Tennessee House Bill HB2980

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/20/24
• Refer: 2/26/24
• Refer: 3/12/24
• Engrossed: 3/19/24
• Enrolled: 3/22/24
• Passed: 4/9/24
• Chaptered: 4/17/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Chapter 333 of the Private Acts of 1953; as rewritten by Chapter 54 of the Private Acts of 1991; and any other acts amendatory thereto, relative to the City of Cottage Grove.

Impact

The modifications in HB 2980 will affect how municipal elections are handled, particularly the timing and procedures related to filling vacant positions in governance. The bill outlines that elections for the mayor and aldermen will be held every four years on the first Tuesday in November, ensuring a uniform election schedule. Additionally, it mandates that the process for appointing individuals to fill vacancies must occur within thirty days of declaring such a vacancy, thus aiming for greater efficiency and responsiveness in local governance.

Summary

House Bill 2980 aims to amend Chapter 333 of the Private Acts of 1953 relating to municipal governance in the City of Cottage Grove. The primary focus of the bill is to revise the provisions for conducting nonpartisan municipal elections and addressing scenarios involving vacancies in the office of the mayor and aldermen. The proposed changes are designed to streamline the election process and clarify the circumstances under which a vacancy is declared and subsequently filled.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding HB 2980 appears to be neutral, largely due to the lack of significant opposition or advocacy reported within the discussions. The bill has passed a vote with unanimous support, indicating a consensus among legislators regarding the need for clear and practical election regulations within Cottage Grove. However, while it may not spark widespread debate, it reflects ongoing efforts to enhance local government operations.

Contention

Notably, the bill emphasizes that it does not remove any current officials from office nor does it abridge their terms, aligning with protections outlined in state constitution. Despite the positive steps toward improved governance practices, there may be underlying discussions surrounding potential implications this could have on local political dynamics, particularly in how vacancies are managed and filled within the community's leadership.