Legislative Report March 1, 2013
Attached is new weekly information on the current status of every bill currently tracked by WPC. Read on for a little more orientation about what some of the terms on the report mean.
Fiscal Notes
Many of the bills on human trafficking are now moving through the system, and some have more than one committee to clear. For bills with a cost to the state, a “fiscal note” means they must take an extra step through the Finance Committees.
You may have heard the adage, “It’s easier to defeat a bill than to pass one.” That is true, especially if there is a fiscal note. Such a bill would have to receive an afirmative vote in two House subcommittees, three House committees (including the Calendar Committee,which reviews every bill), and on the House floor, where many of the 99 members have seen nothing about the bill yet. A fiscal note also requires that the cost of implementing the bill would have to be reflected in the upcoming budget, which means an amendment to the appropriations bill must be approved.
On the Senate side, with only 33 members, there are fewer subcommittees, so a typical bill would need one or two committee approvals prior to a vote by the full Senate. A majority of negative votes anywhere along the way, in either the House or the Senate, would stop the legislation. Again, a fiscal note means the bill’s cost must be reflected in the budget that is approved for the upcoming fiscal year, so an amendment to the appropriations bill is needed.
Tn Women’s Economic Council
SB360/HB832 is an example of a “sunset” bill, which periodically extends the life of an agency or department of state government. This sunset bill extends the Council through June 30, 2015. The Senate bill is on the “consent calendar” for a final Senate vote on March 4, although it has not yet been “put on notice” in House committee. “Notice” is when a House sponsor formally asks that the bill be considered on the next committee calendar. On the Senate side, “notice” has not historically been required, but some Senate committees have begun to ask sponsors for notice.
Ultrasound Bill
SB632/HB984 has not been put on notice in either the Senate or House Committees to which it was assigned, namely the Health committees. There is speculation that organizations supporting the passage of SJR127, which will be on the 2014 ballot for public vote, believe more publicity about the bill negatively impacts their arguments for the resolution. Stay tuned.
Orders of Protection
SB126/HB1128, by Sen. Nicely and Rep. Timothy Hill, has, thankfully, been withdrawn from the House, so this one can be removed from our weekly status report. It would have changed the standard of proof needed for an order of protection to “clear and convincing,” a nearly impossible standard to meet.
WPC March 20 Day on the Hill
Please join us at the legislature on Wed., March 20. A morning of committee watching and visiting with legislators will culminate down the street in a luncheon at the Doubletree Hotel, featuring a panel discussion on school vouchers. Details soon!
Tn Women’s Economic Council
SB360/HB832 is an example of a “sunset” bill, which periodically extends the life of an agency or department of state government. This sunset bill extends the Council through June 30, 2015. The Senate bill is on the “consent calendar” for a final Senate vote on March 4, although it has not yet been “put on notice” in House committee. “Notice” is when a House sponsor formally asks that the bill be considered on the next committee calendar. On the Senate side, “notice” has not historically been required, but some Senate committees have begun to ask sponsors for notice.
Ultrasound Bill
SB632/HB984 has not been put on notice in either the Senate or House Committees to which it was assigned, namely the Health committees. There is speculation that organizations supporting the passage of SJR127, which will be on the 2014 ballot for public vote, believe more publicity about the bill negatively impacts their arguments for the resolution. Stay tuned.
Orders of Protection
SB126/HB1128, by Sen. Nicely and Rep. Timothy Hill, has, thankfully, been withdrawn from the House, so this one can be removed from our weekly status report. It would have changed the standard of proof needed for an order of protection to “clear and convincing,” a nearly impossible standard to meet.
WPC March 20 Day on the Hill
Please join us at the legislature on Wed., March 20. A morning of committee watching and visiting with legislators will culminate down the street in a luncheon at the Doubletree Hotel, featuring a panel discussion on school vouchers. Details soon!
Categories: 2013Legislation
