Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

Tennessee Senate Bill SB0280

Introduced
1/19/23  
Chaptered
5/19/23  

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4 and Title 9, relative to funds administered by state government entities.

Impact

If enacted, SB0280 will modify existing legal structures pertaining to the funding of public safety needs. It specifically allows for a more flexible financial arrangement between the Tennessee Local Development Authority and counties, whereby counties can obtain loans to purchase critical equipment needed by public safety officers. This is seen as a way to improve the resources available to first responders and enhance the overall safety of communities across Tennessee, potentially leading to better emergency response capabilities and lowered insurance rates in areas benefiting from these loans.

Summary

SB0280, officially known as the 'Tennessee Local Development Authority Public Safety Protection Act of 2023', aims to enhance public safety in Tennessee by providing a framework for counties to acquire necessary equipment through loans administered by the Tennessee Local Development Authority. The bill allows the Authority to issue revenue bonds and make bond proceeds or state appropriations available for loans specifically aimed at funding equipment for county and volunteer fire departments. This initiative is designed to improve public safety and reduce fire insurance premiums in the counties it serves.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding the bill appears to be positive, particularly among those advocating for more robust public safety infrastructure. Supporters argue that equipping local fire and emergency services is essential for safeguarding lives and properties. However, the bill may face scrutiny regarding how funds are allocated and whether some counties might struggle to meet the financial obligations tied to these loans, raising concerns about equity in access to public safety resources across various regions.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the financial implications for counties that might take on debt to improve their public safety equipment. While the intention is to bolster safety measures, some legislators and local government officials may question the sustainability of the proposed loan agreements, especially if they are not accompanied by sufficient state support or if the anticipated reductions in insurance premiums do not materialize. These discussions highlight the broader debate on balancing fiscal responsibility with the need to provide adequate public safety services.

Companion Bills

TN HB0328

Crossfiled AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4 and Title 9, relative to funds administered by state government entities.

Previously Filed As

TN SB1083

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 8 and Title 49, relative to hiring practices of governmental entities.

TN HB0622

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 8 and Title 49, relative to hiring practices of governmental entities.

TN SB2654

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 3; Title 4; Title 8 and Title 9, relative to state government.

TN HB2614

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 3; Title 4; Title 8 and Title 9, relative to state government.

TN SB2470

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

TN HB2334

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

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.

TN HB1237

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

TN SB1672

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 8; Title 9 and Title 67, relative to government finances.

TN HB2085

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 8; Title 9 and Title 67, relative to government finances.

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.