Tennessee Senate Bill SB0114

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 3; Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 8; Title 9; Title 10; Title 11; Title 12; Title 13; Title 16; Title 17; Title 18; Title 29; Title 33; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 41; Title 42; Title 43; Title 44; Title 45; Title 47; Title 48; Title 49; Title 50; Title 53; Title 54; Title 55; Title 56; Title 57; Title 58; Title 59; Title 60; Title 61; Title 62; Title 63; Title 64; Title 65; Title 66; Title 67; Title 68; Title 69; Title 70 and Title 71, relative to statutory revisions required for implementation of the annual appropriations act.

Impact

The impact of SB0114 on state laws is significant, especially in terms of how grant payments are administered in Tennessee. By mandating that payments be routed directly to individuals rather than entities like nursing homes, the bill may enhance accountability and ensure that support reaches those intended without unnecessary intermediaries. This could lead to better financial management and oversight within state welfare programs, which is particularly important for future budget considerations in public welfare.

Summary

Senate Bill 114 (SB0114) seeks to amend various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated concerning statutory revisions necessary for the implementation of the annual appropriations act. This legislative act is crucial as it outlines parameters for grant payments, stipulating that such payments must be made directly to individuals, either monthly or quarterly, at their residence, ensuring that they are nonassignable except to legally authorized representatives. This focus reflects an effort to streamline processes associated with governmental support programs aimed at individuals.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB0114 appears to be generally supportive among lawmakers who prioritize individual welfare and accountability in state expenditures. Advocates suggest that this bill will clean up the dispersal of funds in a more direct and effective manner. However, there could be concerns raised from entities that were previously receiving funds on behalf of individuals, such as nursing homes, indicating a potential pushback against this shift in payment distribution.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between individual rights and the operational needs of institutions benefiting from state funding. There may be debates regarding how this bill affects the operations of nursing homes and similar facilities that might have relied on receiving these payments directly. Additionally, the change could compel these institutions to adapt their financial practices and may even lead to legislative discussions about how similar adjustments could affect welfare systems in the broader framework of state support.