Here follows a listing of bills pertaining directly to Higher Education currently pending before the Tennessee Legislature.
This list was last updated on February 8, 2002.
The list is made available for your general information, but I also invite
-- indeed I welcome -- your comments. Send them to me at:
jjroberts@tntech.edu
You may wish to write directly to some of the legislators regarding specific
legislation or general issues. PLEASE DO SO. Such is among our most
powerful lobbying tools. All legislators can be contacted via e-mail. Their
addresses are available at the state legislature home page:
www.legislature.state.tn.us
Bills are listed in order of their introduction in the Senate. Sponsor(s) are listed and the bills are briefly described. Full details of the bills can be obtained at the website.
Of the bills filed during the 2001 session, some were passed and signed into law. All others remain active (unless withdrawn) for the 2002 session, though some, such as last year's budget proposals, might as well be withdrawn. Actions taken on these bills are noted herein, with all "passings" noted in bold type. Bills recommended for pass by, scheduled for, or deferred by committees and House subcommittees are noted within in italics.
Most bills numbered above 2000 have been filed in 2002. Detail will be added to the descriptions of the bills as it becomes available.
I have included only bills which seem to have a direct relationship to higher education. While I have included general appropriations bills and major tax reform proposals, in the interests of both space and time I have omitted other proposed tax changes, ranging from a myriad of potential tobacco settlements, to a variety of taxes on individual items or services. Similarly, while all K-12 legislation could someday impact higher education, I have included such only when its impact seems imminent.
I have deliberately omitted numerous honorary resolutions, which laud the achievements of individual faculty, students, administrators, teams, schools, etc. Similarly, those offering congratulations to retirees and recent appointees, or praise and condolences upon someone's passing, have also been omitted.
Furthermore bills which cite university research as their justification or basis, but will not impact institutions of higher education directly or in a unique way (such as a proposal mandating effluent filters for sewer systems, which stemmed from research at Tennessee Tech, or others calling for integrated pest control programs for child care facilities and K-12 schools, which cite University of Tennessee research) are also not included.
This list is accurate and complete to the best of my abilities. It may be, however, that in the course of examining over 6000 pending bills and nearly 1000 resolutions I may have overlooked something of note. New legislation may still be filed, and existing legislation may be drastically amended. I invite all of you to inform me of any corrections or additions to this listing. My thanks go to those of you who have already offered such.
Sincerely,
Jeff Roberts
Tennessee Tech
AAUP Committee R
SJR 0001 (Cohen et al), HJR 0020 (Kernell et al) and HJR 0021 (Newton)
State Lottery
Empowers general assembly to authorize state lottery, pending a referendum.
SJR 0001 passed (22-11), February 7, 2001
House concurred (80-15-1), February 14, 2001
SJR 0043 (Herron)
Alcohol Abuse
Creates special joint committee to study various societal problems caused by
alcohol abuse and addiction, including underage drinking, binge drinking and
other alcohol abuse by college students.
Deferred by General Welfare since February 21, 2001
SJR 0059 (Rochelle)
Strategic Planning
Urges National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education to select
Tennessee as one of multi-state participants in long range strategic planning
on state higher education policy using NCPPHE's Measuring Up 2000 report.
Recommended for pass by Education, April 4
SJR 0059 Passed (33-0), April 12, 2001
Recommended for pass by Education, again, April 24
House Concurred (97-0), May 3, 2001
Signed by the Governor, May 15, 2001
SJR 0081 (Blackburn et al)
Zero-Based Budgeting
Encourages governor and commissioner of finance to utilize zero-based budgeting
principles in preparation of annual state budget.
Deferred by Finance, Ways and Means since May 22, 2001
SJR 0492 (Haun)
Medical Technician and Nurse Training
Liscenses certain medical technicians and revises education and training
requirments for diploma nurses.
HJR 0041 (Cooper, B)
Administration of Chuckalissa Indian Museum
Urges commissioner of department of environment and conservation, chairman of
board of regents, and president of University of Memphis to formulate plan for
University of Memphis and department to jointly share administrative
responsibilities for Chuckalissa Indian Village and Museum
Taken Off Notice by Parks and Tourism Sub-Committee, March 13, 2001
HJR 0044 (Cooper, B)
Feasability Study of Merger of Board of Regends and U-T System
Creates special joint committee to study feasibility of merging University of
Tennessee system into State Board of Regents system to create unitary state
system of higher education.
Failed for Lack of a Second, Higher-Ed Subcommittee, February 21, 2001
HJR 0054 (Odom)
Additive Study
Directs University of Tennessee to conduct study relative to public safety and
health risks associated with gasoline additive methyl tertiary buryl ether.
HJR 0096 (Sands)
Wage Discrimination and Salary Equity
Creates a special joint committee to study workplace wage discrimination and
to study the disparity between wages of state employees and those in the
private sector.
