Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-6-202 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 6 / Section 3-6-202
Confidentiality - Public disclosure
Status: in_force

(a) (1) The members and staff of the Tennessee ethics commission shall preserve the confidentiality of all commission proceedings, including records relating to a preliminary investigation. Such records shall be exempt from title 10, chapter 7 and shall be confidential until: (A) The alleged violator requests in writing that the investigation and associated records and meetings be made public; (B) The commission finds that probable cause exists to believe that a violation has occurred. Upon this determination, the records and proceedings shall be made public on: (i) The date the public hearing to determine whether a violation has occurred commences; or (ii) The date the commission refers a matter based upon a finding of probable cause; or (C) The commission determines that no probable cause exists to believe that a violation has occurred. Upon such determination, the records and proceedings shall be made public sixty (60) days after: (i) The date the report of the commission's finding is issued, if the complainant does not request a probable cause hearing pursuant to § 3-6-203(b)(2) ; or (ii) The date the commission issues its finding of no probable cause from a probable cause hearing. (2) No personal or professional financial records of the alleged violator shall be disclosed pursuant to this section upon a finding of no probable cause. (3) A member of the commission or a member of the commission staff may acknowledge receipt of a complaint or may disclose information to the extent necessary to successfully pursue an investigation. In no event shall such information against a candidate in any election, as defined in § 2-10-102 , be disclosed during the period from thirty (30) days immediately preceding the commencement of voting for that election through election day, unless the candidate requests in writing the disclosure of the information. (b) A member of the commission or member of the commission staff who knowingly discloses information in violation of this section commits a Class C misdemeanor. A violation of this section also subjects the person to the civil penalties imposed by § 3-6-205(a)(2) . Violation of this section by a member of the commission shall be grounds for removal from office. Acts 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 27; 2008 , ch. 697, § 2.
(a) (1) The members and staff of the Tennessee ethics commission shall preserve the confidentiality of all commission proceedings, including records relating to a preliminary investigation. Such records shall be exempt from title 10, chapter 7 and shall be confidential until: (A) The alleged violator requests in writing that the investigation and associated records and meetings be made public; (B) The commission finds that probable cause exists to believe that a violation has occurred. Upon this determination, the records and proceedings shall be made public on: (i) The date the public hearing to determine whether a violation has occurred commences; or (ii) The date the commission refers a matter based upon a finding of probable cause; or (C) The commission determines that no probable cause exists to believe that a violation has occurred. Upon such determination, the records and proceedings shall be made public sixty (60) days after: (i) The date the report of the commission's finding is issued, if the complainant does not request a probable cause hearing pursuant to § 3-6-203(b)(2) ; or (ii) The date the commission issues its finding of no probable cause from a probable cause hearing. (2) No personal or professional financial records of the alleged violator shall be disclosed pursuant to this section upon a finding of no probable cause. (3) A member of the commission or a member of the commission staff may acknowledge receipt of a complaint or may disclose information to the extent necessary to successfully pursue an investigation. In no event shall such information against a candidate in any election, as defined in § 2-10-102 , be disclosed during the period from thirty (30) days immediately preceding the commencement of voting for that election through election day, unless the candidate requests in writing the disclosure of the information.
(1) The members and staff of the Tennessee ethics commission shall preserve the confidentiality of all commission proceedings, including records relating to a preliminary investigation. Such records shall be exempt from title 10, chapter 7 and shall be confidential until: (A) The alleged violator requests in writing that the investigation and associated records and meetings be made public; (B) The commission finds that probable cause exists to believe that a violation has occurred. Upon this determination, the records and proceedings shall be made public on: (i) The date the public hearing to determine whether a violation has occurred commences; or (ii) The date the commission refers a matter based upon a finding of probable cause; or (C) The commission determines that no probable cause exists to believe that a violation has occurred. Upon such determination, the records and proceedings shall be made public sixty (60) days after: (i) The date the report of the commission's finding is issued, if the complainant does not request a probable cause hearing pursuant to § 3-6-203(b)(2) ; or (ii) The date the commission issues its finding of no probable cause from a probable cause hearing.
(A) The alleged violator requests in writing that the investigation and associated records and meetings be made public;
(B) The commission finds that probable cause exists to believe that a violation has occurred. Upon this determination, the records and proceedings shall be made public on: (i) The date the public hearing to determine whether a violation has occurred commences; or (ii) The date the commission refers a matter based upon a finding of probable cause; or
(i) The date the public hearing to determine whether a violation has occurred commences; or
(ii) The date the commission refers a matter based upon a finding of probable cause; or
(C) The commission determines that no probable cause exists to believe that a violation has occurred. Upon such determination, the records and proceedings shall be made public sixty (60) days after: (i) The date the report of the commission's finding is issued, if the complainant does not request a probable cause hearing pursuant to § 3-6-203(b)(2) ; or (ii) The date the commission issues its finding of no probable cause from a probable cause hearing.
(i) The date the report of the commission's finding is issued, if the complainant does not request a probable cause hearing pursuant to § 3-6-203(b)(2) ; or
(ii) The date the commission issues its finding of no probable cause from a probable cause hearing.
(2) No personal or professional financial records of the alleged violator shall be disclosed pursuant to this section upon a finding of no probable cause.
(3) A member of the commission or a member of the commission staff may acknowledge receipt of a complaint or may disclose information to the extent necessary to successfully pursue an investigation. In no event shall such information against a candidate in any election, as defined in § 2-10-102 , be disclosed during the period from thirty (30) days immediately preceding the commencement of voting for that election through election day, unless the candidate requests in writing the disclosure of the information.
(b) A member of the commission or member of the commission staff who knowingly discloses information in violation of this section commits a Class C misdemeanor. A violation of this section also subjects the person to the civil penalties imposed by § 3-6-205(a)(2) . Violation of this section by a member of the commission shall be grounds for removal from office.
Acts 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 27; 2008 , ch. 697, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-7-110 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 7 / Section 3-7-110
Programs with reduced federal funds
Status: in_force

