Tennessee Senate Bill SB1529

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/9/23
• Chaptered: 5/24/23
• Passed: 5/24/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Chapter 380 of the Private Acts of 1947; as amended by Chapter 20 of the Private Acts of 1969; Chapter 112 of the Private Acts of 1987; Chapter 96 of the Private Acts of 2002; Chapter 64 of the Private Acts of 2008; Chapter 13 of the Private Acts of 2019; and any other acts amendatory thereto, relative to the highway commissioners of Robertson County.

Impact

The bill, if passed, will directly affect local governance in Robertson County, specifically how highway commissioners are compensated. By standardizing the monthly payment and tying it to county funding sources, the bill intends to streamline financial operations related to highway management. However, its impact is contingent upon receiving a two-thirds approval from the legislative body of Robertson County, establishing that local legislative oversight remains a crucial step for any changes to take effect.

Summary

Senate Bill 1529 aims to amend Chapter 380 of the Private Acts of 1947 regarding the highway commissioners of Robertson County, Tennessee. The primary modification proposed in the bill involves a change in the compensation structure for highway commissioners, stipulating a payment of $525 per month for their services. This compensation is to be funded through the county's highway funds, and it is emphasized that this change does not increase the compensation for any commissioner during their current term. The bill thus seeks to ensure clarity in the governance and financial management of the highway commissions in the county.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 1529 appears to be generally positive, as it seeks to provide fair compensation for highway commissioners while ensuring that no current commissioner will see an increase in their pay during their term. The intent to amend existing acts reflects a proactive approach to governance, though this amendment process must navigate the local approval mechanism, which highlights the importance of community engagement in local governance.

Contention

A notable point of contention might arise regarding the requirement for a two-thirds vote from the legislative body before the bill can take effect. This stipulation could pose challenges depending on the political landscape within the county, as unanimous or bipartisan support may be needed to pass the bill. Additionally, while the bill aims to clarify the compensation of highway commissioners, there may be debates concerning the appropriateness of the set amount and its implications for the county’s overall budget.