Recommended for pass by State Government subcommittee, April 11
Recommended for pass by State and Local Government, April 24
Deferred by Budget subcommittee since May 2, 2001
Deferred by Study Resolution subcommittee of Calendar and Rules since May 30,
2001
SB 0017 (Rochelle) and HB 0111 (Bone)
Tennessee National Guard Tuition Assistance Act
Provides scholarships and financial aid.
Recommended for pass by Senate Education, February 28
Scheduled for Senate Finance, Ways and Means for May 22
Recommended for pass by House Government Operations, March 6.
Recommended for pass by Higher Education Subcommittee, March 14.
Recommended for pass by House Education, March 21
Placed "behind the budget" by Budget Subcommittee, April 11
SB 0058 (Harper) and HB 0974 (Kernell)
Sunset Laws for THEC
Maintains functions of Tennessee Higher Education Commission through 2005.
Recommended for pass by Senate Government Operations, May 2
SB 0058 Passed (30-0) May 10
Recommended for pass, if amended, by House Government Operations, April
10
Deferred by Budget subcommittee until May 29
SB 0125 (Harper) and HB 1622 (Kernell)
Sunset Laws for UT-Board
Retains functions of University of Tennessee board of trustees through
2007.
Recommended for pass by Senate Government Operations, April 25
Amendment SA0321 (Harper)Passed, May 3
Corrects a numerical error referencing the Tennessee Code Annotated.
SB 0125/SA 0321 Passed Senate, (29-0), May 3
Recommended for pass, if amended, by House Government Operations, April
3
SB 0125/SA 0321 Passed House, (94-0), May 15
Sent to Governor, May 17
SB 0155 (Cooper) and HB 0403 (Fraley)
Standard Spring Break
Requires state board of regents and University of Tennessee board of trust to
set standard spring break time for all institutions under their respective
jurisdiction and to consult with state board of education to ensure spring
break is same for all public educational institutions.
Assigned to General Subcommittee, Senate Education March 28
House Bill Withdrawn, March 29
SB 0180 (Burchett) and HB 0438 (Dunn)
No to Social Security Numbers as Identification
Prohibits post-secondary educational institutions from using student, faculty,
and staff social security numbers as identification numbers.
Referred to General Subcommittee, Senate Education, February 21
SB 0226 (Crutchfield et. al.) and HB 1103 (Scroggs et. al.)
Scholarships for Aspiring Teachers
Requires Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation to administer support
personnel loan scholarship program for Tennesseans who aspire to be
teachers.
Recommended for pass, if amended, by Senate Education, March 21
Amendment SA0039 (McNally) adopted, March 26
Reduces the number of recipients from 96 to 24.
SB 0026/SA 0039 Passed (31-0), March 26
Recommended for pass, if amended, by Higher-Ed Subcommittee, March 14
Recommended for pass, if amended, by House Education, March 20
Held on House Desk, placed "behind the budget," March 28
SB 0243 (Jackson) and HB 0361 (Buck)
Proper Recruitment of Student Athletes
Creates offense punishable as theft for adult who occupies authority figure
role to receive anything of value and to use such to coerce minor to attend
particular institution of higher education without disclosing arrangement to
minor and parents.
Assigned to general subcommittee, Senate Education, May 9
Recommended for pass by House Criminal Procedure & Practice Subcommittee,
April 24
Deferred by House Judiciary until completion of a fall study
SB 0258 (Cohen) and HB 1211 (Odom)
Sustainable Forest Management Act
Will create a comprehensive plan for management of state forest lands.
Scientists from universities with programs in forestry or ecology will be
invited to participate.
Assigned to General Subcommittee, Senate Environment, Conservation and
Tourism, April 11
SB 0279 (Kurita) and HB 0300 (Head)
Military Coursework and Tuition at Austin Peay
Provides that military personnel who have previously taken courses at Austin
Peay State University's Fort Campbell site can continue taking on-line courses
from Austin Peay at in-state tuition rates.
Assigned to General Subcommittee, Senate Education, March 28
SB 0286 (Davis) and HB 1164 (Jones)
Election Day as a Holiday
Designates date of a statewide election as a state holiday.
Taken off notice by House State Government Subcommittee, March 14
SB 0322 (McNally et al) and HB 0981 (Kent et al)
Lump-Sum Retirement Payment Option
Allows employees in optional retirement programs to withdraw up to 50% of
accumulated account balances upon retirement.
Recommended for pass, Senate Finance, Ways and Means, April 10.
Amendment SA0378 (Atchley) Passed, April 12
Prohibits employees from putting withdrawn funds back into their retirement
accounts at a later date.
SB 0322/SA 0378 Passed (33-0), April 12
Amendment withdrawn, May 17
Senate Bill substituted in House, May 17
SB 0322 Passed House (94-1), May 17
Sent to Governor, May 18
SB 0360 (Cooper) and HB 0314 (Bowers)
Tennessee Biobased Product Education Program
Utilizes University of Tennessee and Tennessee State University Extention
Services, UT computer networks, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory to educate
the farm community on biobased products through an information network.