(a) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, prior to March 1 of each year, the fiscal review staff shall provide the finance, ways and means committees of the senate and the house of representatives and the fiscal review committee with information regarding the creation of state programs that have suffered significant reductions of federal financial support during the preceding year, including the terms of the initial agreement for the federal funding, time frames, and other pertinent requirements. As used in this section, "significant reductions" means reductions of ten percent (10%) or more in any given year. (b) There is established a federal grants monitoring and information management responsibility within the staffs of the fiscal review committee and the office of legislative budget analysis. The monitoring and information management responsibility shall be administered by one (1) staff person in the office of legislative budget analysis and one (1) staff person from the staff of the fiscal review committee. The staff of the fiscal review committee and the office of legislative budget analysis shall jointly monitor, analyze, and manage information concerning federal grants programs, including, but not limited to, social services grant funds, in order to inform members of the general assembly concerning such grants. The directors of the staff of the fiscal review committee and of the office of legislative budget analysis shall jointly make such reports as are appropriate to the speakers of the house of representatives and of the senate and to the fiscal review committee. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 797,s 5, eff. 4/14/2016. Acts 1983, ch. 259, § 1; 1998, ch. 1127, § 1; 1999, ch. 497, § 8.
(a) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, prior to March 1 of each year, the fiscal review staff shall provide the finance, ways and means committees of the senate and the house of representatives and the fiscal review committee with information regarding the creation of state programs that have suffered significant reductions of federal financial support during the preceding year, including the terms of the initial agreement for the federal funding, time frames, and other pertinent requirements. As used in this section, "significant reductions" means reductions of ten percent (10%) or more in any given year.
(b) There is established a federal grants monitoring and information management responsibility within the staffs of the fiscal review committee and the office of legislative budget analysis. The monitoring and information management responsibility shall be administered by one (1) staff person in the office of legislative budget analysis and one (1) staff person from the staff of the fiscal review committee. The staff of the fiscal review committee and the office of legislative budget analysis shall jointly monitor, analyze, and manage information concerning federal grants programs, including, but not limited to, social services grant funds, in order to inform members of the general assembly concerning such grants. The directors of the staff of the fiscal review committee and of the office of legislative budget analysis shall jointly make such reports as are appropriate to the speakers of the house of representatives and of the senate and to the fiscal review committee.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 797,s 5, eff. 4/14/2016.
Acts 1983, ch. 259, § 1; 1998, ch. 1127, § 1; 1999, ch. 497, § 8.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-18-107 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 18 / Section 3-18-107
Qualifications for appointment as delegate or alternate delegate
Status: in_force

