As the legislative session winds down, we will continue to monitor any bills and focus on the Administration’s budget amendment.
The appropriations amendment increases the FY23-24 proposal from $55.6 billion to $56.2 billion. As you will notice on Page 5 of the Overview, there is an additional $271M in proposed capital projects with a revised grand total of over $1.56 B proposed for Capital Projects. With the number of open standing committees dwindling, the work of the General Assembly has significantly pivoted toward the state’s budget and the process of taking up bills behind the budget.
• View the Budget Amendment Presentation
• View the Budget Amendment Overview
At the beginning of the 2023 legislative session, Gov. Lee introduced a bill to strengthen physical security at every public school and enhance accountability in school safety protocol. These school safety measures were highlighted in the Governor’s 2023 State of the State address in February. The Senate unanimously passed an amended version of the governor’s school safety bill. Changes include requiring all schools built or remodeled starting in July to include exterior windows and doors bullet proof on the floor and basement levels. The bill would also add an armed security guard to every public school and increase mental health resources. The bill would also require every public and private schools to make annual safety plans.
Once session adjourns, a final legislative year-end report will be released with a status on the bills AIA TN’s Government Relations committee monitored and reviewed over Session.
Please Consider Supporting the Profession’s PAC – Individual & Company Contributions Accepted
Tennessee Architects’ Political Action Committee serves as a single voice on architects’ positions for, the built environment, our profession, our communities and our practices. It is an integral part of AIA Tennessee’s advocacy efforts. Through TAPAC contributions, our profession supports members of the General Assembly who support our positions in the legislative and public policy arena. Contributions can be made by individuals, partnerships, and other PACs.