Recommended for pass by Senate Commerce, Labor and Agriculture Committee,
April 3
Scheduled for Senate Finance, Ways and Means for May 22
Recommended for pass by House Agriculture Committee, April 3
SB 0367 (Cooper) and HB 1160 (Black)
Educational Requirements for Nursing Home Assistants
Establishes a three-tier career path for nursing home assistants. Specifies
training requirements for each tier.
Assigned to General Subcommittee, Senate General Welfare, May 3
Taken off notice by Health Subcommittee, March 28
SB 0511 (Henry) and HB 1294 (Arriola)
Educational Deferment for Families First Program
Extends eligibility for Families First program to those attending school full
time or unable to find work.
Assigned to General Subcommittee, Senate General Welfare, Health & Human Resources, May 9
Deferred by House Human Services and Mental Health until January, 2002
SB 0536 (Cohen) and HB 0641 (Kisber)
Committee Structure
Alters composition of committee on postsecondary educational institutions by
increasing the number of THEC appointed members from 11 to 13.
Assigned to General Subcommittee, Senate Education, April 18.
SB 0567 (Crutchfield) and HB 0052 (Odom)
Financial Planning Seminars
Requires state to provide financial planning seminars to state employees.
State universities shall assist in the preparation of seminars.
Both Bills held on desk, pending amendment
SB 0618 (Cooper) and HB 0651 (Kisber)
THEC Master Plan
Requires Tennessee Higher Education Commission master plan and biennial report
to include detailed justification of need for any funding increase.
House Bill held on desk, pending amendment
SB 628 (Cooper) and HB 0629 (Kisber)
Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2001-2002
Makes appropriations for fiscal years 2000-2001 and 2001-2002
Scheduled for Senate Finance, Ways and Means for May 22
SB 629 (Cooper) and HB 0654 (Kisber)
Budget Procedures
Requires budget reporting by departments of finance and administration,
personnel, and higher education.
SB 0649 (Burchett) and HB 0448 (Windle)
Retired Teachers' Offspring Tuition Discount
Allows children, up to age 24, of retired teachers to receive 25 percent higher
education tuition discount.
Assigned to General Subcommittee, Senate Education, April 18.
Recommended for pass by House Education, April 25
SB 0765 (Dixon) and HB 1881 (Towns)
Eight Percent Pay Raise for Career Service Employees
"Each periodic salary increase shall not be less than 8 percent of the present
total salary of the career service employee"
Assigned to General Subcommittee, Senate State and Local Government, May 1
Recommended for pass by House State Government Subcommittee, April 4
Recommended for pass by House State and Local Government, April 10
Placed "behind the budget" by House Budget Subcommittee, May 22
SB 0789 (Cohen) and HB 0698 (Kisber)
President Emeriti Residence Requirements
Requires persons compensated for services as president emeritus of state
college or university to reside in Tennessee throughout period of such service
and to perform such services only for any college or university for which such
person previously served as president.
Assigned to General Subcommittee, Senate Education, April 25
SB 0856 (Norris) and HB 0251 (Scroggs)
Pilot Summer Reading Programs
Offers four grants of $25,000, two each to the University of Tennessee and
Board of Regents systems, to establish pilot summer reading programs for
low-income elementary students, based on West Virginia's "Energy Express"
programs. Grants require matching university contributions from the
host institution.
Recommended for pass, if amended, by Senate Education, May 2
Scheduled for Senate Finance, Ways and Means for May 22
Recommended for pass by House K-12 subcommittee, April 18
Recommended for pass by House Education, April 24
Placed "Behind the Budget" by Budget Subcommittee, May 2
SB 0897 (Haynes) and HB 1317 (Davidson)
BEST Program Clarifications
Amends and clarifies various provisions of Tennessee Baccaulaureate Education
System Trust (BEST) Act regarding purchasers in tuition contracts.
Recommended for pass by Higher Education Subcommittee, March 14
Recommended for pass, if amended, by House Education, March 20
Amendment HA0079 (Winningham) adopted, March 26
Replaces original bill, to much the same effect.
HB 1317/HA 0079 Passed, (98-0) March 26
Sent to Senate, March 29
Recommended for pass by Senate Education, April 25
House Bill substituted in Senate, May 2
HB 1317/HA 0079 Passed Senate (32-0), May 2
Signed by Governor, May 10
SB 0898 (Haynes) and HB 1318 (Davidson)
Further BEST Clarifications
Reclassifies "individual" as person under Tennessee Baccaulaureate Education
System Trust (BEST) Act as one that purchases tuition units or makes
contributions to account.
House bill held on desk, pending amendment
SB 0902 (Blackburn) and HB 0568 (Dunn)
Appropriations for 2001-2002
A general appropriations act for the next fiscal year. Essentially a
"standstill" budget.
Scheduled for Senate Finance, Ways and Means for May 22
SB 0908 (Dixon) and HB 0602 (DeBerry)
Technology Scholarships
Enacts "New Economy Technology Scholarship Act" under the Tennessee Student
Assistance Corporation, encouraging students to pursue science and
technology-related fields.
