Tennessee Senate Bill SB1163

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 9; Title 49, Chapter 9; Title 49, Chapter 7 and Title 49, Chapter 8, relative to higher education.

Impact

The implementation of SB1163 is expected to have a significant impact on the oversight of higher education administration in the state. By requiring formal reporting on the compensation of chancellors, the bill aims to promote accountability and transparency within the governance structures of Tennessee's educational institutions. It could lead to more informed discussions among legislators about higher education funding, governance, and the allocation of resources towards various educational priorities.

Summary

Senate Bill 1163 is an act designed to amend certain sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated regarding higher education. The primary focus of the bill is to ensure transparency in the compensation of chancellors across various educational campuses, including the Institute of Agriculture. It mandates that the board of trustees submit a detailed report of the initial compensation approved for each chancellor to both the education committee of the senate and the education administration committee of the house of representatives, thereby introducing an element of oversight into the governance of higher education in Tennessee.

Contention

While the bill intends to bolster transparency, it may face contention regarding the extent of legislative oversight over educational institution governance. Critics could argue that increased scrutiny into compensation decisions may hinder the boards' ability to attract qualified leadership by imposing additional burdensome reporting requirements. Proponents, however, may counter that the measure is critical for maintaining public trust in how state resources are managed and ensuring that compensation practices align with institutional goals and public interest.