Tennessee House Bill HB0099

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/23
• Refer: 1/20/23
• Refer: 2/22/23
• Refer: 2/28/23
• Refer: 3/15/23
• Refer: 3/21/23
• Engrossed: 3/30/23
• Enrolled: 4/4/23
• Passed: 4/25/23
• Chaptered: 5/2/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 10, Chapter 7, Part 4, relative to county public records commissions.

Impact

The passage of HB 0099 signifies a shift in how local governance values the role of public records commissions, aiming to ensure that individuals involved in these essential functions are compensated fairly for their time and effort. By allowing for a more substantial per diem, the bill could improve the functioning of these commissions, leading to better management of public records and transparency in government operations. This change could also influence how other local bodies approach the compensation of their officials and volunteers.

Summary

House Bill 0099, introduced by Representative Stevens, aims to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Title 10, Chapter 7, Part 4, which pertains to county public records commissions. The key change proposed in the bill is an increase in the per diem compensation for members of these commissions from $25 to a maximum of $150 for each day of actual meeting. This adjustment reflects an acknowledgment of the responsibilities and efforts involved in managing public records effectively, enhancing the ability of counties to attract and retain qualified individuals to serve on these commissions.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 0099 appears to be predominantly positive among legislators, as evidenced by the unanimous support in the floor vote where it passed with 32 yeas and no nays. Proponents believe that this bill is a necessary step toward improving local governance structures by properly compensating those who dedicate their time to public service. The lack of opposition further suggests a collective agreement on the importance of this issue within the legislative assembly.

Contention

While there was no notable contention regarding the bill's details, the potential implications of increasing per diem rates could raise discussions about budget allocations at the county level. Critics may argue that higher compensation could strain county budgets, especially in less affluent areas that may struggle to absorb such costs. Nevertheless, the bill highlights a growing recognition of the importance of public service roles and the need for adequate compensation to ensure effective governance.