Recommended for pass by Senate Education, May 16
Recommended for pass, Higher Education Subcommittee, March 21
Recommended for pass, if amended, House Education April 3
Placed "behind the budget" by Budget subcommittee, April 18
SB 0917 (Burchett) and HB 0561 (Boyer)
Sex Offender Registration
Requires sex offender registration to include each higher education institution
such offender is enrolled in; requires TBI to report sexual offender
registration information to law enforcement agencies of higher education
institutions.
Recommended for pass by Criminal Procedure and Practice Subcommittee,
March 14
Recommended for pass by House Judiciary, March 21
Recommended for pass by Budget Subcommittee, May 2
Recommended for pass by House Finance, Ways and Means, May 8
HB 0561 Passed House (97-0), May 21
SB 0924 (Elsea) and HB 0225 (McKee)
Survivor's Health Coverage
Permits surviving spouse of retired employee to retain group health coverage
regardless of spouse's retirement options.
Taken off Notice by House Budget Subcommittee, April 4
SB 0968 (Ford, J) and HB 1877 (Towns)
THEC and Board Member Confirmation
Requires legislative confirmation of appointments to Tennessee higher education
commission, board of regents, and University of Tennessee board of
trustees.
Assigned to General Subcommittee, Senate Education, May 9
Taken off notice by Higher Education subcommittee, April 18
SB 0985 (Dixon and McNally) and HB 1783 (Chumney)
Joint Meetings of Governing Boards
Provides for joint meetings of University of Tennessee Board, board of regents,
and THEC to better coordinate programs and also to improve knowledge of BEST
program.
Recommended for pass by Senate Education, May 9
SB 0986 (Dixon) and HB 1737 (Chumney et al)
In-state Tuition for Memphis' Neighbors
Authorizes in-state tuition to University of Memphis residents of Crittenden,
Arkansas, and residents of DeSoto, Marshall, and Tate counties in
Mississippi.
Assigned to General Subcommittee, Senate Education, May 9
Recommended for pass by Higher Education subcommittee, April 18
Deferred by House Education until January, 2002
SN 0993 (Henry) and HB 0812 (Arriola)
Price Tags for Public Documents
Requires every department or agency of the state which produces public
documents to insert a sentence on the document which specifies the per-copy
cost of each document.
Assigned to General Subcommittee, Senate State and Local Government, March 20
Taken off Notice by House State Government Subcommittee, April 4
SB 0994 (Henry) and HB 1181 (Harwell)
Merger of Nashville State Tech and State Technology Center
Merges Nashville State Technical Institute and state technology center at
Nashville into new Nashville State Technical Community College.
Assigned to General Subcommittee, Senate Education, April 16
SB 0999 (Crowe) and HB 0738 (Patton and DeBerry)
No Acquisition Fees
Prohibits Department of Finance and Administration or State Building Commission
from charging state institutions of higher education fee for handling purchases
of real property by such institutions
Assigned to General Subcommittee, Senate State and Local Government, March
7
House Bill Withdrawn, April 9
SB 1027 (Ramsey) and HB 0195 (Westmoreland)
DUI-convicted Students Can Still Drive to Class
Specifies where those with a DUI-restricted drivers license can drive.
Includes treatment facilities and health-care institutions, and allows
students to drive to class.
Assigned to General Subcommittee, Senate Transportation, March 21
Recommended for pass by House Judiciary, March 28
HB 0195 Passed (83-7-2), April 11
SB 1027 Failed in Senate Transportation Committee, April 11
SB 1102 (Haynes) and HB 1285 (Langster et. al.)
Blue Lights for Vanderbilt Police
Authorizes use of blue lights on motor vehicles of commissioned security
officers employed by private universities with enrollment and employment
greater than 9000.
Recommended for pass by House Transportation, March 14
Amendment HA0056 (Ridgeway) adopted, March 22
Limits usage to within five miles of campus, or as dictated by the chief law
enforcement official of the county.
HB 1285/HA 0056 Passed (94-0-1), March 22
Sent to Senate, March 22
Recommended for pass by Senate Transportation, April 11
House Bill substituted in Senate, April 23
HB 1285/HA 0056 Passed Senate (31-0), April 23
Signed by Governor, April 26
Becomes Public Chapter 138 Effective July 1, 2001
SB 1173 (Crutchfield) and HB 0716 (Turner)
Reports on Reading
Provides for detailed report on reading programs in Tennessee by state board of
education, state department of education, and THEC.
Recommended for pass by Senate Education, May 2
SB 1173 Passed Senate (29-0) May 8
Recommended for pass by House K-12 subcommittee, April 18
Recommended for pass by House Education, May 1
Senate Bill substituted in House, May 16
SB 1173 Passed House (96-0) May 16
Sent to Governor, May 17
SB 1199 (Cooper) and HB 1696 (Davidson and Winningham)
Master Plan Funding Recommendations
Requires higher education master plan to include funding recommendations and
detailed explanation of need for any funding increases.
