What's New on the Hill - January 13, 2024
Batten Down the hatches, friends! Extreme winter weather is here, and we're talking damaging winds, speeds between 45 to 55 mph, severe thunderstorms, over this weekend, very freezing cold temperatures heading into next week and snow may even join the party! ❄️☕
Brace yourselves, winter warriors! And check out the statewide weather briefing from today linked here.
Please stay warm, safe, and alert over the next week.
Tennessee’s 113th General Assembly Convenes
The second year of the One Hundred Thirteenth General Assembly gaveled into session at noon (CST) on Tuesday, January 9th, 2024. Both chambers were filled with energy and anticipation for the new year as the Speakers called the sessions to order.
Legislative Senate & House committees were assigned this week, while the changes are minor, you can view the committee assignments below:
Senate Committee Assignments
House Committees Assignments
With bills beginning to be filed, you can follow along with the Harris Frazier team as the 2024 legislative session progresses.
The following dates of importance were announced:
Monday, January 15th - Off Day: Legislature will recognize the Martin Luther King Holiday
Tuesday, January 16th - Senate & House session reconvenes
Wednesday, January 31st - Tentative House bill filing deadline
Thursday, February 1st - Tentative Senate bill filing deadline
Monday, February 5th - State of the State address: Gov. Bill Lee will deliver his sixth State of the State address to members of the General Assembly and fellow Tennesseans on Monday, Feb. 5. The joint session will be held in the House chamber at the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville. Gov. Lee is expected to discuss his legislative agenda for the year as well as his proposed budget for 2024-25.
End of March - Committee closures begin
As the 2024 legislative session commences, we are here to keep you informed about the issues that will shape the weeks ahead.
💸 Budget: The administration has revealed plans to modify Tennessee's franchise tax. While proposed bill language is pending, Finance & Administration Commissioner Jim Bryson and Department of Revenue Commissioner David Gerregano testified before the Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee. Their testimony hinted at the removal of the alternative minimum measure component of the franchise tax, potentially resulting in a tax reduction for Tennessee businesses.
🍎 Education: Governor Bill Lee has prioritized school voucher expansion, sparking discussions across party lines. While some school boards in traditionally conservative areas have expressed concerns, Governor Lee remains open to refining his proposal.
📌 Firearms: After the Covenant School shooting, calls for gun control reforms echoed through the Tennessee State Capitol. While discussions on safety measures took place during a special session, comprehensive gun control legislation did not progress.
⚖️ Criminal Justice: Expect efforts to increase penalties for certain crimes. Lawmakers may revisit mixed sentencing for minors transitioning from the juvenile to adult justice system. Recent high-profile events may prompt discussions on mental health interventions and gun access.
🥊 Metro Relations: Tensions between state and city authorities have improved, signaling a willingness to collaborate on shared goals. While political differences persist, constructive engagement is on the horizon.
Stay engaged on socials and follow along with our newsletter updates with us as we navigate these legislative developments together.
In a groundbreaking move for the music industry, Governor Bill Lee has introduced the Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security (ELVIS) Act. This innovative legislation updates Tennessee’s Protection of Personal Rights law to safeguard the voices of songwriters, performers, and music industry professionals from the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI). While existing laws protect name, image, and likeness, they do not specifically address new AI technologies that enable unauthorized human impersonation. With Tennessee’s music industry contributing over $5.8 billion to the GDP and supporting more than 61,000 jobs, this bill aims to protect artists and musicians at all levels from AI-generated synthetic media. The ELVIS Act represents the first legislation of its kind in the nation, reinforcing Tennessee's commitment to its music heritage.
Read More: Click here to read the full press release
Tennessee's Children: A 2023 Report Card
A Closer Look at Our State's Future…
The Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth has just unveiled its annual report, The State of the Child in Tennessee 2023. This comprehensive report delves deep into the well-being of our state's children, youth, and families, providing invaluable insights into their lives.
🔍 What's Inside?
This year's report casts a wide net, covering critical areas like economics, child care, early education, health, mental health, the child opportunity index, child welfare, and youth justice. It's a holistic look at the future of Tennessee, and there's much to discuss.
