Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

Tennessee House Bill HB2972

Introduced
2/8/24  
Refer
2/15/24  
Refer
4/16/24  
Refer
4/16/24  
Engrossed
4/18/24  
Enrolled
4/30/24  
Passed
5/15/24  

Caption

AN ACT to authorize the state of Tennessee, acting by resolutions of its funding board, to issue and sell its bonds and bond anticipation notes to provide for acquisition of equipment and sites, and erection, construction, and equipment of sites and buildings, expressly including the acquisition of existing structures for expansion, improvements, betterments, and extraordinary repairs to existing structures, for construction of highways, and repair, replacement, or rehabilitation of bridges, and for grants to any county, metropolitan government, incorporated town, city, special district of the state, or any governmental agency or instrumentality of any of them; to make grants to industrial development corporations to provide for acquisition of equipment and acquisition, site preparation, erection, construction, and equipment of sites and buildings; and infrastructure improvements and development; to issue its debt in excess of the authorized amount to fund discount and costs of issuance; including by amending Chapter 470 of the Public Acts of 2011; and to provide for the expenditure of said funds. This act makes appropriations for an indefinite period of time for the purpose of allocating the proceeds of the bonds and notes authorized by this act.

Impact

The implementation of HB 2972 is poised to have a significant impact on state laws as it provides a framework for funding essential infrastructure projects through bond issuance. This act also empowers the funding board to manage the sales of bonds and ensure the judicious allocation of funds to the specified projects. It is designed to facilitate timely funding for necessary upgrades and repairs to the transportation infrastructure, which plays a critical role in supporting local economies and ensuring public safety. Notably, the bill ensures that there are provisions for proper oversight and management of these funds, aligning with state laws concerning the issuance and repayment of bonds.

Summary

House Bill 2972 authorizes the state of Tennessee to issue and sell direct general obligation bonds up to $87.7 million. These funds are designated for various infrastructure projects, including highway construction, repairs, and the acquisition of equipment and sites. The bill also outlines the authority for the state to give grants to various governmental entities and industrial development corporations for site preparation and building improvements, effectively enabling a wide range of infrastructure improvements and developments across the state. By allowing the state to tap into the financial markets, the bill seeks to address urgent capital needs in infrastructure, thereby contributing to economic growth and public welfare.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 2972 appears to be generally positive among legislators, as evidenced by the unanimous support reflected in the voting history—30 yeas with no nays during the third consideration. This strong bipartisan support indicates a collective agreement on the importance of advancing infrastructure projects and the necessity of having financial resources available to do so. Stakeholders in the community, including local officials and infrastructure advocates, likely regard the bill as a critical step toward addressing deteriorating infrastructure and meeting future demands.

Contention

While the bill has substantial support, there may be underlying concerns regarding the long-term implications of increased state debt through bond issuance. Critics might argue about the potential financial burdens this could impose on future budgets, as the state will be obligated to service the debt incurred through these bonds. Furthermore, ensuring that the projects funded are prioritized correctly and address the most critical needs without favoritism or inefficiency could be a point of contention. Transparency in how the funds are allocated and spent will therefore be essential to avoid any pushback from taxpayers and local governments.

Companion Bills

TN SB2941

Crossfiled AN ACT to authorize the state of Tennessee, acting by resolutions of its funding board, to issue and sell its bonds and bond anticipation notes to provide for acquisition of equipment and sites, and erection, construction, and equipment of sites and buildings, expressly including the acquisition of existing structures for expansion, improvements, betterments, and extraordinary repairs to existing structures, for construction of highways, and repair, replacement, or rehabilitation of bridges, and for grants to any county, metropolitan government, incorporated town, city, special district of the state, or any governmental agency or instrumentality of any of them; to make grants to industrial development corporations to provide for acquisition of equipment and acquisition, site preparation, erection, construction, and equipment of sites and buildings; and infrastructure improvements and development; to issue its debt in excess of the authorized amount to fund discount and costs of issuance; including by amending Chapter 470 of the Public Acts of 2011; and to provide for the expenditure of said funds. This act makes appropriations for an indefinite period of time for the purpose of allocating the proceeds of the bonds and notes authorized by this act.

