Tennessee House Bill HB1795

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/24
• Refer: 1/22/24
• Refer: 2/7/24
• Refer: 2/14/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 58, Chapter 2, Part 1, relative to natural disasters.

Impact

If enacted, HB1795 will have a profound impact on state laws by creating a structured financial assistance program for local governments in the wake of natural disasters. Grants may be utilized for critical recovery efforts such as repairing public infrastructure, safeguarding lives, and promoting public health during emergencies. The initiative represents a proactive approach by the state to bolster local capabilities in disaster management and recovery, thereby potentially reducing long-term economic impacts on affected communities.

Summary

House Bill 1795 establishes a program known as the 'Natural Disaster Relief Program' to be administered by the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA). This program allows counties in Tennessee to request grants to offset costs incurred during natural disaster responses, provided that specific conditions are met. The bill outlines the criteria under which counties can apply for grants, including declaring a state of emergency and ensuring that damages do not exceed the thresholds for federal disaster relief.

Contention

The bill includes provisions that ensure grants can only be awarded when funds have been specifically allocated in the general appropriations act, which might lead to concerns about the reliability of funding. Critics may argue that dependence on yearly appropriations could hinder consistent disaster response efforts and facilities maintenance. Additionally, there might be discussions regarding the adequacy of the $250,000 cap per grant, as some disasters may require significantly higher levels of funding for effective recovery.