House bill held on desk, pending amendment
SB 1317 (Graves) and HB 0552 (McDonald)
Defining Service Areas
Provides that state board of regents may establish service areas for community
colleges, technical institutes, and state technology centers but requires
legislative approval of changes occuring after January 1, 2001.
Assigned to General Subcommittee, Senate Education May 9
SB 1375 (Jackson) and HB 0891 (Buck)
Manipulation of Student Athletes
Creates offense punishable as theft for adult who occupies authority figure
role to receive anything of value to use such role to coerce minor to attend
particular institution of higher education without disclosing agreement to
minor and parent.
Taken off notice by House Criminal Procedures and Practice, March 14
SB 1450 (Person) and HB 1104 (Scroggs)
No tax on NCAA tickets
Exempts from amusement taxes tickets purchased to events sanctioned by NCAA
Placed "Behind the Budget" by House Budget Subcommitee, April 25
SB 1451 (Dixon) and HB 1000 (Bowers)
SWTCC's Collaboration with High Schools
Authorizes Southwest Tennessee Community College, under certain circumstances,
to collaborate with area high schools to encourage high school graduation and
post-secondary enrollment. At least six permanent councelors required.
Recommended for pass by Senate Education, May 9
Scheduled for Senate Finance, Ways and Means for May 22
SB 1472 (McNally) and HB 1260 (Baird)
Lump Sum Retirement Distribution for UT
Authorizes University of Tennessee employees to elect lump sum distribution on
retirement of 50 percent of accrued retirement benefits.
Heard by Council on Pensions and Insurance, March 5
Assigned to General Subcommittee, Senate Education, May 9
Recommended for pass by Higher Education subcommittee, April 18
Taken off notice by House Education, May 2
SB 1478 (Davis) and HB 1038 (Winningham)
THEC and TBR Unaffected by Redistricting
Provides that members of THEC and state board of regends may remain on board
until end of their current terms even if congressional redistricting places
them outside congressional districts from which they were appointed.
Recommended for pass by House Education Committee, March 13
HB 1038 Passed (95-0), March 19
Sent to Senate, March 20
Recommended for pass by Senate Education, April 25
House Bill substituted in Senate, May 2
HB 1038 Passed Senate (32-0), May 2
SB 1504 (Rochelle) and HB 0253 (Scroggs and Kisber)
Strategic Planning and Performance-Based Funding
Creates a performance-based budget review pilot project.
Deferred by Senate Finance, Ways and Means until May 22
Placed "behind the budget" by House Budget Subcommittee, April 11
SB 1540 (Dixon) and HB 1557 (Jones)
Gas Tax for Higher Education
Increases gas tax 1 cent from 20 cents to 21 cents with proceeds going to
higher education.
Deferred by Transportation and Safety Planning subcommittee until January,
2002.
SB 1543 (Dixon) and HB 1173 (Cooper et al)
Chuckalissa Indian Village Jurisdiction
Transfers jurisdiction and control of Chuckalissa Indian Village and Museum
from University of Memphis to department of environment and conservation.
Recommended for pass by Senate Environment, Conservation and Tourism, May
2
Amendment SA 0397 (Ramsey) Adopted, May 10
Specifies that this act will have no effect unless funds for the facility are
allocated by the General Assembly.
SB 1543/SA 0397 Passed (28-0) May 10
Recommended for pass by House Parks and Tourism Subcommittee, March 20
Recommended for pass, if amended, by House Conservation, April 4
Scheduled for House Regular Calendar for April 23, then removed
Recommended for pass by Budget Subcommittee, May 16
Recommended for pass by House Finance, Ways and Means, May 22
Senate Bill substituted in House, May 29
SB 1543/SA 0397 Passed House (97-0), May 29
SB 1554 (Ford) and HB 0993 (DeBerry)
No to Credit Card Solicitations of Students and Unwanted Advertisements
Places restrictions on institutions of University of Tennessee or state board
of regents system concerning credit card solicitations of students. Makes it
unlawful for credit card issuer or issuer of credit to solicit or provide
promotional incentives to students at such institutions. Requires colleges
with campus directories to give students the option to not receive offers,
solicitations, or advertisements based on directory listings.
Assigned to General Subcommittee, Senate Commerce, Labor and Agriculture,
April 24
SB 1614 (Burchett) and HB 0420 (Bunch)
Remedial Charter Schools and Community Colleges
Provides for remedial/developmental charter schools to be operated by state
community colleges.
Assigned to General Subcommittee, Senate Education, May 2
Taken off notice by House K-12 Subcommittee, April 18
SB 1677 (Crowe and Atchley) and HB 1399 (McDaniel and Patton)
Tennessee National Guard Tuition Assistance Act
Provides active members of the Tennessee National Guard full in-state tuition
to a state-supported educational institution, or the equivalent amount to a
private institution.
