Tennessee House Bill HB1835

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/24
• Refer: 1/24/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 67, Chapter 6, relative to the sales and use tax.

Impact

By earmarking 2.83% of the sales tax revenue collected within these identified counties, the bill aims to directly impact local funding for educational and infrastructural projects. This could lead to significant improvements in public school facilities and local infrastructure, thereby addressing the practical needs that arise from rapid population growth. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2024, contingent upon public welfare requirements.

Summary

House Bill 1835 proposes an amendment to the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically concerning the allocation of sales and use tax revenues. The bill introduces a framework for distributing a portion of the state sales tax revenue to the eleven fastest-growing counties based on their numeric population increase over the previous two years, as determined by census data. This revenue allocation is designed to support education facility maintenance and construction, as well as general infrastructure needs within those counties.

Contention

There may be points of contention regarding how 'fastest-growing' counties are defined and whether the criteria adequately reflect the needs of all counties in Tennessee. Critics could argue that focusing funds on a select few counties may neglect the needs of those in smaller or slower-growing areas. Moreover, the expiration date of the earmarking provision in 2029 prompts discussions about its long-term sustainability and potential impact on broader statewide funding initiatives.