Tennessee Senate Bill SB0939

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 3; Title 4; Title 8 and Title 9, relative to the impact of legislation on certain demographic groups.

Impact

If enacted, SB0939 will require a racial impact statement to be prepared and made available for any proposed general bill, resolution, or amendment that has the potential to affect certain demographic groups. This requirement would enhance the legislative process by incorporating considerations of social justice and equity into the lawmaking framework, thus providing a formal mechanism for evaluating the broader societal implications of proposed laws. The fiscal review committee will play a crucial role in producing these statements, thus ensuring that the necessary data analysis is conducted promptly and accurately.

Summary

Senate Bill 939, sponsored by Oliver, is an act aimed at amending the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically focusing on the impact of legislation on certain demographic groups. The bill introduces a 'Tennessee racial impact statement' which is a data analysis tool designed to provide insights into how proposed legislation may increase or decrease racial disparities within various policy areas, including criminal justice, education, and public health. The intention behind this initiative is to ensure that lawmakers are aware of potential social equity issues before enacting laws that may disproportionately affect specific demographics in the state.

Contention

While the bill promotes a progressive approach to evaluating the implications of legislation, it may face contention from those who view it as an additional bureaucratic step that could potentially slow down the legislative process. Critics might argue that the necessity of preparing racial impact statements could hinder the efficiency of timely lawmaking, particularly in urgent matters where rapid responses are required. However, proponents believe that the benefits of ensuring equitable legislation outweigh potential delays, emphasizing the need for accountability and informed decision-making in the governance of Tennessee.