Tennessee House Bill HB1183

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/23
• Refer: 2/21/24
• Refer: 2/27/24
• Refer: 3/6/24
• Refer: 3/18/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 8 and Title 49, relative to education.

Impact

The amendments introduced by HB 1183 are expected to have significant implications for state laws surrounding higher education funding and financial accountability. By requiring annual disclosures, the bill aims to ensure greater oversight of the financial transactions associated with credit card agreements. This shift is anticipated to bolster transparency and facilitate the tracking of funds, which can enhance the financial integrity of public educational institutions. Moreover, the bill may influence how institutions negotiate and manage credit card partnerships in the future, placed under scrutiny by legislative committees.

Summary

House Bill 1183 proposes amendments to Tennessee Code Annotated concerning public institutions of higher education. The primary objective of the bill is to enhance financial transparency for colleges and universities that benefit from credit card distribution involving their name or logo. As per the revised statute, affected institutions are mandated to report the funds received from such credit card arrangements, along with details on how these funds were utilized in the previous fiscal year. This reporting is to be made to the education committees of both the Senate and the House of Representatives by November of each year.

Sentiment

The general sentiment towards HB 1183 appears to reflect a sense of cautious optimism among proponents of financial transparency in education settings. Supporters argue that the bill is a necessary step towards ensuring accountability and responsible management of public funds. Conversely, there may be concerns from some quarters about the additional bureaucratic requirements this bill imposes on educational institutions, potentially leading to apprehension about compliance burdens. However, the overall discourse seems to lean towards a positive reception due to the focus on transparency.

Contention

While HB 1183 is primarily aimed at enhancing reporting requirements, there could be points of contention regarding the degree of regulatory oversight imposed on higher education institutions. Some legislators may express concerns about the potential administrative burdens and the feasibility of compliance, especially if institutions are already facing resource constraints. Furthermore, there may be differing opinions on the extent of the financial information that should be disclosed and whether such measures adequately address broader concerns related to ethical funding practices in higher education.