Senate Commerce Committee defeats private employer wage mandate proposal – (SB1971/HB 2029) opposed by the Tennessee Chamber and a number of other business groups, was defeated in the Senate Commerce Committee. The proposed legislation would have overturned existing state law that currently prohibits a local government from requiring private employers to pay an hourly wage in excess of the minimum hourly wage set by state or federal law.
Closing loopholes requiring manufacturer liability for exempted tax – In legislation introduced (SB2160/HB2263), manufacturers with secondary, but associated locations would be eligible to receive business tax exemptions for products sold from that site. Under current law, if a manufacturer sells a product from any location other than the location it was manufactured, it is subject to the tax. Legislation would exempt storage locations which are offsite and within close proximity.
Governor Lee proclaims Right-to-Work week beginning Monday – Just in time for Governor Lee’s proclamation designating this week as right-to-work week in Tennessee, sponsors have calendared legislation (HB2598/SB2538) which would effectively repeal long-standing right-to-work provisions from Tennessee state law.
Voters are slated to decide whether or not to place right-to-work in Tennessee’s Constitution during the November 8 general election. The Chamber has led efforts to place the provision in the constitution and continues to support through the Yes on One campaign.
Bills of Interest
Salaries and Benefits – Increases the minimum hourly wage from $7.25 to $15 for employees within this state. HB2793/SB2670is scheduled to be heard this week.
COVID-19 Liability Claims – SB2448/HB2671 extends liability protections for businesses on limitations of claims against a person for damages arising from COVID-19. HB2671 as amended, extends liability protections for 6 months, the Senate offers a one year extension. Bill passed the Senate. Bill set for House Thursday.
Manufacturing Business Tax Exemption – HB2263/SB2160expands the business tax exemption for manufacturers with secondary, but associated locations to receive exemptions for products sold from that site. Under current law, if a manufacturer sells a product from any location other than the location it was manufactured, it is subject to the tax. Legislation would exempt storage locations which are offsite and within close proximity.
Cybersecurity: A Biz Necessity
Join us March 23 at 8:30 a.m. as Brent Gallo with Hire a Cyber Pro will demonstrate how multiple layers of cybersecurity can significantly increase your businesses protection and prevent a cyberattack that could cost you your business.
Join us March 25 to explore needed skills, characteristics, and habits that help bring about positive, lasting change. Leave with frameworks, tools, and exercises you can do to “put courage over comfort” and be the change you want to see.
