Tennessee Senate Bill SB1975

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/24
• Engrossed: 2/12/24
• Enrolled: 3/12/24
• Passed: 3/27/24
• Chaptered: 4/3/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 7-86-303(e), relative to the emergency communications board.

Impact

By modifying the distribution framework for fiscal years 2021, 2022, and 2023, SB1975 establishes a more stable financial footing for emergency communications programs throughout the state. This move is significant, particularly for localities that rely heavily on consistent funding to support their emergency response and communication infrastructure. The bill's effectiveness relies on ensuring that no district gets less funding than it did in the previous fiscal year, thus fostering a resilient emergency response system across Tennessee.

Summary

Senate Bill 1975 aims to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Section 7-86-303(e), concerning the funding distribution for emergency communications. This amendment updates the fiscal years referenced in the code to the current standard, stating that the distribution should not be less than what districts received for the fiscal year 2023. The bill’s intent is to ensure that funding levels for emergency communications remain consistent with previous distributions, thus allowing local governments and emergency services to maintain operational standards without facing funding cuts.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB1975 appears to be largely supportive among legislative members, as evidenced by the unanimous vote of 33-0 in favor of the bill during the floor vote. This consensus likely reflects a shared understanding of the importance of robust emergency communications and the necessity of securing adequate funding for these services. Given the unanimous nature of the vote, it seems that concerns regarding the funding disparities have been adequately addressed within the proposed amendments.

Contention

Nevertheless, while the bill has garnered overall support, it may face scrutiny regarding the specifics of how funding is distributed among districts. Questions may arise about whether the funding adjustments are adequate for addressing varying local needs, especially in large and diverse states like Tennessee. Ensuring equitable support across all districts will be crucial to the bill's success in enhancing emergency communication capabilities.