Tennessee House Bill HB2994

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/24
• Refer: 3/18/24
• Refer: 3/26/24
• Engrossed: 4/2/24
• Enrolled: 4/5/24
• Passed: 4/23/24
• Chaptered: 5/13/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Chapter 320 of the Acts of 1901; as amended by Chapter 163 of the Private Acts of 1984 and Chapter 152 of the Private Acts of 2002; and any other acts amendatory thereto, relative to the Town of Viola.

Impact

The legislation's primary impact is on the local governance structure of the Town of Viola. By formalizing the electoral schedule and conditions for officeholders, HB2994 strengthens the electoral process within the town. These amendments to the existing Chapter 320 of the Acts of 1901, as amended previously, align local governance with more standardized election protocols seen in other municipalities, potentially increasing voter engagement and political participation.

Summary

House Bill 2994 aims to amend specific provisions related to the electoral process in the Town of Viola. It establishes that elections for two aldermen and one mayor will occur every four years, specifically on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. This change is set to begin with the first election scheduled for November 5, 2024. The bill outlines eligibility criteria for candidates and voters, requiring candidates to be residents of the Town of Viola and over 21 years of age. Additionally, it stipulates procedures for filling vacancies in elected positions.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB2994 appears to be positive, particularly among supporters who see it as a necessary step for improving local governance and ensuring democratic processes are upheld in the Town of Viola. The support for regularized elections reflects a desire for more consistent civic engagement, though the lack of vocal opposition in the documented discussions suggests that contentious points were either minimal or not significantly raised during the legislative process.

Contention

While there are no notable points of contention arising from HB2994 within the transcripts, potential areas for concern could include interpretations of residency requirements or the selection process's transparency. Any future debates may center around who qualifies as a resident and whether this could affect representation in local government. However, as the bill is written, it seems to reflect broad consensus on the need for a structured electoral framework in Viola.