Tennessee House Bill HB0901

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/23
• Refer: 2/28/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 7; Title 9; Title 67 and Title 68, relative to grants.

Impact

By mandating the reporting of job creation metrics, HB0901 is set to enhance transparency and efficacy in how grant funds are utilized. This change could lead to better-informed decisions regarding funding allocations and project assessments. It also aims to strengthen the business and economic environment in Tennessee by ensuring that financial support translates into discernible job growth, thus bolstering local economies.

Summary

House Bill 0901 aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated across several titles related to grants. The central focus of the bill is to include provisions that require reporting on the number of jobs created by projects funded through the FastTrack program within three years of receiving funds. This modification intends to improve accountability and ensure that the funds allocated for job creation are having the intended impact on employment within the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment toward HB0901 appears to be favorable among those who support increased accountability and effectiveness in state-funded job creation initiatives. Advocates argue that this focus on measurable outcomes is crucial for maintaining and justifying public investment in economic development programs. However, there may be concerns from various stakeholders about the feasibility of tracking job creation outcomes and the potential administrative burden on organizations that receive grants.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HB0901 could arise from the amendments regarding job creation metrics, as opponents may argue that focusing solely on quantifiable outcomes does not fully capture the economic contributions of funded projects. There is a concern that such a narrow focus could overlook important qualitative benefits that projects may bring to local communities. Overall, while the bill is positioned as a means to improve economic oversight, discussions may evolve around its implementation and whether it adequately considers the complexities of job creation.