Capitol Update

April 29, 2022

The 112th General Assembly adjourned on Thursday and completed all their business for the session. After the budget passed last week, this week was filled with remaining legislation and traditions at the end of each session. Most notably, the TISA education formula was passed in both chambers and now heads to the Governor’s desk. 

Read TCSA's full update on the TISA education formula legislation here.
Bid Limits HB2600/SB2489 by Rep. McKenzie and Sen. Briggs has now passed through the House after being passed by the Senate two weeks ago. This legislation raises the minimum threshold to require competitive bidding, and counties with a centralized purchasing department and a full-time purchasing agent could raise their bid limit to $50,000. All other counties could increase their limit to $25,000.
Right of Ways and Property Owner Rights After some hiccups, the bill on right-of-way dedications finally passed the House. HB2274/SB2849 by Rep. Williams and Sen. Bailey passed the Senate several weeks ago, but it hit a snag when the House sponsor inadvertently presented the wrong bill in House Finance Subcommittee and this bill was subsequently placed “behind the budget.” This legislation comes at the recommendation of TACIR to resolve an extended controversy on right-of-way dedications by codifying the Nollan-Dolan test. TCHOA has been in support of this bill, so its eventual re-calendaring, successful course out of Finance committees, and passage through on both chamber floors is a relief. 
Other Passed Legislation of Interest While TCSA will discuss legislative highlights of the 2022 session more thoroughly at the May Legislative Conference in Gatlinburg, this week has seen several other bills pass both chambers. HB2705/SB2219 permits local governments to regulate smoking in age-restricted venues. HB2303/SB2294 authorizes counties to pay a supplement to county employees who opt out of the county health insurance. HB1386/SB282 sets a 90-day deadline for hearings for salary disputes. HB2519/SB2352 provides bid limits for highway departments for purchases under $10,000. All four of these bills passed the Senate early in the month, but the House did not get to them until this week following the budget’s passage last week.