Tennessee Senate Bill SB0749

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 3, Chapter 1, Part 1, relative to the general assembly.

Impact

If enacted, SB0749 would amend current laws concerning the appointment of legislative officers by allowing each house of the General Assembly to elect a chaplain at the beginning of each biennial session. The appointed chaplain would need to be a member of the clergy with experience in providing spiritual guidance. This approach aims to enhance the well-being of legislative members, aligning with the historical tradition of opening sessions with a prayer while also providing a valuable resource for personal and pastoral issues. The chaplain would have access to legislative buildings, an office, and necessary supplies funded by the respective house, which could result in additional budgetary considerations for the legislature.

Summary

Senate Bill 749, also referred to as SB0749, aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated by establishing a formal chaplaincy within the Tennessee General Assembly. The proposed legislation emphasizes the importance of having a chaplain who can provide ongoing personal and pastoral care to members and staff of the legislature, separate from the existing chaplain-for-a-day program which is aimed at opening the floor sessions with prayer. This bill seeks to maintain a nonpartisan and nonpolitical chaplaincy that serves all members and staff equally, thus facilitating spiritual support for legislative members throughout their sessions.

Contention

The introduction of a robust chaplaincy program through SB0749 may not be without contention. While proponents argue that having a dedicated chaplain will foster a supportive environment for lawmakers, there may be debates regarding the allocation of state funds for this purpose amidst other pressing needs in the state budget. Critics may question the necessity of a full-time chaplaincy and express concerns over potential issues of sectarianism or favoritism if the program does not remain truly nonpartisan and representative of the diverse beliefs of all legislators. Transparency and accountability would likely be vital to ensure the chaplain fulfils a community support role rather than a political one.