(a) An individual must satisfy the following requirements to be appointed as a delegate or as an alternate delegate to an Article V convention: (1) The individual shall be a resident of Tennessee for at least one (1) full year immediately prior to the appointment; (2) The individual shall be a registered voter in Tennessee; (3) The individual shall be at least eighteen (18) years of age; and (4) The individual shall not be registered or required to be registered as a lobbyist under chapter 6, part 3 of this title or under 2 U.S.C. § 1603 , or rules or regulations adopted under such laws. (b) An individual may not be appointed as a delegate or as an alternate delegate if the individual holds a federal elected or appointed office. The general assembly shall appoint delegates and alternate delegates so that, as near as practicable, the three (3) grand divisions are equally represented. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 375,s 1, eff. 5/18/2017. Acts 2014, ch. 979, § 1.
(a) An individual must satisfy the following requirements to be appointed as a delegate or as an alternate delegate to an Article V convention: (1) The individual shall be a resident of Tennessee for at least one (1) full year immediately prior to the appointment; (2) The individual shall be a registered voter in Tennessee; (3) The individual shall be at least eighteen (18) years of age; and (4) The individual shall not be registered or required to be registered as a lobbyist under chapter 6, part 3 of this title or under 2 U.S.C. § 1603 , or rules or regulations adopted under such laws.
(1) The individual shall be a resident of Tennessee for at least one (1) full year immediately prior to the appointment;
(2) The individual shall be a registered voter in Tennessee;
(3) The individual shall be at least eighteen (18) years of age; and
(4) The individual shall not be registered or required to be registered as a lobbyist under chapter 6, part 3 of this title or under 2 U.S.C. § 1603 , or rules or regulations adopted under such laws.
(b) An individual may not be appointed as a delegate or as an alternate delegate if the individual holds a federal elected or appointed office. The general assembly shall appoint delegates and alternate delegates so that, as near as practicable, the three (3) grand divisions are equally represented.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 375,s 1, eff. 5/18/2017.
Acts 2014, ch. 979, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-14-102 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 14 / Section 3-14-102
Director - Staff
Status: in_force

The joint legislative services committee shall appoint, subject to the approval of the speakers of the senate and the house of representatives, a director of program evaluation who shall have such training or experience in government as may be deemed necessary to perform the duties of the office. The director and other personnel shall be chosen without reference to party affiliation but solely on the basis of fitness to perform the duties of the office. The committee shall determine the compensation of the director, while the compensation of other personnel shall be determined by the committee upon recommendation of the director. Personnel shall be employed upon recommendation of the director with approval of the speakers. Acts 1977, ch. 317, § 2; T.C.A., § 3-1402.
The joint legislative services committee shall appoint, subject to the approval of the speakers of the senate and the house of representatives, a director of program evaluation who shall have such training or experience in government as may be deemed necessary to perform the duties of the office. The director and other personnel shall be chosen without reference to party affiliation but solely on the basis of fitness to perform the duties of the office. The committee shall determine the compensation of the director, while the compensation of other personnel shall be determined by the committee upon recommendation of the director. Personnel shall be employed upon recommendation of the director with approval of the speakers.
Acts 1977, ch. 317, § 2; T.C.A., § 3-1402.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-2-102 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 2 / Section 3-2-102
Presentation to governor
Status: in_force

