Tennessee House Bill HB1590

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/20/23
• Refer: 4/20/23
• Refer: 1/10/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 49 and Title 67, relative to sales tax proceeds collected on firearms.

Impact

The enactment of HB 1590 is expected to have a significant impact on state laws regarding how sales tax proceeds are utilized, particularly in relation to firearms. By diverting these funds specifically for mental health care in schools, the bill represents a legislative effort to address mental health challenges among students, potentially leading to better access to crucial support services. This dedicated funding channel aims to create long-term improvements in the mental health landscape within the educational system, which proponents argue is increasingly necessary in light of rising mental health concerns among youth.

Summary

House Bill 1590 aims to amend certain sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated related to the sales tax proceeds collected on firearms, ammunition, and firearm accessories. The bill mandates that 100% of these sales tax revenues be allocated to a newly created account specifically for funding mental health care programs in Tennessee schools. The intent behind this legislation is to support mental health initiatives by providing local education agencies with grants to hire counselors, therapists, and to develop after-school programs aimed at improving student welfare through positive engagement in activities.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around HB 1590 appears to be positive among those advocating for mental health awareness and support in educational environments. Many stakeholders, including educators and mental health professionals, view the bill as a proactive step toward addressing mental health issues in schools. However, some concerns have been raised regarding the implications of linking firearm sales tax to mental health funding, which could lead to discussions about the ethics and effectiveness of such funding sources.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 1590 revolve around the appropriateness of the funding source linked to firearms, especially in the context of ongoing debates about gun control and public safety. Critics may argue that the reliance on sales tax from firearms could undermine the seriousness of mental health issues by tying them to such a controversial source of revenue. Furthermore, questions about the implementation of the grant allocation process and the criteria for funding which may arise from the bill also need careful consideration to ensure equitable access to the mental health resources it aims to provide.