Tennessee House Bill HB7070

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 8/18/23
• Refer: 8/22/23
• Refer: 8/24/23
• Chaptered: 12/27/23
• Passed: 12/27/23

Caption

AN ACT to make appropriations for the purpose of defraying the expenses of the state government for the fiscal years beginning July 1, 2023, in the administration, operation, and maintenance of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the various departments, institutions, offices, and agencies of the state; for certain state aid and obligations; for capital outlay, for the service of the public debt, for emergency and contingency; to repeal certain appropriations and any acts inconsistent herewith; to provide provisional continuing appropriations; and to establish certain provisions, limitations, and restrictions under which appropriations may be obligated and expended. This act makes appropriations for the purposes described above for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023.

Impact

HB7070 positively impacts state laws by allocating significant resources to critical sectors, particularly mental health and education. The act designates $50 million for community mental health services and $30 million for school safety grants, emphasizing the importance of these issues within the state's budget. These appropriations are expected to improve access to mental health care and enhance safety measures in educational institutions, thus reinforcing the state's commitment to public well-being.

Summary

House Bill 7070 is an act that makes appropriations for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023, aimed at ensuring the administration, operation, and maintenance of various departments and agencies of the state government. The bill specifies allocations for essential services such as mental health programs, school safety grants, and other public welfare activities. By funding these sectors, the government aims to enhance the general welfare and safety of its citizens while ensuring a structured approach to public spending.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around HB7070 appears to be supportive, especially from mental health advocates and educational institutions that will benefit from the funding. There is a recognition of the increasing need for mental health services and school safety initiatives, particularly in light of recent concerns surrounding both areas. However, there may be some contention regarding the distribution of funds and the sufficiency of appropriations necessary to meet the growing demands in these crucial sectors.

Contention

While the bill broadly enjoys support due to its focus on essential services, there may be concerns related to how effectively the allocated funds will be used. Critics might argue that the current appropriations may not be enough to fully address the issues at hand, particularly in mental health services which require ongoing funding and attention. The potential for bureaucratic inefficiencies in the distribution and management of these funds could also be a point of discussion among stakeholders.