(a) Every bill, joint resolution, or order, except on questions of adjournment and proposals of specific amendments to the Constitution of Tennessee, shall, after the same has been passed, enrolled, and signed by the speakers of both houses of the general assembly, be presented by the committee on enrolled bills of that house wherein such bill, joint resolution, or order originated, to the governor for signature. (b) The committee shall report that they have presented the bill, joint resolution, or order to the governor for signature, and the date of such presentation, which report shall be entered on the journal of that house to which such committee belongs. (c) (1) No bill, joint resolution, or order shall be presented to the governor until the time for moving for a reconsideration shall have expired, unless expressly ordered by that house wherein such bill, joint resolution, or order originated. (2) The speaker of the senate shall first sign all bills and joint resolutions originating in the senate, and the speaker of the house of representatives shall first sign all bills and joint resolutions originating in the house of representatives. Acts 1871, ch. 139, § 1; Shan., § 227; Code 1932, § 168 (as mod. by 1953 amend., Tenn. Const., art. III, § 18); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-202.
(a) Every bill, joint resolution, or order, except on questions of adjournment and proposals of specific amendments to the Constitution of Tennessee, shall, after the same has been passed, enrolled, and signed by the speakers of both houses of the general assembly, be presented by the committee on enrolled bills of that house wherein such bill, joint resolution, or order originated, to the governor for signature.
(b) The committee shall report that they have presented the bill, joint resolution, or order to the governor for signature, and the date of such presentation, which report shall be entered on the journal of that house to which such committee belongs.
(c) (1) No bill, joint resolution, or order shall be presented to the governor until the time for moving for a reconsideration shall have expired, unless expressly ordered by that house wherein such bill, joint resolution, or order originated. (2) The speaker of the senate shall first sign all bills and joint resolutions originating in the senate, and the speaker of the house of representatives shall first sign all bills and joint resolutions originating in the house of representatives.
(1) No bill, joint resolution, or order shall be presented to the governor until the time for moving for a reconsideration shall have expired, unless expressly ordered by that house wherein such bill, joint resolution, or order originated.
(2) The speaker of the senate shall first sign all bills and joint resolutions originating in the senate, and the speaker of the house of representatives shall first sign all bills and joint resolutions originating in the house of representatives.
Acts 1871, ch. 139, § 1; Shan., § 227; Code 1932, § 168 (as mod. by 1953 amend., Tenn. Const., art. III, § 18); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-202.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-9-103 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 9 / Section 3-9-103
Review of pension and retirement system bills
Status: in_force

(a) Whenever any bill is introduced in the general assembly proposing to establish a new pension system or to make any change in an existing system, or to make any change in the law which may have a financial impact on the Tennessee consolidated retirement system, the bill shall be referred to the council and to a standing committee; provided, that no action shall be taken on the bill by the standing committee until the council reports its recommendation and the actuarial cost of the bill. (b) Any bill which creates financial liability on the Tennessee consolidated retirement system or on any superseded system must contain the manner of funding for such liabilities created by the bill. (c) Whenever the council recommends a bill for passage only with the adoption of an amendment or amendments approved by a majority vote of the council, the council shall cause such committee amendment or amendments to be prepared in proper form and filed with the chief clerks of both houses of the general assembly in advance of any consideration of the bill on the floor and in the standing committee. The chief clerks of both houses shall cause the recommended amendment or amendments to be reproduced and placed upon the desk of all members of their respective houses and also upon the desk of all members of the standing committee of their respective houses. (d) The council shall not report for approval any bill which creates additional financial liabilities on the Tennessee consolidated retirement system or on any superseded system unless such bill is preceded by or accompanied by an appropriation bill or appropriate amendment prepared and attached, which provides the first year's funding, determined actuarially. However, technical adjustments accompanied by coincidental costs which are found necessary by the state's actuary may be made without regard to this section. (e) If a bill comes before the council without appropriate funding, the council may receive recommendations to provide for funding based on the above criteria. Consideration shall be given to increasing employee contributions to cover any additional costs. (f) All bills referred to the council shall be reported back to the standing committee to which they were assigned no later than five (5) weeks after the later of the dates adopted by the house of representatives or the senate for cutting off the introduction of new bills with appropriate amendments attached. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 303, s 2, eff. 7/1/2021. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 962, s 17, eff. 4/27/2016. Acts 1971, ch. 11, § 3; 1975, ch. 39, § 3; 1977, ch. 379, § 1; T.C.A., § 3-903; Acts 1980, ch. 501, §§ 4, 5, 7; 1987, ch. 54, § 17; 1989, ch. 179, § 7.
(a) Whenever any bill is introduced in the general assembly proposing to establish a new pension system or to make any change in an existing system, or to make any change in the law which may have a financial impact on the Tennessee consolidated retirement system, the bill shall be referred to the council and to a standing committee; provided, that no action shall be taken on the bill by the standing committee until the council reports its recommendation and the actuarial cost of the bill.
(b) Any bill which creates financial liability on the Tennessee consolidated retirement system or on any superseded system must contain the manner of funding for such liabilities created by the bill.
(c) Whenever the council recommends a bill for passage only with the adoption of an amendment or amendments approved by a majority vote of the council, the council shall cause such committee amendment or amendments to be prepared in proper form and filed with the chief clerks of both houses of the general assembly in advance of any consideration of the bill on the floor and in the standing committee. The chief clerks of both houses shall cause the recommended amendment or amendments to be reproduced and placed upon the desk of all members of their respective houses and also upon the desk of all members of the standing committee of their respective houses.
(d) The council shall not report for approval any bill which creates additional financial liabilities on the Tennessee consolidated retirement system or on any superseded system unless such bill is preceded by or accompanied by an appropriation bill or appropriate amendment prepared and attached, which provides the first year's funding, determined actuarially. However, technical adjustments accompanied by coincidental costs which are found necessary by the state's actuary may be made without regard to this section.
(e) If a bill comes before the council without appropriate funding, the council may receive recommendations to provide for funding based on the above criteria. Consideration shall be given to increasing employee contributions to cover any additional costs.
(f) All bills referred to the council shall be reported back to the standing committee to which they were assigned no later than five (5) weeks after the later of the dates adopted by the house of representatives or the senate for cutting off the introduction of new bills with appropriate amendments attached.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 303, s 2, eff. 7/1/2021.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 962, s 17, eff. 4/27/2016.
Acts 1971, ch. 11, § 3; 1975, ch. 39, § 3; 1977, ch. 379, § 1; T.C.A., § 3-903; Acts 1980, ch. 501, §§ 4, 5, 7; 1987, ch. 54, § 17; 1989, ch. 179, § 7.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-17-111 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 17 / Section 3-17-111
Disqualification
Status: in_force