Previously Filed As

TN SB2941

AN ACT to authorize the state of Tennessee, acting by resolutions of its funding board, to issue and sell its bonds and bond anticipation notes to provide for acquisition of equipment and sites, and erection, construction, and equipment of sites and buildings, expressly including the acquisition of existing structures for expansion, improvements, betterments, and extraordinary repairs to existing structures, for construction of highways, and repair, replacement, or rehabilitation of bridges, and for grants to any county, metropolitan government, incorporated town, city, special district of the state, or any governmental agency or instrumentality of any of them; to make grants to industrial development corporations to provide for acquisition of equipment and acquisition, site preparation, erection, construction, and equipment of sites and buildings; and infrastructure improvements and development; to issue its debt in excess of the authorized amount to fund discount and costs of issuance; including by amending Chapter 470 of the Public Acts of 2011; and to provide for the expenditure of said funds. This act makes appropriations for an indefinite period of time for the purpose of allocating the proceeds of the bonds and notes authorized by this act.

TN SB1535

AN ACT to authorize the state of Tennessee, acting by resolutions of its funding board, to issue and sell its bonds and bond anticipation notes to provide for acquisition of equipment and sites, and erection, construction, and equipment of sites and buildings, expressly including the acquisition of existing structures for expansion, improvements, betterments, and extraordinary repairs to existing structures, for construction of highways, and repair, replacement, or rehabilitation of bridges, and for grants to any county, metropolitan government, incorporated town, city, special district of the state, or any governmental agency or instrumentality of any of them; to make grants to industrial development corporations to provide for acquisition of equipment and acquisition, site preparation, erection, construction, and equipment of sites and buildings; and infrastructure improvements and development; and to provide for the expenditure of said funds; to issue its debt in excess of the authorized amount to fund discount and costs of issuance; and to provide for the expenditure of said funds. This act makes appropriations for an indefinite period of time for the purpose of allocating the proceeds of the bonds and notes authorized by this act.

TN HB1542

AN ACT to authorize the state of Tennessee, acting by resolutions of its funding board, to issue and sell its bonds and bond anticipation notes to provide for acquisition of equipment and sites, and erection, construction, and equipment of sites and buildings, expressly including the acquisition of existing structures for expansion, improvements, betterments, and extraordinary repairs to existing structures, for construction of highways, and repair, replacement, or rehabilitation of bridges, and for grants to any county, metropolitan government, incorporated town, city, special district of the state, or any governmental agency or instrumentality of any of them; to make grants to industrial development corporations to provide for acquisition of equipment and acquisition, site preparation, erection, construction, and equipment of sites and buildings; and infrastructure improvements and development; and to provide for the expenditure of said funds; to issue its debt in excess of the authorized amount to fund discount and costs of issuance; and to provide for the expenditure of said funds. This act makes appropriations for an indefinite period of time for the purpose of allocating the proceeds of the bonds and notes authorized by this act.

TN SB0117

AN ACT to authorize the state of Tennessee, acting by resolutions of its funding board, to issue and sell its bonds and bond anticipation notes to provide for acquisition of equipment and sites, and erection, construction, and equipment of sites and buildings, expressly including the acquisition of existing structures for expansion, improvements, betterments, and extraordinary repairs to existing structures, for construction of highways, and repair, replacement, or rehabilitation of bridges, and for grants to any county, metropolitan government, incorporated town, city, special district of the state, or any governmental agency or instrumentality of any of them; to make grants to industrial development corporations to provide for acquisition of equipment and acquisition, site preparation, erection, construction, and equipment of sites and buildings; and infrastructure improvements and development; and to provide for the expenditure of said funds; to issue its debt in excess of the authorized amount to fund discount and costs of issuance; and to provide for the expenditure of said funds. This act makes appropriations for an indefinite period of time for the purpose of allocating the proceeds of the bonds and notes authorized by this act.

