Tennessee House Bill HB1975

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/24
• Refer: 1/25/24
• Refer: 3/26/24
• Refer: 4/3/24
• Chaptered: 5/13/24
• Passed: 5/13/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 71, Chapter 1, Part 1, relative to temporary assistance for needy families (TANF).

Impact

The bill's enactment is expected to enhance accountability concerning TANF funds, potentially leading to more efficient use of resources designated for assisting families in need. By mandating that fund usages be broken down in detail, it allows for greater scrutiny regarding how benefits are distributed and can help identify areas where improvements may be needed in serving families and children reliant on TANF assistance.

Summary

House Bill 1975 aims to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically within Title 71 pertaining to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). This bill introduces amendments that require detailed reporting from the department regarding its access to and utilization of federal TANF funds for the previous federal fiscal year. The report must subtotal expenditures by the four purposes of the TANF program as defined by federal regulations, which emphasizes transparency regarding financial allocations and program effectiveness.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HB 1975 appears to be supportive, particularly among advocates for responsible governmental spending and efficiency in social services. Proponents view the bill as a positive step toward ensuring that funds are spent effectively and that the outcomes of programs funded by TANF will be more closely monitored and reported. This aligns with broader goals of fiscal responsibility and impactful family assistance.

Contention

Although there is support, potential areas of contention may arise in the execution of the reporting requirements this bill imposes. Critics of increased bureaucracy might argue that such detailed reporting could lead to administrative burdens on the department, detracting from the resources that could be directly allocated to needy families. The balance between accountability and practical implementation will be a key issue as the bill is enforced.