Any person who is convicted of a violation of § 39-16-702 , § 39-16-703 , or title 39, chapter 17, parts 5 and 6 shall be permanently disqualified from submitting an annual event application. Acts 2004, ch. 476, §2; 2007 , ch. 18, § 13.
Any person who is convicted of a violation of § 39-16-702 , § 39-16-703 , or title 39, chapter 17, parts 5 and 6 shall be permanently disqualified from submitting an annual event application.
Acts 2004, ch. 476, §2; 2007 , ch. 18, § 13.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-1-123 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 1 / Section 3-1-123
Filing of report with legislative reference and law library and office of the speaker of the house of representatives
Status: in_force

(a) If a statute requires an official or entity to make a report to the general assembly, the speakers of the general assembly, a committee of the general assembly, or any combination thereof, then a copy of the report shall also be filed with the legislative reference and law library. (b) In addition to the filing requirement in subsection (a), if a statute requires an official or entity to make a report to the general assembly, the house of representatives, a committee of the house of representatives, or any combination thereof, then the official or entity must also file a copy of the report with the office of the speaker of the house of representatives. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 345,s 3, eff. 5/10/2019. Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 651,s 1, eff. 7/1/2016.
(a) If a statute requires an official or entity to make a report to the general assembly, the speakers of the general assembly, a committee of the general assembly, or any combination thereof, then a copy of the report shall also be filed with the legislative reference and law library.
(b) In addition to the filing requirement in subsection (a), if a statute requires an official or entity to make a report to the general assembly, the house of representatives, a committee of the house of representatives, or any combination thereof, then the official or entity must also file a copy of the report with the office of the speaker of the house of representatives.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 345,s 3, eff. 5/10/2019.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 651,s 1, eff. 7/1/2016.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-3-102 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-3-102
Scope of chapter
Status: in_force

This chapter shall apply to all committees authorized and appointed at any session of the general assembly. Acts 1931, ch. 3, § 17; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 172.17; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-302.
This chapter shall apply to all committees authorized and appointed at any session of the general assembly.
Acts 1931, ch. 3, § 17; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 172.17; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-302.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-3-104 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-3-104
Employment of personnel - Records
Status: in_force

