Tennessee Senate Bill SB1965

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 27, Chapter 9, relative to appeals.

Impact

The most significant change proposed by SB1965 involves the requirement that petitions must name the specific board or commission whose decision is being appealed. This aims to remove ambiguities within the appeals process and to ensure that all parties involved understand the context of the appeal. By specifying that other parties of record involved in the initial hearing have a right to intervene as parties, the bill is designed to promote transparency and fairness in the appeals process.

Summary

Senate Bill 1965, introduced by Senator Yarbro, seeks to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Title 27, Chapter 9, which deals with appeal procedures. The proposed changes focus primarily on clarifying the process by which petitioners can challenge decisions made by government boards or commissions. This bill aims to streamline the appeal process, making it more accessible to individuals who wish to contest administrative decisions.

Contention

While the bill seeks to simplify and clarify the appeal process, it may also raise concerns among some stakeholders regarding the potential implications for the administrative bodies involved. There could be debates over whether the changes might limit the flexibility of these bodies in handling appeals or alter the balance of power between state entities and individuals. Additionally, the effectiveness of these amendments in practice may be scrutinized, particularly in terms of how they impact the timeliness and outcomes of appeals.