Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

Tennessee House Bill HB2346

Introduced
1/30/24  
Refer
2/1/24  
Refer
2/26/24  
Refer
3/20/24  
Refer
3/25/24  
Chaptered
5/13/24  

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4 and Title 49, relative to higher education.

Impact

The passing of HB 2346 will centralize the governance of state universities under the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, particularly in situations where the local governing board of trustees is no longer functional. This modification could streamline decision-making processes and enhance accountability at the state level regarding higher education management. However, it also raises concerns about the level of local control retained by state universities, which may impact their ability to address specific and immediate needs within their communities.

Summary

House Bill 2346 serves to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated concerning the governance and oversight of state universities. The bill primarily focuses on the transition of management and governance of state universities to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission in instances where local governing boards are dissolved or vacated. The act stipulates specific conditions under which the commission assumes these responsibilities, and it outlines procedures for delegating powers to the executive director to prevent conflicts of interest.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding the bill appears to be mixed. Proponents argue that the bill’s intent is to create a more efficient and effective management structure for state universities by centralizing governance. They see it as a step towards improving oversight and ensuring consistency across institutions. Conversely, opponents express concerns about the reduced local governance and the potential for bureaucratic overreach from the state level, fearing that local needs may be overlooked in favor of a more generalized approach.

Contention

Key points of contention regarding HB 2346 include the potential loss of local autonomy and the risks associated with state-level interference in university governance. Many stakeholders, including university officials and community advocates, have voiced concerns that the bill could diminish the responsiveness of institutions to specific local challenges, ultimately affecting the quality of education and services provided. As such, the debate continues over the balance between effective state oversight and the necessary independence of individual universities.

Companion Bills

TN SB2109

Crossfiled AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4 and Title 49, relative to higher education.

Previously Filed As

TN SB1723

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 10 and Title 49, relative to the Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation.

TN HB2080

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 10 and Title 49, relative to the Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation.

TN HB1227

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, relative to higher education.

TN SB1368

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, relative to higher education.

TN SB1312

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 49, Chapter 4 and Title 49, Chapter 7, relative to higher education.

TN HB1324

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 49, Chapter 4 and Title 49, Chapter 7, relative to higher education.

TN SB2141

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 43, Chapter 6, Part 5 and Title 49, relative to higher education.

TN HB2095

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 43, Chapter 6, Part 5 and Title 49, relative to higher education.

TN SB1608

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, relative to higher education.

TN HB1868

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, relative to higher education.

Similar Bills

TN HB2560

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 9; Title 13; Title 16; Title 39; Title 55; Title 58; Title 62; Title 65; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to emergency management.

TN SB2248

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 9; Title 13; Title 16; Title 39; Title 55; Title 58; Title 62; Title 65; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to emergency management.

TN SB0329

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 1; Title 2; Title 3; Title 4; Title 5; Title 7; Title 8; Title 9; Title 10; Title 11; Title 12; Title 13; Title 16; Title 20; Title 22; Title 24; Title 31; Title 33; Title 36; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 43; Title 44; Title 45; Title 47; Title 48; Title 49; Title 50; Title 53; Title 54; Title 55; Title 56; Title 61; Title 62; Title 63; Title 64; Title 65; Title 66; Title 67; Title 68; Title 69 and Title 71, relative to electronic transmissions.

TN HB0321

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 1; Title 2; Title 3; Title 4; Title 5; Title 7; Title 8; Title 9; Title 10; Title 11; Title 12; Title 13; Title 16; Title 20; Title 22; Title 24; Title 31; Title 33; Title 36; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 43; Title 44; Title 45; Title 47; Title 48; Title 49; Title 50; Title 53; Title 54; Title 55; Title 56; Title 61; Title 62; Title 63; Title 64; Title 65; Title 66; Title 67; Title 68; Title 69 and Title 71, relative to electronic transmissions.

TN HB1189

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 7; Title 8; Title 10; Title 33; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49; Title 50; Title 57; Title 67; Title 68 and Title 70, relative to firearms.

TN SB1227

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 7; Title 8; Title 10; Title 33; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49; Title 50; Title 57; Title 67; Title 68 and Title 70, relative to firearms.

TN HB0806

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 7; Title 8; Title 10; Title 33; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49; Title 50; Title 57; Title 67; Title 68 and Title 70, relative to firearms.

TN SB1235

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 21; Title 9; Title 62; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to state entities.