Tennessee Senate Bill SB1820

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/24
• Chaptered: 5/13/24
• Passed: 5/13/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8, Chapter 6, relative to the compensation of employees of the office of the attorney general and reporter.

Impact

The passage of SB1820 will amend Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Section 8-6-104, thereby altering how the compensation of the attorney general and related employees is determined and fixed. This bill aims to streamline the process of salary allocation within the office while ensuring that compensation remains competitive with other high-ranking state officials. The changes signify a potential shift in how compensation is managed and could influence the office's ability to attract qualified candidates.

Summary

SB1820 proposes changes to the compensation structure for employees of the office of the attorney general and reporter in Tennessee. The bill allows the attorney general to set salaries for themselves and their assistants, provided those salaries remain within the appropriated limits for the department. Notably, the attorney general's salary will be capped at an amount that is not to exceed that of an associate justice of the state supreme court, or a class 1 official defined in state law.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding SB1820 appears to be neutral, with discussions focused on administrative efficiency rather than contentious political debates. Supporters of the bill argue that it modernizes the compensation framework and allows for more flexibility within the state system. However, there may be concerns about the implications of the new structure on budget allocations and salary equity among state employees.

Contention

While there seems to be little contention publicly surrounding SB1820, some stakeholders may raise concerns regarding transparency and accountability in salary-setting processes after the bill's enactment. Furthermore, questions around ensuring that salary caps are adequately enforced could lead to discussions about equity among various state employee groups, especially since the attorney general's office holds significant influence in the state.