What's New On The Hill 5/30/2024

 

Happy Birthday Tennessee!

As we commemorate Tennessee's 228th birthday, let's take a moment to reflect on the rich and storied history of our great state. On June 1, 1796, Tennessee became the 16th state to join the Union, marking the beginning of a legacy filled with significant milestones and contributions to our nation.

A Glimpse into Tennessee's History.…

Early Beginnings: The area now known as Tennessee was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, Chickasaw, and Creek. European explorers and settlers began arriving in the early 16th century, with Spanish conquistador Hernando de Soto being one of the first Europeans to explore the region in 1540.

Statehood: Tennessee's path to statehood was unique and complex. The state was part of North Carolina before becoming the Southwest Territory. On June 1, 1796, Tennessee was admitted to the Union as the 16th state, with John Sevier serving as its first governor.

Civil War Era: Tennessee played a pivotal role during the Civil War. It was the last state to join the Confederacy and the first to be readmitted to the Union after the war. Significant battles, such as the Battle of Shiloh and the Battle of Chattanooga, took place on Tennessee soil, shaping the course of American history.

Cultural Heritage: Known as the birthplace of country music, Tennessee has made indelible contributions to American culture. From the legendary Grand Ole Opry in Nashville to the blues roots of Memphis, the state's musical heritage continues to influence artists and audiences worldwide.

Modern Achievements: Today, Tennessee is recognized for its vibrant economy, innovative industries, and educational institutions. The state's commitment to growth and development is evident in our thriving cities and communities.

As we celebrate the Statehood, we honor the spirit, resilience, and achievements of the people of Tennessee. Here's to many more years of prosperity in the Volunteer State!

To learn more about Tennessee's rich history, visit Tennessee History Resources. Let's celebrate our state's birthday by deepening our appreciation for its remarkable journey!

Governor Lee Signs Smart Heart Act, Enhancing Student Safety in Tennessee Schools

On Tuesday, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed the Smart Heart Act into law, a landmark legislation aimed at bolstering student safety in schools across the state. The Act mandates the presence of automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) in all public and nonpublic schools serving grades nine through twelve, along with establishing response protocols for cardiac-related medical emergencies. The bipartisan bill received unanimous support from the legislature and was lauded by various stakeholders, including the National Football League and the American Heart Association. With this initiative, Tennessee schools are now equipped with life-saving devices and trained staff to swiftly respond to cardiac events, ensuring the well-being of students both on and off the field.

Tennessee: A Top-5 Fastest Growing State

Tennessee has secured its place as one of the top-5 fastest growing states in the United States, with an impressive 95% of counties experiencing population growth last year. This significant increase highlights Tennessee's appeal as an ideal location for families and businesses alike. State officials are committed to ensuring that infrastructure, education, and public services can support the expanding population as Tennessee continues to grow.

Sales Tax Manual Updated and New Important Notice

On May 11, 2023, Governor Lee signed the Tennessee Works Tax Act ("TWTA"), Public Chapter 377 (2023), into law. The TWTA implements various changes to Tennessee's sales and use tax, such as adopting sourcing provisions that align with the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement, aiding sellers in determining which state's tax applies to sales made into or out of Tennessee. These changes will be effective starting July 1, 2024. For more information, please click the buttons below.


Governor Bill Lee's recent signing of a groundbreaking health care reform bill has significant implications for our clients in the health care sector. The legislation, championed by a group of Tennessee lawmakers, fundamentally transforms Tennessee's certificate of need program over the next five years.

Here are the key highlights:

  1. Shift Towards a Licensure-Based Approach: The bill removes permitting requirements related to determining “need” for the establishment of certain types of medical facilities and lightens restrictions for others, marking a significant departure from the longstanding program's framework.

  2. Reform Rollout: Rather than implementing changes all at once, the reforms will be phased in over five years. This gradual approach is intended to allow health care providers to adapt to the new landscape while maintaining focus on patient safety and quality care.

  3. Expanded Scope: The reforms impact various medical facilities, including freestanding emergency departments, intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) habitation facilities, burn units, and neonatal intensive care units.

This legislation represents a significant milestone in reshaping the health care landscape in Tennessee. We congratulate our clients who have advocated for these reforms and are grateful for the role Harris Frazier was able to play in supporting this legislative win.

Nashville Business Journal: Tennessee's certificate of need program has officially changed thanks to Gov. Lee's signature


IN THE NEWS

  • Tennessee Law Will Allow Cities To Cut $10.5M In Local Grocery Tax
    A bill that would allow local municipalities to cut their grocery tax in Tennessee will go into effect Oct. 1.
    TENNESSEECONSERVATIVENEWS.COM - May 21, 2024
     

  • State Senate Update: New Laws Protect Second Amendment Rights
    MAINSTREETMEDIATN.COM - May 21, 2024
     

  • Tennessee 'tough on crime' bill will not make us safer and take away from rehabilitation
    When our state lawmakers propose laws that aim to be tough on crime, everyone deserves to know the facts about those laws.
    TENNESSEAN.COM - May 21, 2024
     

  • Bullying, cyberbullying now considered Class A misdemeanors under new Tennessee law
     A change in Tennessee law that formally defines bullying and cyberbullying and ensures the acts would be treated the same as harassment will go into effect July 1.
    WATE.COM - May 20, 2024
     

  • Tennessee rep calls Memphis preemption bill worse than “overreach”
    A Memphis state representative is calling a preemption bill signed into law by the governor more than a case of “overreach” as it turns back efforts to stop “pretextual” traffic stops such as those that led to the 2023 death of motorist Tyre Nichols.
    TENNESSEELOOKOUT.COM - May 21, 2024
     

  • New Tennessee laws aim to end cycle of repeat offenders with low bonds
    Dangerous criminals committing crimes, then being released on low bond or no bond, then committing more crimes has become one of the biggest issues in Tennessee.
    WLOS.COM - May 21, 2024
     

  • Will Tennessee legalize cannabis after federal declassification? Where lawmakers fall
    As federal agencies move to reclassify marijuana to allow doctors to prescribe the drug, Tennessee lawmakers remain divided on whether the state should change its laws and allow patients to legally access medical cannabis.
    TENNESSEAN.COM - May 22, 2024
     

  • 'Never forgotten': Asher Sullivan saves four lives in organ donations
    A Middle Tennessee boy who passed away after being swept into a storm drain has saved four lives by donating his organs, his father says.
    FOX17.COM - May 22, 2024
     

  • Nashville airport, TDOT to fast track I-40 interchange upgrade with $6 million incentive
    he Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is working with the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) and Superior Construction to expedite the completion of the I-40 / SR 255 (Donelson Pike) Interchange.
    FOX17.COM - May 30, 2024