023. Tennessee REALTORS opposed this legislation and issued a call
for action. The bill was considered in House Property & Planning Subcommittee on
Wednesday , March 22nd and failed on a 5-3 vote.
SB368/HB1182 by Niceley/Garrett, unfair service agreements: This
legislation deems certain listing agreements unfair under the consumer protection
act. This bill will be on the Senate and House Floors March 27th with an amendment
prohibiting the recording of agreements for the marketing of residential real estate.
HB988/SB7171 BY Beck/Oliver, notice of termination of tenancy: This
legislation was amended in House Business & Utilities Subcommittee to limit the 90
days’ notice requirement to facilities that are for individuals 55 and older AND
receive federal funding. The tenant must be current on rent and the notice
provisions only apply if the termination is to allow for new residential development.
This legislation passed the House floor 95-0 and passed the Senate Commerce
Committee 6-3.
Week of March 27th
April 2023
Week of April 3rd
Week of April 10th
Week of April 17th (End of Session)
