Tennessee House Bill HB0147

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/14/25
• Refer: 1/16/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 7 and Title 67, relative to local tourism development.

Impact

The implications of HB 0147 are significant for local governance and tourism oversight. By requiring that the tourism authorities submit reports to both municipal bodies and state lawmakers, the bill strengthens the connection between local entities and state-level oversight. This could lead to increased scrutiny of local tourism initiatives and spending, fostering a more integrated approach to tourism development across the state. Additionally, this measure may standardize the reporting process, thereby augmenting the availability of information about local tourism projects to both officials and the public.

Summary

House Bill 0147 aims to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Title 7 and Title 67, in relation to local tourism development. The key focus of this bill is to modify the requirements for the submission of reports and annual audits related to tourism authorities. Under the new provisions, a copy of the report and the annual audit must be filed not only with the governing body of the municipality but also with each member of the general assembly representing the municipality. This change aims to enhance transparency and accountability regarding tourism development efforts.

Conclusion

In summary, HB 0147 has the potential to influence how tourism is managed at the local level in Tennessee by mandating more comprehensive reporting to both municipal governing bodies and the general assembly. While the goal is to enhance transparency, the practical implications of these changes may provoke discussions about the balance between accountability and the operational capabilities of local governments.

Contention

While the bill is primarily aimed at improving oversight and accountability within local tourism developments, there may be some contention surrounding the practicality of the new reporting requirements. Local municipalities could raise concerns regarding the additional administrative work and resources required to meet these new obligations. Moreover, some may argue that this shift puts undue pressure on local authorities and may impose a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach that does not accommodate the unique needs of different municipalities.