Special Session Capitol Review from State Rep. Kelly Keisling
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Special Session Capitol Review from State Rep. Kelly Keisling
The General Assembly convened in an extraordinary special session for the 67th time in Tennessee’s 229 years of statehood. Lawmakers worked throughout the week, meeting with constituents, debating legislation, and considering testimony from citizens on pressing issues. The General Assembly passed seven bills appropriating $908 million for education, disaster relief, and public safety.
Relief for Hurricane Helene, future disaster prep passes
The General Assembly approved more than $450 million in direct disaster relief for those impacted by Hurricane Helene and to prepare for future disasters.
On Sept. 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene struck northeast Tennessee, causing catastrophic flooding that resulted in multiple fatalities and widespread destruction of homes and businesses. The state estimates damage-related costs total $1.2 billion.
The House passed legislation establishing funds to assist with recovery efforts and to make sure the state is able to immediately assist when future disasters strike.
House Bill 6003, sponsored by State Rep. Tim Hicks, R-Gray, establishes two disaster relief funds totaling $210 million, including the Hurricane Helene Interest Payment Fund and the Governor’s Response and Recovery Fund.
“No one could have predicted the devastation Hurricane Helene would cause in northeast Tennessee,” Hicks said. “While we faced immense loss in lives and homes, we also witnessed the true spirit of community through support from across the state. The road to recovery is long and challenging, but this funding will empower our communities to rebuild and provide the resources needed to take quick action in future disasters.”
The $110 million Hurricane Helene Interest Payment Fund helps local governments cover up to 5 percent of interest on federal loans for up to three years, easing financial pressure and stabilizing local finances while awaiting federal reimbursements.
The $100 million Governor’s Response and Recovery Fund enables immediate state assistance after disasters and addresses needs like agricultural losses, unemployment and business recovery without having to wait for federal approval. Interest earnings may also be allocated to support the Hurricane Helene Interest Payment Fund, amplifying its impact.
Assistant Majority Leader Mark Cochran, R-Englewood, sponsored House Bill 6002, which waives certain requirements during a state of emergency and allows the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) to immediately assist local officials and suspend eligibility requirements for unemployment benefits for disaster victims.
The General Assembly approved $240 million for the Disaster Relief Grants Fund to be administered by TEMA. The program bolsters Tennessee’s existing disaster relief fund and reduces the local cost-share burden for Helene-impacted communities from 12.5% to 5%. It also supports the state’s match for federal disaster funds and covers administrative costs.
A $20 million grant was also approved for Carter County to fund the reconstruction and relocation of Hampton High School. The school’s campus was completely destroyed in Helene and they have been temporarily learning out of a former elementary school in the area.
Property tax relief will benefit Helene victims
A new law passed unanimously by the General Assembly on Wednesday provides property tax relief for victims of Hurricane Helene and enhances mutual aid cooperation between local governments during emergencies.
House Bill 6007, sponsored by House Republican Caucus Chairman Jeremy Faison, R-Cosby, will provide property tax relief to Tennesseans whose properties were damaged or destroyed by disasters certified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency between Sept. 26-30, 2024.
“There’s hope in the human spirit of what took place when all the floods came, rose, and destroyed us,” Faison said. “The love poured in after was greater than the floods that came. This is a grant that is equal to 130%. It’s not much, but it’s something for people who have nothing.”
Property owners will receive payments equal to their 2024 property taxes plus 30 percent.
To qualify, owners must submit the required documentation to the comptroller of the Treasury by June 30, 2025. The relief is available through Dec. 31, 2025.
The law also allows local governments to send personnel and equipment to assist in emergencies outside their jurisdiction with the approval of their chief executive officer.
Transportation authority will support
infrastructure goals
The General Assembly has established the Tennessee Transportation Financing Authority (TTFA) to finance and enhance the state’s transportation infrastructure, including highways, bridges, and airports.
House Bill 6006, sponsored by House Majority Whip Johnny Garrett, R-Goodlettsville, would enable public-private partnership financing while clearly shielding the state from debt obligations through TTFA.
“If we can get this operational quickly, we can get Tennesseans moving faster,” Garrett said. “By starting and completing these projects, people can get from A to B more quickly.”
The TTFA will have the power to issue bonds and loans to fund projects and enter agreements with state, federal, and private entities.
Bonds issued by the TTFA will be secured by revenues from transportation projects, not by the state’s general credit, and will be exempt from most state and local taxes. This would allow the Tennessee Department of Transportation to leverage private sector investment without incurring state debt.
The authority is designed to expedite funding for transportation improvements across the state, particularly in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
Nation’s Report Card
The National Center for Education Statistics released the Nation’s Report Card on Wednesday showing Tennessee students outpacing the national average in reading and math. Fourth- and eighth-grade students in the Volunteer State increased reading scores by two and four points respectively, while math scores also rose between the 2022 and 2024 academic years. The meaningful gains come following a decade of historic investments in public education from Republicans in the General Assembly, including the largest teacher pay increase in Tennessee history in 2023 and boosting the average statewide pupil spending by 34% over the last 12 years.
Honoring Susie Wiles
The House on Monday passed a bipartisan resolution honoring Susie Wiles, President Donald Trump’s chief of staff. House Joint Resolution 50, sponsored by House Republican Caucus Chairman Jeremy Faison, R-Cosby, celebrates Wiles for her leadership and for breaking new ground as the first woman to hold the position of White House chief of staff.
State of the State
Gov. Bill Lee will deliver his seventh State of the State address to members of the General Assembly and Tennesseans on Monday, Feb. 10 at 6 p.m. Central Standard Time. The joint session will be held in the House chamber at the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville. The address will be available on Lee’s Facebook and YouTube channels and aired statewide.
Kelly Keisling serves as State Representative for House District 38 which encompasses Macon, Clay, Pickett, Scott, and part of Fentress Counties. To reach State Representative Kelly Keisling, call 615-741-6853 or email him at [email protected]. Connect with Kelly on Facebook and X.
Representative Keisling serves as a member of the Commerce Committee, Banking and Consumer Affairs Subcommittee, Judiciary Committee, and Children and Family Affairs Subcommittee for the 114th General Assembly.