Assigned to General Subcommittee, Senate Education, April 18
SB 1729 (Crowe) and HB 1607 (Givens)
Veterans Educational Benefit Program Administrators' Improvement Act
Provides full in-state tuition and benefits to all dependents of members of the
United States armed forces killed in action, taken prisoner, or officially
reported as missing in action.
Recommended for pass by House Government Operations, April 10
Recommended for pass by Higher Education subcommittee, April 18
Recommended for pass by House Education, April 24
HB 1607 Passed (99-0), April 30
Recommended for pass by Senate Education, May 9
House Bill substituted in Senate, May 14
HB 1607 Passed Senate (32-0) May 14
Signed by Governor, May 22
SB 1738 (Cohen et al) and HB 1710 (Kernell et al)
Independence for University of Memphis
Creates University of Memphis as independent institution with its own board of
trustees.
Assigned to General Subcommittee, Senate Education, April 18
SB 1739 (Ford) and HB 1558 (Jones)
Merger of All Governing Boards
Combines UT system and state university and community college system to be
managed and controlled by new board of higher education, made by merging board
of trustees and board of regents. THEC abolished.
Assigned to General Subcommittee, Senate Education, May 9
Deferred by House Higher Education Subcommittee until January 15, 2002
SB 1741 (Jackson) and HB 1902 (Sands et al)
Compensation for Workplace Violence
Entitles state employee to full pay and other benefits from injury resulting
from workplace violence. Employees will also be reimbursed for reasonable
out-of-pocket costs associated with incident including fees or costs of filing
court action.
Taken off notice for House State Government Subcommittee, March 21
SB 1752 (Kyle) and HB 1834 (McMillan)
Cost-of-Living Raises
Grants cost-of-living salary increase to all state employees annually, to be
equal to increase in consumer price index according to city average.
Deferred by Senate State and Local Government until "final calendar"
Recommended for pass, if amended, by State government subcommittee, April
18
Recommended for pass, House State and Local Government, April 25
Placed "Behind the Budget" by Budget Subcommittee, May 2
SB 1776 (Burchett) and HB 1713 (Buttry)
Used Cars for Faculty Salaries
Provides that all cars (not vans or buses) owned by the Board of Regents or
University of Tennessee be sold by the Department of General Services and
that proceeds be used for instructional personnel salary increases.
Assigned to General Subcommittee, Senate Education, April 18
Taken off notice, House Higher Education subcommittee, April 18
SB 1788 (Henry) and HB 1742 (Kisber)
Supervising Foundation-Related Building Projects
Authorizes the state building commission to supervise projects involving the
improvement, demolition, acquisition, disposal, or lease of property by any
foundation of the University of Tennessee or any state university or community
college.
Recommended for pass by Senate Education, May 16
Amendment SA 0469 (McNally) Adopted, May 21
Clarifies two sections of the bill, stipulating that if a foundation intends to
have authority over a facility, such such be noted in an initial agreement.
SB 1788/SA 0469 Passed Senate (32-0), May 21
Recommended for pass by House Finance Committee, April 3
Senate Bill substituted in House, May 23
SB 1788/ SA 0469 Passed House (95-0-1), May 23
Sent to Governor, May 24
SB 1808 (Dixon) and HB 1873 (Head)
Graduated State Income Tax and a Lower Sales Tax
Enacts a graduated income tax with rates of 2/4/6/8 percent, reduces sales tax
to 3.25% and removes the sales tax from food. Is the plan of Tennesseans for
Fair Taxation.
Deferred by Senate Finance, Ways and Means until May 30
SB 1809 (Crowe) and HB 1733 (Davis)
Tuition Waver for Human Resource Agencies Employees
Gives employees of human resource agencies tuition waiver for one course per
term at state-supported college or university.
Assigned to General Subcommittee, Senate Education, May 2
SB 1844 (Rochelle et al) and HB 1837 (Davidson et al)
Longevity Pay Raise
Increases state longevity payment from $100 per year of service to $150 per
year of service.
Recommended for pass, if amended, Senate State and Local Government April
10
Scheduled for Senate Finance, Ways and Means for May 22
Recommended for pass, State Government subcommittee, April 18
Recommended for pass, House State and Local Government, April 25
Placed "behind the budget" by Budget Subcommittee, May 22
SB 1845 (Rochelle et al) and HB 1833 (Head et. al.)
401-K Match Increase
Increases state match on employee contributions to 401(k) plans from $20 to $50
per month.
Recommended for pass, if amended, Senate State and Local Government April
10
Scheduled for Senate Finance, Ways and Means for May 22
Recommended for pass, State Government subcommittee, April 18
Recommended for pass, House Education, April 24
Placed "behind the budget" by Budget subcommittee, May 16
SB 1914 (Henry and Atchley) and HB 1943 (McDaniel and Kisber)
Appropriations as per Governor Sundquist
Appropriates funds for 2000-2002 as per the Governor's recommendations.