TN HB0147

AN ACT to authorize the state of Tennessee, acting by resolutions of its funding board, to issue and sell its bonds and bond anticipation notes to provide for acquisition of equipment and sites, and erection, construction, and equipment of sites and buildings, expressly including the acquisition of existing structures for expansion, improvements, betterments, and extraordinary repairs to existing structures, for construction of highways, and repair, replacement, or rehabilitation of bridges, and for grants to any county, metropolitan government, incorporated town, city, special district of the state, or any governmental agency or instrumentality of any of them; to make grants to industrial development corporations to provide for acquisition of equipment and acquisition, site preparation, erection, construction, and equipment of sites and buildings; and infrastructure improvements and development; and to provide for the expenditure of said funds; to issue its debt in excess of the authorized amount to fund discount and costs of issuance; and to provide for the expenditure of said funds. This act makes appropriations for an indefinite period of time for the purpose of allocating the proceeds of the bonds and notes authorized by this act.

TN HB1705

AN ACT to authorize the state of Tennessee, acting by resolutions of its funding board, to issue and sell its bonds and bond anticipation notes to provide for acquisition of equipment and sites, and erection, construction, and equipment of sites and buildings, expressly including the acquisition of existing structures for expansion, improvements, betterments, and extraordinary repairs to existing structures, for construction of highways, and repair, replacement, or rehabilitation of bridges, and for grants to any county, metropolitan government, incorporated town, city, special district of the state, or any governmental agency or instrumentality of any of them; to make grants to industrial development corporations to provide for acquisition of equipment and acquisition, site preparation, erection, construction, and equipment of sites and buildings; and infrastructure improvements and development; and to provide for the expenditure of said funds; to issue its debt in excess of the authorized amount to fund discount and costs of issuance; and to provide for the expenditure of said funds. This act makes appropriations for an indefinite period of time for the purpose of allocating the proceeds of the bonds and notes authorized by this act.

TN SB1851

AN ACT to authorize the state of Tennessee, acting by resolutions of its funding board, to issue and sell its bonds and bond anticipation notes to provide for acquisition of equipment and sites, and erection, construction, and equipment of sites and buildings, expressly including the acquisition of existing structures for expansion, improvements, betterments, and extraordinary repairs to existing structures, for construction of highways, and repair, replacement, or rehabilitation of bridges, and for grants to any county, metropolitan government, incorporated town, city, special district of the state, or any governmental agency or instrumentality of any of them; to make grants to industrial development corporations to provide for acquisition of equipment and acquisition, site preparation, erection, construction, and equipment of sites and buildings; and infrastructure improvements and development; and to provide for the expenditure of said funds; to issue its debt in excess of the authorized amount to fund discount and costs of issuance; and to provide for the expenditure of said funds. This act makes appropriations for an indefinite period of time for the purpose of allocating the proceeds of the bonds and notes authorized by this act.

TN SB1392

AN ACT to authorize the state of Tennessee, acting by resolutions of its funding board, to issue and sell its bonds and bond anticipation notes to provide for acquisition of equipment and sites, and erection, construction, and equipment of sites and buildings, expressly including the acquisition of existing structures for expansion, improvements, betterments, and extraordinary repairs to existing structures, for construction of highways, and repair, replacement, or rehabilitation of bridges, and for grants to any county, metropolitan government, incorporated town, city, special district of the state, or any governmental agency or instrumentality of any of them; to make grants to industrial development corporations to provide for acquisition of equipment and acquisition, site preparation, erection, construction, and equipment of sites and buildings; and infrastructure improvements and development; and to provide for the expenditure of said funds; to issue its debt in excess of the authorized amount to fund discount and costs of issuance; and to provide for the expenditure of said funds. This act makes appropriations for an indefinite period of time for the purpose of allocating the proceeds of the bonds and notes authorized by this act.

