City officials gather for 2022 TML Legislative Conference in Nashville
Economic development, city and state finances, election integrity, pre-emption, ARPA funds and education were among the topics discussed during the 2022 TML Legislative Conference held in Nashville from March 14-15.
Members heard from a variety of speakers on various topics impacting both the state and local governments, including Gov. Bill Lee, Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, House Speaker Cameron Sexton, Tourism Commissioner Mark Ezell, Deputy Finance Commissioner Eugene Nebuert, Comptroller Jason Mumpower, Secretary of State Tre Hargett, and UT Economist Dr. Bill Fox. State Sen. Richard Briggs, R-Knoxville, gave members an update on his efforts as the sponsor of Senate Bill 2076 to restore the historic sharing relationship between the city and state on sales tax collections, and as the sponsor of SB 149 concerning small cells.
State Sen. Bill Powers, R-Clarksville, and State Rep. Gary Hicks, R-Rogersville, are the sponsors of companion bills SB 2469 and HB 2562 that will allow local governments to receive their local share of the single article cap collections. Powers and Hicks updated the members on the status of the bills and how city officials can help advocate for their approval with other lawmakers.
TML Deputy Director Chad Jenkins updated city officials on other legislative issues currently before the General Assembly covering a variety of topics including wireless broadband investment, stipends and scholarships for CMFOs, state administration fees, regulation of short-term rental properties, Right-of-Way authority, and the sale of municipal electric systems.
As part of the conference, city officials also had the opportunity to meet with their lawmakers as well as attend both the Senate and House floor sessions at the State Capitol.
Representatives of TML Partnered Programs American Fidelity, Everywhere.care, GovDeals, Peachtree Recovery Services, Reach Alert, Public Entity Partners, and TMBF were also on hand to speak with members about their various programs designed to help Tennessee municipalities.