Tennessee House Bill HB1908

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/26
• Refer: 2/4/26

Caption

AN ACT to make appropriations for the purpose of defraying the expenses of the state government for the fiscal years beginning July 1, 2025, and July 1, 2026, in the administration, operation, and maintenance of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the various departments, institutions, offices, and agencies of the state; for certain state aid and obligations; for capital outlay, for the service of the public debt, for emergency and contingency; to repeal certain appropriations and any acts inconsistent herewith; to provide provisional continuing appropriations; and to establish certain provisions, limitations, and restrictions under which appropriations may be obligated and expended. This act makes appropriations for the purposes described above for the fiscal years beginning July 1, 2025, and July 1, 2026.

Summary

HB1908 is a state appropriations bill for Tennessee for fiscal years beginning July 1, 2025, and July 1, 2026. In general, it authorizes funding for the operation and maintenance of state government across the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, along with state aid, capital outlay, debt service, emergency needs, and other appropriated obligations. The bill also includes standard appropriation language to repeal inconsistent acts and establish provisional continuing appropriations and spending limitations. A specific provision in Section 1 earmarks funds within the Department of Transportation to cover any future general bill or resolution enacted in the 2026 session that designates an interstate, U.S. highway, state highway, or bridge as a memorial route or memorial bridge for certain individuals killed in the line of duty under Tennessee law. Section 2 states legislative intent to recognize any revenue loss associated with bills enacted in that session that do not increase expenditures but do forgo previously uncollected revenue. The act takes effect upon becoming law.

Impact

The bill primarily affects state budgeting and appropriations law by setting the framework for Tennessee government spending in FY 2025-2026 and by reserving transportation funds for future memorial highway or bridge designations tied to line-of-duty deaths. It does not itself create a new program or change substantive regulatory law, but it does establish spending authority, fiscal restrictions, and a specific earmark within the Department of Transportation. It may also influence how future memorial designation bills are funded and accounted for in the state budget.

Sentiment

Based on the text provided, the bill appears to be a routine appropriations measure rather than a controversial policy proposal. No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no evidence of formal opposition or support in the available materials. The bill’s language suggests a standard budgetary consensus item with a narrow, technical earmark for future memorial highway legislation.

Contention

The main potential point of contention is the earmark in Section 1, which sets aside Department of Transportation funds for future memorial highway or bridge designation bills rather than for immediate transportation needs. Some lawmakers or stakeholders could view this as a limited but specific use of transportation resources, while others may see it as a routine administrative accommodation for honoring fallen public servants. Section 2’s recognition of revenue loss from future bills may also draw attention from fiscal watchdogs, though it is framed as an intent statement rather than a direct appropriation change.