TN HB1403

AN ACT to authorize the state of Tennessee, acting by resolutions of its funding board, to issue and sell its bonds and bond anticipation notes to provide for acquisition of equipment and sites, and erection, construction, and equipment of sites and buildings, expressly including the acquisition of existing structures for expansion, improvements, betterments, and extraordinary repairs to existing structures, for construction of highways, and repair, replacement, or rehabilitation of bridges, and for grants to any county, metropolitan government, incorporated town, city, special district of the state, or any governmental agency or instrumentality of any of them; to make grants to industrial development corporations to provide for acquisition of equipment and acquisition, site preparation, erection, construction, and equipment of sites and buildings; and infrastructure improvements and development; and to provide for the expenditure of said funds; to issue its debt in excess of the authorized amount to fund discount and costs of issuance; and to provide for the expenditure of said funds. This act makes appropriations for an indefinite period of time for the purpose of allocating the proceeds of the bonds and notes authorized by this act.

TN HB1407

AN ACT to authorize the state of Tennessee, acting by resolutions of its funding board, to issue and sell its bonds and bond anticipation notes to provide for acquisition of equipment and sites, and erection, construction, and equipment of sites and buildings, expressly including the acquisition of existing structures for expansion, improvements, betterments, and extraordinary repairs to existing structures, for construction of highways, and repair, replacement, or rehabilitation of bridges, and for grants to any county, metropolitan government, incorporated town, city, special district of the state, or any governmental agency or instrumentality of any of them; to make grants to industrial development corporations to provide for acquisition of equipment and acquisition, site preparation, erection, construction, and equipment of sites and buildings; and infrastructure improvements and development; to issue its debt in excess of the authorized amount to fund discount and costs of issuance; and to provide for the expenditure of said funds. This act makes appropriations for an indefinite period of time for the purpose of allocating the proceeds of the bonds and notes authorized by this act.

Similar Bills

TN HB0952

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 33; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to the regulation of healthcare facilities.

TN SB0858

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 33; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to the regulation of healthcare facilities.

TN SB0479

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 47, relative to the uniform commercial code.

TN HB0640

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 47, relative to the uniform commercial code.

TN SB2550

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 5; Title 8; Title 13; Title 26 and Title 67, relative to delinquent property taxes.

TN HB2624

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 5; Title 8; Title 13; Title 26 and Title 67, relative to delinquent property taxes.

TN SB1851

AN ACT to authorize the state of Tennessee, acting by resolutions of its funding board, to issue and sell its bonds and bond anticipation notes to provide for acquisition of equipment and sites, and erection, construction, and equipment of sites and buildings, expressly including the acquisition of existing structures for expansion, improvements, betterments, and extraordinary repairs to existing structures, for construction of highways, and repair, replacement, or rehabilitation of bridges, and for grants to any county, metropolitan government, incorporated town, city, special district of the state, or any governmental agency or instrumentality of any of them; to make grants to industrial development corporations to provide for acquisition of equipment and acquisition, site preparation, erection, construction, and equipment of sites and buildings; and infrastructure improvements and development; and to provide for the expenditure of said funds; to issue its debt in excess of the authorized amount to fund discount and costs of issuance; and to provide for the expenditure of said funds. This act makes appropriations for an indefinite period of time for the purpose of allocating the proceeds of the bonds and notes authorized by this act.

TN SB1392

AN ACT to authorize the state of Tennessee, acting by resolutions of its funding board, to issue and sell its bonds and bond anticipation notes to provide for acquisition of equipment and sites, and erection, construction, and equipment of sites and buildings, expressly including the acquisition of existing structures for expansion, improvements, betterments, and extraordinary repairs to existing structures, for construction of highways, and repair, replacement, or rehabilitation of bridges, and for grants to any county, metropolitan government, incorporated town, city, special district of the state, or any governmental agency or instrumentality of any of them; to make grants to industrial development corporations to provide for acquisition of equipment and acquisition, site preparation, erection, construction, and equipment of sites and buildings; and infrastructure improvements and development; and to provide for the expenditure of said funds; to issue its debt in excess of the authorized amount to fund discount and costs of issuance; and to provide for the expenditure of said funds. This act makes appropriations for an indefinite period of time for the purpose of allocating the proceeds of the bonds and notes authorized by this act.