AIA TN will be working on behalf of architects across the state to continue to promote the work you do every day. We know the key issues we engage in every year like procurement, building codes, historic preservation, school safety, energy efficiency, permitting and zoning will be on our radar. We can’t predict what other topics may also impact architects, but as further discussions and plans take shape, we will update you so that you have timely information to use as a resource as you communicate with your legislators.
113th Tennessee General Assembly convened on Tuesday, January 10, 2023. The initial days of a General Assembly that spans two years are filled with ceremony as freshman and veteran members and their families pack into respective chambers. Underneath the swearing-in oaths and speeches sits a dense legislative agenda, committee assignments, and the biennial game of office assignment musical chairs.
The known priority issues include abortion exceptions, criminal justice with a focus on violent offenders, education voucher expansion and metro government council size. Other topics include Governor Lee’s infrastructure improvement plan – specifically how to equalize and incentivize payment for current road maintenance projects as well as the construction plan backlog. While some details are not public yet, it is clear some members of the General Assembly have reservations about components of the plan and the final product is not on the table.
Senate Committee Assignments
For anyone who has spent any time on the Hill, it no secret that not all committees are equal in scope and influence. Prime committee assignments are highly sought after, entailing the opportunity to vote on high-profile topics, not to mention a leg up on the ability to fundraise. The Senate was the first to announce its assignments.
Most of the chatter centered on who would replace former Senator Mike Bell as chairman of the Judiciary Committee. Most considered Senator Jon Lundberg (R-Bristol), current chairman of the Education Committee and former chair of the House Judiciary Committee, to be the frontrunner. However, in a surprise move, Senator Todd Gardenhire (R-Chattanooga) was elevated to the position. As the committee with some of the longest and most technical discussions, the newest chairman will likely consider his position a blessing and a curse.
While all other standing Senate committee chairmen retained their positions, the makeup of others changed significantly. Senator London Lamar (D-Memphis) was appointed to serve on the powerful Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee. Senator Heidi Campbell (D-Nashville) will join the Transportation and Safety Committee this year, giving her a potentially closer opportunity to review Governor Lee’s proposed road funding plan and advocate for the unique needs of metro areas. The State and Local Government Committee – charged with oversight of local governments, utilities, and elections – will see three new Republicans added to the nine-member committee, Senators John Stevens (R-Huntingdon), Mark Pody (R-Lebanon), and Adam Lowe (R-Calhoun).
Top Senate leadership roles did not change, but Senator Janice Bowling (R-Tullahoma) was removed from her largely ceremonial role as Deputy Speaker. She was replaced by not one but three other members.
House Committee Assignments
In the House, Representative Bud Hulsey (R-Kingsport), champion of the recent truth in sentencing measures supported by House Speaker Cameron Sexton, was appointed chair of Criminal Justice.
The House Health Committee gained a new subcommittee deemed the “Population Health Subcommittee,” which will be chaired by Representative Michele Carringer (R-Knoxville). This newly created committee is considered a critical starting point for legislation related to reproductive health to begin its journey through the process.
The top ranks of House leadership remained consistent but with two notable changes. Representative Mark Cochran (R-Englewood) was successfully elected as Assistant Majority Leader and Representative Scotty Campbell (R-Mountain City) was selected as the Republican Caucus’s Vice Chair. These are supportive roles but can be a signal of leadership candidates in the making.
The General Assembly will take little official action in the next two weeks to administratively organize and attend gubernatorial inauguration festivities. When they return, the ominous House bill filing deadline will greet them on January 31. This is about a week earlier than in previous years. The Senate’s bill filing deadline is set for February 2. Once each passes, the stage will be set for the governor’s State of the State address on February 6.