Tennessee House Bill HB1335

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 9, Chapter 4, Part 2; Title 50, Chapter 7, Part 3; Title 58, Chapter 8; Title 58, Chapter 2 and Title 67, Chapter 5, and to amend Chapter __ of the Public Acts of 2025 (1st Ex. Sess. – HB 6002 / SB 6004), Chapter __ of the Public Acts of 2025 (1st Ex. Sess. – HB 6003 / SB 6003), and Chapter __ of the Public Acts of 2025 (1st Ex. Sess. – HB 6007 / SB 6007), relative to recovery from disasters and emergencies.

Summary

HB1335 makes a narrow change to Tennessee’s emergency management law by requiring the responsible state agency to submit an annual recovery report by February 1. The report must go to the governor, the speaker of the senate, and the speaker of the house of representatives, and it must describe recovery efforts undertaken during the prior calendar year as well as recommendations for improving the efficiency of future recovery efforts. The bill is framed as a transparency and accountability measure for disaster and emergency recovery operations. It does not appear to create new recovery programs, funding streams, or eligibility rules; instead, it adds a recurring reporting duty to Tennessee Code Annotated Section 58-2-106(b). The act takes effect immediately upon becoming law, reflecting the stated public welfare need. Because no committee transcript or vote history is provided, there is no recorded debate or amendment activity to indicate broader legislative sentiment. Based on the text alone, the bill appears administrative and noncontroversial, aimed at improving oversight of state recovery efforts after disasters and emergencies. The main point of potential contention would be the added administrative burden on the agency required to prepare the report, though the bill’s scope is limited and the reporting requirement is straightforward. Any discussion would likely focus on whether the reporting deadline, recipients, and content are sufficient to meaningfully improve future disaster recovery operations.

Impact

HB1335 amends Tennessee Code Annotated Section 58-2-106(b) to impose a new annual reporting requirement on the state agency responsible for disaster and emergency recovery. It affects state emergency management administration by requiring a yearly report on recovery activities and recommendations, but it does not directly alter benefits, penalties, or substantive recovery rights for individuals or local governments.

Sentiment

No committee discussion or voting record is included, so there is no documented opposition or support to measure. The bill’s text suggests a generally favorable, oversight-oriented approach, and its limited scope indicates it is likely to have been viewed as a routine administrative improvement rather than a major policy change.

Contention

There is no specific recorded contention in the provided materials. If any concerns were raised, they would most likely involve the added reporting obligation for the agency, the usefulness of the report, or whether the legislature already receives sufficient information about disaster recovery efforts. No named stakeholders, amendments, or dissenting positions are available in the record provided.