A LETTER FROM LEADERSHIP
The Chamber of Commerce, serving Johnson City, Jonesborough, and Washington County, remained deeply engaged throughout the 2025 legislative session, advocating for policies that strengthen our regional business climate. From strategic meetings in Nashville to thorough bill analysis, our efforts were guided by a commitment to ensuring Northeast Tennessee remains a place where businesses can thrive.
This year, our Legislative Affairs Council, in partnership with Chamber staff, reviewed more than XXXX pieces of legislation carefully monitoring those with the potential to impact our local economy and business community.
It is our privilege to represent your interests at every level of government, and we will continue to be a lasting advocate and respected voice that bridges business, government and community to sustain healthy growth for Washington County.
With gratitude,
Bob Cantler
Bob Cantler
President/CEO
John Goetz Cooper Reaves
Cooper Reaves
Director of Marketing & Government Relations
Acknowledgements
Special thanks to the Chamber’s Legislative Affairs Council
John Goetz, Ballad Health
Chair, Legislative Affairs Council
Bridget Baird Lora Barnett Brittany Boles David Brown Rhonda Chafin
Calvin Clifton Joe Grandy Akiah Highsmith McKenzie Highsmith Lana Moore
Dan Pohlgeers Keisha Shoun Lynn Tully Cecile Wimberley
Special thanks to the Chamber’s Government Relations Partner Sponsors
OVERVIEW: SPECIAL SESSION
The 114 Tennessee General Assembly convened and launched its regular session on January 14, 2025. The next day, January 15, Governor Bill Lee called for a special legislative session of the General Assembly, to be held from January 27 to January 30, to address a focused set of issues. th
• SB6001/HB6004: Establishes Education Freedom Scholarships, Tennessee’s first-ever universal school choice program, and further invests in public schools by delivering teacher bonuses and increased K-12 facilities funding.
• SB6005/HB6005: Appropriates $145.9 million for Education Freedom Scholarships (the General Assembly previously appropriated $144 2 million in the 2024 legislative session), $198 4 million for teacher bonuses, $77 2 million for K-12 infrastructure directed from existing sports wagering revenue, and $2.7 million for administrative costs.
• SB6003/HB6003: Creates two disaster relief funds to support ongoing recovery efforts and allow for proactive preparation for future emergencies: Hurricane Helene Interest Payment Fund: $110 million to establish a new fund that will help local governments manage loan interest for recovery costs by covering interest costs at 5% per year for three years on loans for recovery expenses. Governor’s Response and Recovery Fund: $100 million to create a new program that will provide flexible financial resources for future emergencies, including agricultural recovery, unemployment assistance, and business recovery efforts.
Johnson, Unicoi, Washington and Cocke County: $3,725,000 each Carter County: $5 million
Greene County: $3 million
Hamblen County: $1 million
Sullivan and Hawkins County: $500,000 each
• SB6004/HB6002: Allows the Commissioner of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to provide relief by allowing the ability to waive requirements as-needed for claimants seeking unemployment benefits and clarifies Tennessee Emergency Management Agency’s (TEMA) statutory authority to assist with disaster recovery on public property
• SB6005/HB6005: Appropriates $110 million to the Hurricane Helene Interest Payment Fund, $100 million to the Governor’s Response and Recovery Fund, $240 million to TEMA to reduce political subdivisions’ cost share obligations of the non-federal portion of disaster recovery costs, and $20 million for the reconstruction of Hampton High School in Carter County.
• SB6002/HB6001: Creates a framework for immigration policies across Tennessee by creating a new division within the Department of Safety, working with local law enforcement participating in federal programs, and revisiting state-issued ID policies.
OVERVIEW: REGULAR SESSION
Upon the close of the special session, lawmakers returned to regular session and began work on an incredible number of bills aimed to improve the quality of life for all Tennesseeans. From the first bill to the April 22 adjournment, the Chamber closely tracked hundreds of bills that would have an impact on Washington County businesses and residents
1
470
BILLS
were filed by members of the House and Senate, ranging across the spectrum of topics including education, commerce, taxes, safety, government and public health.
10 BILLS
were identified as having businessfriendly actions and/or results and were supported by the Chamber
1470 BILLS
reviewed and analyzed by Chamber staff. All bills are read and Fiscal Notes are assesed before the Chamber adds them to the Legislation Watchlist or takes a stance
5 BILLS
were identified as having antibusiness actions and/or results and were opposed by the Chamber.
16
BILLS
1
BILL
had unclear potential results and was monitored by the Chamber. were identified as "business-impacting" and placed on the Chamber's Legislation Watchlist The Chamber researched these bills and took a stance of Support, Oppose or Monitoring
7 BILLS aligned with the Chamber's priorities saw favorable outcomes.
SUPPORTED LEGISLATION
The Chamber identified ten pieces of legislation that would have a positive impact on Washington County, its businesses and its residents. Ultimately, only two of the ten bills the Chamber supported were passed before the General Assembly adjourned, but each represents meaningful progress and underscores the need for continued advocacy.
HB0088/SB0184 | Chamber-Supported
Increasing amount K-12 teachers receive for supplies from $200 to $500
HB0138/SB0612 | Chamber-supported
Creating fund to provide school grants for digital and technical career plans
HB0148/SB0686 | Chamber-supported
Creating TN Promise completion grant account, making program permanent
HB0474/SB0125 | Chamber-supported
Requiring study of financial aid to students pursuing workforce credential
HB0531/SB0514 | Chamber-supported
Requiring schools to provide instruction on accessing and utilizing AI tools
HB0841/SB0802 | Chamber-supported
Establishing Promising Futures Early Scholarships from lottery revenues
HB01001/SB0928 | Chamber-supported
Allowing student to substitute four standard credits for CTE elective
HB1153/SB0740 | Chamber-supported
Creating no-cost lunch program to offer meals to reduced price students
HB0865/SB0644 | Chamber-supported, PASSED!
Changing certain minimum curriculum standards of schools of nursing
HB1325/SB0207 | Chamber-supported, PASSED!
Establishing Tennessee Farmland Preservation Fund
OPPOSED LEGISLATION
The Chamber identified five pieces of legislation that would have had a negative impact on Washington County, its businesses and its residents. The Chamber opposed these bills and all five were successfully defeated.
HB0416/SB0342 | Chamber-opposed, not passed
Requiring school board members to be elected at the same time beginning
HB0556/SB1373 | Chamber-opposed, not passed
Requiring driver license exams to be administered in English only
HB1216/SB1190 | Chamber-opposed, not passed
Increasing minimum wage to $20/hour or established federal wage
HB1399/SB1357 | Chamber-opposed, not passed
Raising minimum wage from $7.25 to $20/hour
HB1023/SB0492 | Chamber-opposed, not passed
Revoking CDL of a holder who fails to speak English to a federal standard
MONITORED LEGISLATION
The Chamber identified one pieces of legislation that’s actions and outcomes were unclear in their impact on business and community.
HB1159/SB0831 | Chamber-monitored, not passed Closes Tennessee's primaries
WASHINGTON COUNTY STATE DELEGATION
Sen. Rusty Crowe
Rep. Rebecca Alexander
Rep. Tim Hicks
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