HB 696 – SB 1123 FISCAL NOTE Fiscal Review Committee Tennessee General Assembly February 22, 2025 Fiscal Analyst: Natalie Dusek | Email: natalie.dusek@capitol.tn.gov | Phone: 615-741-2564 HB 696 – SB 1123 SUMMARY OF BILL: Establishes a sexual assault response team (SART) coordinator for the purpose of providing statewide training, support, and technical assistance to and oversight of local SARTs. Requires the SART coordinator to submit an annual report to the Chief Clerks of the House of Representatives and Senate, as well as the Legislative Librarian, regarding the status and effectiveness of the program. FISCAL IMPACT: STATE GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURES General Fund FY25-26 & Subsequent Years $97,100 Total Positions Required: 1 Assumptions: • Pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 38-1-903, each local law enforcement agency (LEA) is required to collaborate with existing LEA resources and available community resources as a SART in an effort to improve response systems for sexual assault victims within the agency’s jurisdiction. • The proposed legislation creates a statewide SART Coordinator to provide oversight, support, training and technical assistance to ensure the proper functioning of local SARTs. The SART Coordinator is an employee of the Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence, and subject to appropriations, the position will be funded by grants from the Department of Finance and Administration (F&A) Office of Criminal Justice Programs (OCJP) to the Coalition for such purpose. • Based on information provided by F&A, as well as a review of similar project coordinator positions, the recurring increase in state expenditures related to salary and benefits for the SART Coordinator position is estimated to be $78,374 beginning in FY25-26 as follows: Title Salary Benefits Positions Total Project Coordinator $60,336 $18,038 1 $78,374 • There will be an additional recurring increase in state expenditures of $4,750 for the OCJP to administer grants associated with the position beginning in FY25-26. • Other annual operational expenses will be incurred for training, travel, etc., and are reasonably estimated to be $14,000 beginning in FY25-26. HB 696 – SB 1123 2 • The total increase in state expenditures to the OCJP is estimated to be $97,124 ($78,374 salary/benefits + $4,750 grant administration + $14,000 operational expenses) in FY25-26 and subsequent years. • It is assumed that the required reporting can be accomplished within any funds appropriated for the establishment of the position. • The total increase in state expenditures from the General Fund is estimated to be $97,124 in FY25-26 and subsequent years. CERTIFICATION: The information contained herein is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. Bojan Savic, Executive Director