March 20 - 24, 2023
This week, committees and subcommittees attempted to clear as much of their calendars as possible. Some completed their work and were able to adjourn subject to the call of the chair. This means a number of proposals we are tracking should not be heard this year, but there is always the possibility that a committee could be reopened to hear a bill if its companion bill is progressing in the other chamber.
This is a dangerous point in the session due to the volume of bills in committee, many of which are being amended to completely rewrite the legislation and take the bills in a different direction. We are hearing that the Governor’s supplemental budget amendment should be introduced sometime early in April. It usually takes two or three weeks after that for the General Assembly to finalize the budget and wrap up other pending legislation. This puts the legislature on track for a late April adjournment if no obstacles arise.
Transportation
The Governor’s Transportation Modernization Act of 2023 (HB321/SB273) passed the full Senate this past Monday. The full House Finance Committee also recommended the bill, setting it up for a vote on the House floor next Monday. The bill is carrying identical language in both chambers. So long as it passes the floor Monday night, it should be on its way to the Governor’s desk for his signature. This act will be a tremendous win for county highway departments, bringing them $300 million in one-time additional funds for the state-aid grant program and providing counties a share of the fees on electric and hybrid vehicles that are intended to replace lost gas tax revenue. Be sure to thank your Senators for supporting the bill and continue to let your House members know how important this bill is to county governments.
Sales Tax Administration Fee
A bill to reduce the administrative fee charged on local option sales tax by the Department of Revenue moved forward again in the House Local Government Committee. It is headed to the House Finance Sub, where it will be heard next Wednesday. We expect it will be placed “behind the budget,” as the proposal is not currently funded.
Read This Week's Full Capitol Update from TCSA
TCSA’s Third Thursday Webinar for March 2023 Now Available
TCSA's Third Thursday Webinar for March 2023, where TCSA members and others can learn about Development Districts' assistance to counties, is now available on TCSA's YouTube page! You can view the 28-minute video, full of useful resources and documents, by clicking the button below.
If you'd like copies of the documents presented in the video, please visit the Training Resources page of TCSA's website.
Alternate Lodging Now Available for TCSA Legislative Conference in Gatlinburg
TCSA is excited to announce more lodging options for the Legislative Conference in May 2023! If you were unable to reserve a room at the Park Vista, there is now a special room block available at the nearby Bearskin Lodge in Gatlinburg. This hotel is located at 840 River Road, Gatlinburg, TN, 37738.
To book reservations in the block, please CALL 865-430-4330. A credit card will be needed to reserve the room. (Unfortunately, there is no online booking option for this room block. You MUST call the Bearskin Lodge to reserve.)
Block Name: TN County Services Association
Cutoff Date for Booking: May 8, 2023
Rooms are all Two Queen Stream Views with fireplace and private balcony
Rate: $135 per night plus tax
Also, please remember that this lodging reservation does not include the cost of conference registration. You can visit the TCSA website to register for the Legislative Conference itself. Thanks again, and we look forward to seeing you in May!
CTAS: Important Opioid Settlement Information
A second wave of opioid settlement funds could be heading your way later this year. Counties must opt-in to receive funds from this settlement. It is vitally important to receive this funding to assist in combating the growing problem of opioid addiction.
The Tennessee Attorney General has created a sample resolution counties can use to give the county mayor authority to execute any required formal agreements necessary for implementation. This resolution mentions Exhibits A and B, so please be sure to download these linked documents. The deadline to adopt this resolution is April 18th.
This is an urgent matter. Since all counties do not meet each month, we suggest you act now. The more counties that participate in this round of funding…
Read More Information and Next Steps to Take Here
Nominate an Organization in Your County for a NACo Achievement Award!
The Achievement Awards program is a non-competitive awards program recognizing innovative county government programs. One outstanding program from each category will be selected as the “Best of Category.”
Last year, Tennessee had several county government programs to receive awards from NACo, so take the time to share your county's successes on a national level! Have an innovative project or program launched through your ARP funds? Did you have other measurable successes through any programs in the county? If so, check out the online application portal and apply by April 7, 2023.
Nominate Your County for an Achievement Award Today!