Deferred by Senate Finance, Ways and Means until May 30
Deferred by Budget Subcommittee until "Call of the Chair"
SB 1915 (Henry and Atchely) and HB 1944 (McDaniel and Kisber)
Bonds for TSU and the Wetlands
Authorizes the state to issue and sell interest-bearing bonds valued at $298
million dollars to the Department of Finance and Administration "for additional
capital outlay for benefit of Tennessee State University" and for the state
wetlands acquisition program.
Deferred by Senate Finance, Ways and Means until May 30
Deferred by Budget Subcommittee until "Call of the Chair"
SB 1917 (Clabough and Cooper) and HB 1946 (McDaniel)
Revenue Act of 2001
Changes 26 existing laws regarding taxation, mostly eliminating professional
tax exemptions.
Deferred by Senate Finance, Ways and Means until May 30
SB 1920 (Rochelle and Elsea) and HB 1948 (Head)
Tax Reform including an Income Tax
Sets the sales tax rate at 7% statewide, eliminating local sales tax options.
Exempts food, clothing, non-prescription drugs, protective wear, and mobile
homes from sales tax, and implements a graduated state income tax.
Deferred by Senate Finance, Ways and Means until May 30
SB 2000 (Henry et. al.) and HB 2038 (Kisber et. al.)
Budget for 2001-2002
The budget that passed, which makes use of tobacco settlement funds to
(partially) offset revenue shortfalls.
SB 2039 (Harper) and HB 2721 (Kernell et. al.)
Sunset Laws for Publications Committee
Extends operation of Higher Education and Technical Institutions Publications
Committee until June 30, 2008. Deletes comissioner of education as a member of
the committee.
SB 2132 (Haun) and HB 2017 (Whitson)
Medical Technician and Nursing Requirements
Liscenses certain medical technicians and revises education and training
requirements for diploma nurses.
SB 2137 (Henry) and HB 2119 (Fowlkes)
BEST exemptions
Provides that gifts to Tennessee education savings plan (BEST) are exempt from
Tennessee gift tax to the same extent as the federal gift tax.
SB 2138 (Henry) and HB 2069 (Odom)
Nashville State Community College
Renames Nashville State Technical Insitute to Nashville State Community
College. Provides for management control, program offerings, and continuation
of existing rights and obligations.
SB 2154 (Dixon) and HB 2316 (Cooper and Brooks)
Reading Instruction Curriculum
Requires reading instruction as a mandatory element of teacher education
curriculum and requires certification of teacher competence in reading
instruction.
SB 2156 (Dixon) and HB 2487 (Cooper)
Reading Instruction Evaluation
Requires reports, evaluations and consultation concerning reading education by
the state Board of Education, Department of Education, and THEC.
SB 2190 (Crowe) and HB 2347 (Givens)
Veterans Education Benefits
Clarifies educational benefits available for veterans and their dependents.
SB 2208 (Haynes) and HB 2467 (Turner)
Proposed Nashville State Technical Community College
Merges Nashville State Technical Institute and te State Technology Center at
Nashville to form Nashville State Technical Community College.
SB 2239 (Dixon) and HB 2616 (Towns)
Reading Assistance
Creates a program to provide reading assistance to certain low-performing
elementary schools.
SB 2241 (Dixon) and HB 2640 (Head)
Tax Relief and Reform Act of 2002.
Proposed budget for 2002-2003. Includes an income tax.
SB 2242 (Dixon)
Consortium of Historically Black Insitutions
Authorizes funding for a consoritium of historically black colleges and
universities. Authorizes and directs the Department of Economic and Community
Development and THEC to assist the consortium in meeting key objectives.
SB 2266 (Fowler) and HB 3039 (Wood)
Accreditation of Professional Programs
Provides that institutions offering professional education programs are
eligible for department of education certification if accredited by an agency
recognized by the US Department of Education and Council of Higher Education
Accreditation.
SB 2267 (Fowler) and HB 2334 (Wood)
"Educational Records as Evidence Act"
SB 2276 (Burchett) and HB 2186 (Buttry)
Monthly Registration of Alien Students
Requires students who are not US citizens to register with the police on a
monthly basis. Requires UT and the TBR to develop uniform, appropriate methods
through which to track such registrations.
SB 2279 (Burchett) and HB 2220 (Dunn)
Sin Taxes for Education
Raises taxes on cigarettes, beer, wine, and liquor. Proceeds to go to
elementary, secondary, and higher education.
SB 2244-2247 (all Kyle) and HB 2302, 05, 08 and 11 (all Kisber)
Appropriations for 2002-2003
Four variations of potential budgets for the next fiscal year.
SB 2391 (Dixon) and HB 2673 (Jones)
No Sales Tax for State Employees
Exempts state officers and employees from paying sales tax as a means of
equalizing lost value in compensation due to past compensation increase
decisions.
SB 2398 (Dixon) and HB 2468 (Turner)
Tax Reform Act of 2002
SB 2472 (McNally) and HB 2774 (McMillan and Maddox)
Meningoccocal Vaccinations
Requires incoming students at public and private institutions who live in on
campus housing to be vaccinated against meningoccocal disease or sign
waiver.
