The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry announced its support for Governor Bill Lee's Transportation Modernization Act of 2023. Governor Lee’s proposed budget recommends providing over $3 billion to the Department of Transportation to fund critical transportation projects in rural, urban, and suburban areas addressing existing and future infrastructure needs. The proposal would also approve public-private partnerships to expand infrastructure development and relieve congestion.
Bills of Interest
Tennessee Paid Family Leave Insurance Act SB454/HB609 – The Chamber supports legislation that authorizes the issuance of an insurance policy that an employer may offer to provide family leave benefits. The voluntary proposal allows employers the choice in offering a number of paid family leave insurance products to an employee if an employee takes time off to have a child, adopt a child, is placed with a foster child, caring for a family member with a serious health condition, and more.
SB1503/HB1005 — Firearms — As amended, HB1005 by Representative Rusty Grills adds liability for businesses that post signage prohibiting firearms. The proposed legislation provides a penalty for businesses that post firearms subjecting them to civil liability.
SB198/HB250 — Education — Requires, beyond the 2022-2023 school year, each LEA and public charter school to provide each high school senior the opportunity to take nationally recognized assessments provided that the assessments are standardized, criterion-referenced tests designed to measure a broad range of foundational workplace skills.
