The Tennessee General Assembly adjourned the 2023 Public Safety Special Session Sine Die on August 29.
The scope of the Special Session was limited to subjects listed in Governor Lee’s proclamation. Over 100 pieces of legislation were filed in each chamber, many without a corresponding sponsor that did not continue this session. The TN General Assembly will reconvene on January 9, 2024 at Noon/Central.
Non budgetary pieces of legislation that passed:
- SB7085 / HB7012: Exempts from state and local sales and use tax all sales of firearm safes and firearm safety devices and requires the Department of Safety and TBI to develop a public safety campaign to promote safe firearm storage.
- SB7086 / HB7013: Shortens notification time for court dispositions to the TBI to 72 hours, requires electronic submission, and applies to municipal courtÂ
- SB7088 / HB7041: Requires TBI to report on child and human trafficking annually, including trends and unit activities.
Funding agreed to by both chambers in the appropriation amendment:
- $1.1 Million for a public safety campaign on safe firearm storage.
- $10 Million for school safety grants for the 2023-2024 school year.
- $12.1 Million for bonuses to retain behavioral health professionals.
- $3 Million for a public behavioral health scholarship program.
- $4 Million for the Behavioral Health Safety Net Programs mental health services.
- $30 Million in school safety grants for higher education institutions.
- $50 Million in grants for community mental health agencies.