Tennessee House Bill HB0204

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/23
• Refer: 1/21/23
• Refer: 2/13/23
• Chaptered: 4/18/23
• Passed: 4/18/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 29 and Title 4, Chapter 3, relative to the department of commerce and insurance.

Impact

The enactment of HB0204 is expected to reshape the regulatory landscape concerning commerce and insurance in Tennessee. By removing outdated or redundant provisions, the bill aims to enhance clarity and operational effectiveness. This legislative change is seen as a step towards modernizing state regulations, making them more relevant and efficient in addressing current and future commerce and insurance requirements within the state. Stakeholders within these sectors may find this change beneficial as it seeks to lessen bureaucratic barriers and enhance service delivery from the department.

Summary

House Bill 0204, which amends certain sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated relating to the Department of Commerce and Insurance, represents a structural change in how state governance and regulatory authority is organized. The bill specifically removes certain provisions concerning the department, as indicated in Section 1, which deleted subdivision (11) of Section 4-29-244(a). This amendment is coupled with the addition of a new subdivision under Section 4-29-248(a) that further defines the department's role, emphasizing a streamlined functioning within the state government framework. By refining these sections, HB0204 aims to improve operational efficiency within the department, ensuring it can adequately meet state needs.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB0204 appears to be largely positive, as evidenced by the unanimous vote during its passage with 95 in favor and no opposition. Supporters view the bill as a necessary improvement to the existing legal framework that governs crucial state functions in commerce and insurance. The support across party lines suggests a consensus on the importance of ensuring that the state's regulatory bodies are equipped to respond to evolving needs without being bogged down by outdated laws. However, the legal community and affected stakeholders may be watching closely to understand the practical implications of these changes.

Contention

While there may not have been prominent points of contention reported during the discussions surrounding HB0204, any legislative change can spark debate on the best way to modernize government functions without sacrificing accountability and oversight. Critics, if any, might voice concerns about the swift removal of provisions without adequate discourse on their impact. However, as the bill garnered significant support, such points of contention seem to have been minimal or overridden by the perceived need for change.