SB 2542 (Kyle) and HB 2943 (Cole)
Remedial Reimbursement
Requires local education agencies to reimburse state colleges and universities
the cost of providing remedial courses to students who enroll within 12 months
of their graduation from high school from that local education agency.
SB 2547 (Haynes) and HB 3165 (Davidson)
More BEST modifications
Removes documentation requirement for payment of benefits to BEST tuition
contract beneficiaries, removes penalty amount from refund due to scholarship
award, permits transfer of benefits to another qualified tuition plan.
SB 2638 (Cooper) and HB 2288 (Kisber)
Funding Formula Alternatives?
Requires THEC to review alternatives to the formula for funding higher
education and to report to the General Assemblyno later than December 1,
2002.
SB 2646 (Cooper)
Appropriations for 2002-2003
SB 2666 (Miller) and HB 2445 (Jackson)
Student Parking Regulations
Prohibits higher-learning institutions from issuing more parking stickers for
on campus parking than number of available spaces. Stickers may not restrict
students to specific areas designated for student parking.
SB 2686 (Graves) and HB 2462 (Davidson)
Committee Structure
Alters the composition of the Committee on Post-Secondary Educational
Instituions.
SB 2687 (Graves) and HB 2461 (Davidson)
Funding Increase Justification
Requires THEC master plan and biennial report to include detailed justification
of the need for any funding increases.
SB 2693 (Crutchfield)
Georgia students to attend UTC at in-state rates
Allows Georgia students from Murray, Whitfield, Catoosa, Walker and Dade
counties to attend UTC and pay in-state tuition.
SB 2757 (Blackburn) and HB 2221 (Dunn)
Appropriations for 2002-2003
A conservative budget proposal. Essentially a "standstill" budget.
SB 2785 (Crutchfield)
Tuition Breaks for Neighboring State Residents
Authorizes UTC and UT-Martin to enroll certain out-of-state students as
in-state students.
SB 2803 (Rochelle) and HB 2297 (Kisber)
Teacher Training for Kindergarten Teachers
Extends teacher training at state colleges and universities from grades 1-12 to
K-12.
SB 2804 (Rochelle) and HB 2300 (Kisber)
Whoa to Online Courses
Prevents state colleges and universities from offering online courses until
the university tract programs is fully implemented.
SB 2842 (Jackson) and HB 2528 (Fowlkes)
Nutritional Snacks
Establishes nutritional guidelines for food sold to students during breaks and
from vending machines.
SB 2865 (Kurita) and HB 2639 (Head)
In State Tuition for Border County Residents
Allows non-residents of counties contiguous to Tennessee in another state to
enroll in college or university despite the presence of a teacher college or
normal school in another state of equal distance from the residence of the
non-resident {sic}
SB 2869 (Ford)
Tax Reform Act of 2002
SB 2892 (Crowe) and HB 2814 (Patton)
Sick Leave and Retirement Annuities
Requires the Board of Regents and UT Board of Trustees to include 25% of the
value of an employee's sick leave at the time of requirement in the funding of
annuities.
SB 2906 (Cooper) and HB (2881) Fraley
Tuition Discount
Creats a higher education tuition discount for the children of retired public
school teachers.
SB 3018 (Dixon) and HB 3026 (Miller)
"Tennessee Lottery for the Support of Education Act of 2002"
SB 3065 (Crowe) and HB 3102 (Patton)
Sick Leave and Retirement Annuities
Requires the Board of Regents and UT Board of Trustees to include 25% of the
value of an employee's sick leave at the time of retirement in the funding of
annuities. Amends various sections of the TCA.
SB 3072 (Rochelle) and HB 3136 (Whitson)
"Education Reform Act of 2002"
SB 3097 (Rochelle) and HB 3173 (Head)
"Revenue Act of 2002"
SB 3018 (McNally) and HB 3011 (Winningham)
Annual Meeting of Governing Boards
Provides for annual joint meetings of THEC, the Board of Regents, and the UT
Board of Trustees. Also provides for publicizing the BEST act.
SB 3110 (Ford) and HB 3046 (Armstrong)
"Tax Reform Act of 2002"
SB 3126 (Rochelle) and HB 2992 (Head)
Health Insurance Contributions
Changes the minimum state contribution to state employee health insurance from
60% of the premiums to 80%.
SB 3136 (Rochelle) and HB 3115 (Head)
"Revenue Act of 2002"
SB 3137 (Henry) and HB 3197 (Buck)
Tax Study and Referendum
Creates and independent study commission to examine Tennessee's tax structure.
Requires a referendum on the issue of whether a limited constitutional
convention should be held on the subject of state, county, and municipal
taxation and expenditures.
SB 3140 (Herron) and HB 3185 (Maddox)
Tax Break for Fraternities and Sororities
Provides that the property tax exemption for fraternal organizations applies to
property of social fraternities and sororities affiliated with colleges and
universities.