Tennessee House Bill HB1370

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/23
• Refer: 2/2/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 47, Chapter 18; Title 48, Chapter 101 and Title 58, relative to donations for disaster relief.

Impact

The implications of this bill could be significant for how disaster relief contributions are managed in Tennessee. By requiring that contributions be expended within a set timeframe, it aims to prevent prolonged holding of funds without usage, thereby promoting immediate assistance and support to communities in need. Additionally, it establishes a surplus disaster relief contributions fund, ensuring that any unspent contributions are managed appropriately and not diverted to other state funds. This change is designed to streamline disaster relief efforts and ensure accountability among charitable organizations.

Summary

House Bill 1370 proposes amendments to the Tennessee Code regarding donations for disaster relief. The bill mandates that charitable organizations, excluding bona fide religious institutions, that solicit contributions for disaster-related purposes must ensure that these funds are used within twenty-four months following the declaration of a disaster by a relevant authority. This approach aims to ensure timely assistance and efficient use of resources in disaster situations, facilitating a faster recovery process for affected communities.

Conclusion

In summary, HB1370 introduces important stipulations regarding the management of disaster relief contributions in Tennessee, aiming to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of charitable efforts during emergencies. However, the bill may face scrutiny regarding its enforcement implications and the fairness of its provisions towards different types of charitable organizations.

Contention

While the bill seeks to enhance the management of disaster relief funds, there may be concerns regarding the operational feasibility for charitable organizations. Organizations may find themselves under pressure to disburse funds quickly, which could potentially lead to hasty decisions that might not optimally serve the needs of disaster-affected populations. Furthermore, the exclusion of bona fide religious institutions raises questions about equality in treatment among various types of organizations soliciting aid.