NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Tennessee lawmakers on Wednesday adjourned their annual legislative session. Here’s a look at the top bills that the GOP-controlled General Assembly passed over the past five months.
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Budget: Tennessee lawmakers advanced a $42.6 billion spending plan for the upcoming year, which includes a one-week sales tax holiday on restaurants, bars and groceries, an infusion of cash into capital maintenance and improvements, and a big paydown into the state’s retirement system. Big ticket items range from $931 million for capital maintenance and improvements, $250 million one-time payment into the state’s legacy pension plan and $250 million into a new mental health trust fund for K-12 students that will fund projects off of investment returns.
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Guns: With Gov. Lee’s approval earlier this year, Tennessee became the latest state to soon allow most adults 21 and older to carry handguns – either openly or concealed – without first clearing a background check and training. The measure applies to handguns that are concealed and ones that are openly carried, but it does not apply to long guns. The law will take effect July 1. People would still need to clear a federal background check if buying a handgun from federally licensed dealers.