3 minute read
LEGISLATIVE COLUMN Capitol Notes |
Peggy Sue, the Beagle Hound
A Curious Little Bill. Our friends with the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County are reeling from the head shots and body blows coming from the State Capitol and are more than a little skittish. Many dogs halfway expected the Council downsizing bill to pass, particularly after the Council refused last year to bid on the 2024 Republican National Convention. Legislative battles among urban and rural areas are nothing new in the General Assembly. This year’s effort, however, led by the Republican leadership in both houses is aimed specifically at Nashville, and this has caused the other major urban areas to dive for cover. Some dogs mused that the Council downsizing legislation would satisfy the legislative leadership’s desires for Nashville blood, but other bills dealing with Nashville Airport Authority and the Nashville Sports Authority are progressing as well. The airport authority bill is SB 1326 by Paul Bailey of Sparta / HB 1176 by Johnny Garrett of Goodlettsville, and the sports authority bill is SB 1335 by Paul Bailey / HB 1197 by Ryan Williams of Cookeville. Both bills are moving through the legislative process and are expected to pass. The Metropolitan Government has filed suit against the state seeking a declaratory judgment and a temporary injunction against the council downsizing statute.
A curious little bill dealing the Metropolitan Government is SB 1327 by Bailey of Sparta / HB 594 by Johnny Garrett of Goodlettsville. As amended, this bill makes the State Alcoholic Beverage Commission the sole regulatory authority over all matters of alcohol in Nashville’s Central Business Improvement District (CBID). In effect, this bill preempts any enforcement action by the Metro Beer Board over establishments in the CBID. The primary proponent of the legislation, since none of the sponsors lives in Nashville, is Tootsie’s Entertainment with the backing of owner Steve Smith. The Metropolitan Government and Mr. Smith have tangled many times before, but this is the first time that the venue is Capitol Hill.
Eating Their Own. Under Tennessee law, the Governor appoints the board members to the state’s four-year universities, which includes East Tennessee State University in Johnson City. The General Assembly must con firm those appointments. With House Joint Resolution 101, the Governor named Dr. Lisa Piercey, who received her medical degree and did her residency at ETSU’s Quillen College of
Expected Adjournment Date: The General Assembly finishes its work when it finishes its work without a hard stop date. Many dogs expect all the dogs to be called in and the fire put out on this year’s session by the end of April.
Calendar Notes.
State and NBA offices will be closed on Friday, April 7, 2023, for the Good Friday Holiday.
The most important election is the next one, and eyes will turn to the August 3, 2023, Nashville election for Mayor, Vice-Mayor, and the 40, or perhaps 20, Metropolitan Council positions.
The qualifying deadline for the August 3 election is noon on Thursday, May 18, 2023.