1 in 5 children under 5 experiences poverty, unveiling challenges in early childhood development.
The recorded low poverty rate of 16.8% for children aged 5-17 prompts reflection on economic disparities.
Good news: 89% of Tennessee's children are in excellent or very good health.
Only 5.3% of children are uninsured.
The report highlights a concerning uptick in the infant mortality rate at both national and state levels in 2022, with Tennessee's rate at 6.6 per 1,000 live births compared to the national rate of 5.6.
While Tennessee has historically fared well in teen substance use, mental health issues are on the rise.
A concerning 53% of high school girls and 30% of high school boys report feeling sad or hopeless nearly every day.
The report also sheds light on the sobering fact that one in six deaths was due to car crashes, prompting a closer look at child safety and transportation measures.
📚 Learn More:
The full State of the Child in Tennessee 2023 report can be accessed below.
2023 Report Summary: Linked Here
2023 Full Report: Linked Here
Update: A new and modernized Jobs4TN is on the horizon, bringing a more user-friendly experience for both unemployment claimants and businesses. As we approach the launch in February,. Join the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) for a live webinar on January 18, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. CST. This informative session will walk you through the enhanced benefits and appeals-related functions, demonstrating how to navigate the new system with ease. Topics covered include accessing your account, viewing charges and appeals, responding to fact-finding, submitting an employer filed claim, and exploring self-service options. Don't miss out on this opportunity to get acquainted with the improved Jobs4TN!
Learn More: Access the webinar here
IN THE NEWS
State Sen. Art Swann of Maryville Won't Seek Reelection
State Sen. Art Swann, a Republican from Maryville, announced from the Senate floor he will not seek reelection this year.
KNOXNEWS.COM - Jan. 11, 2024
TN Health News: Top Tennessee Baby Names 2023
Charlotte takes the top spot on the list of most popular names for baby girls born in Tennessee in 2023. Liam holds on to the number one spot as the most popular name chosen for baby boys in Tennessee for the 2nd straight year.
PDF - Jan. 10, 2024
House Republicans Abandon Sign Ban for Regular Session
While House Republicans are pursuing several updates to the chamber’s rules aimed at curbing what they see as unruly behavior by members, they are not pursuing an extension of a ban on handheld signs adopted during a special session last August.
PRO.STATEAFFAIRS.COM - Jan. 8, 2024
Federal Disaster Declaration Granted to Additional Tennessee Counties Recovering from Severe Weather
Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced three more counties have been approved for FEMA’s Individual Assistance following tornadoes and severe weather that impacted West and Middle Tennessee on December 9.
TN.GOV - Dec. 28, 2023
3 Memphians Up To Fill Vacancy On Tenn. Supreme Court
The Governor’s Council for Judicial Appointments has submitted three names to fill an upcoming vacancy on the Tennessee Supreme Court.
ACTIONNEWS5.COM - Jan. 5, 2024
Governor Lee, Commissioner Mcwhorter Announce Unitech North America, Llc To Establish First Us Manufacturing Operations In Warren County
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and Unitech North America, LLC officials announced today the company will invest $30 million to locate its first U.S. facility in Tennessee.
TNECD.COM - Jan. 12, 2024
Democrats Say House Rules Dictate They Should Get More Committee Slots
Tennessee House Democratic leaders are “respectfully” asking Republican House Speaker Cameron Sexton to add more Democrats to some standing committees and subcommittees, citing Rule 6 of the chamber’s permanent rules of order to argue they support the request.
PRO.STATEAFFAIRS.COM - Jan. 12, 2024
Megan Barry Announces Congressional Run
Former Nashville Mayor Megan Barry launched an underdog bid for Congress on Wednesday against incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Green in Tennessee's 7th district.
AXIOS.COM - Dec. 7, 2023
Mid-South Lawmaker Wants Vehicles Used In Illegal Drag Racing Seized At Time Of Arrest
The 2024 Tennessee legislative session is underway and two Shelby County lawmakers are focused not only on taking away offenders’ driving privileges, but their vehicles as well.
ACTIONNEWS5.COM - Jan. 10, 2024