(a) Any such primary committee, appointed and acting by and on behalf of either or both houses of the general assembly, as contemplated and provided in this chapter, is given authority and power, unless otherwise directed by the house or houses of the general assembly for which the committee is acting, to employ one (1) or more sergeants-at-arms, and necessary or proper legal counsel, investigators and clerks, and a stenographer or stenographers, to take down and typewrite and make a record of the testimony given before any such committee, as well as all other data and information assembled and procured under the directions of such committee. (b) All such records, after use by such committee and the house or houses of the general assembly appointing it, shall be finally lodged and filed in the office of the secretary of state, and kept therein for public inspection, as other public records, statutes, etc., are kept and retained in such office. Acts 1931, ch. 3, § 12; C. Supp. 1950, § 172.12; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-304.
(a) Any such primary committee, appointed and acting by and on behalf of either or both houses of the general assembly, as contemplated and provided in this chapter, is given authority and power, unless otherwise directed by the house or houses of the general assembly for which the committee is acting, to employ one (1) or more sergeants-at-arms, and necessary or proper legal counsel, investigators and clerks, and a stenographer or stenographers, to take down and typewrite and make a record of the testimony given before any such committee, as well as all other data and information assembled and procured under the directions of such committee.
(b) All such records, after use by such committee and the house or houses of the general assembly appointing it, shall be finally lodged and filed in the office of the secretary of state, and kept therein for public inspection, as other public records, statutes, etc., are kept and retained in such office.
Acts 1931, ch. 3, § 12; C. Supp. 1950, § 172.12; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-304.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-9-204 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 9 / Section 3-9-204
Contents of report
Status: in_force

The report as specified in § 3-9-203 shall include the following: (1) The most recent actuarial valuation of the system conducted by a professionally qualified actuary; (2) Year-end financial statements, including the auditor's statement, when available; and (3) Publications by the plan's administrator to the members and/or other interested parties. Acts 1981, ch. 137, § 1.
The report as specified in § 3-9-203 shall include the following:
(1) The most recent actuarial valuation of the system conducted by a professionally qualified actuary;
(2) Year-end financial statements, including the auditor's statement, when available; and
(3) Publications by the plan's administrator to the members and/or other interested parties.
Acts 1981, ch. 137, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-3-114 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-3-114
Venue for violations of Section 3-3-112
Status: in_force

Any person violating § 3-3-112 shall be subject to indictment, trial and conviction in any county of this state in which, after having been subpoenaed, the person has gone, remains or may be found, while willfully disobeying the subpoena, or in which the person willfully fails to appear, as directed in the subpoena, or having appeared, willfully refuses to answer any question or produce any paper or other evidence pertinent to the matter under inquiry, as provided in § 3-3-112 . Acts 1931, ch. 3, § 6; C. Supp. 1950, § 172.6; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-314.
Any person violating § 3-3-112 shall be subject to indictment, trial and conviction in any county of this state in which, after having been subpoenaed, the person has gone, remains or may be found, while willfully disobeying the subpoena, or in which the person willfully fails to appear, as directed in the subpoena, or having appeared, willfully refuses to answer any question or produce any paper or other evidence pertinent to the matter under inquiry, as provided in § 3-3-112 .
Acts 1931, ch. 3, § 6; C. Supp. 1950, § 172.6; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-314.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-2-111 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 2 / Section 3-2-111
Bills concerning health coverage - Impact notes and statements
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Health insurance issuer" means any entity subject to the insurance laws of this state or subject to the jurisdiction of the department of commerce and insurance that contracts or offers to contract to provide health insurance coverage including, but not limited to, an insurance company, a health maintenance organization, or a non-profit hospital and medical service corporation; and (2) "Mandated health benefit" means a benefit or coverage that is proposed to be required by law or that is required by law to be offered or provided by a health insurance issuer including, but not limited to, coverage for or the offering of specific health care services, treatments, diagnostic tests or practices. (b) (1) As of January 2, 2005, upon the completion of all bill filing deadlines each year in both the house of representatives and senate of the general assembly, legislation containing a mandated health benefit shall be referred to the fiscal review committee in order that it may evaluate the legislation's potential impact on the cost of health insurance premiums. (2) To the extent that resources are otherwise available, the fiscal review committee may conduct research; receive testimony of experts including advocates of such mandated benefits; receive technical assistance from health insurance issuers; review for purposes of comparison, the mandated health benefits upon health insurance issuers in other states and jurisdictions and the effects of such mandates; and take other actions it determines appropriate for the completion of the assigned tasks. The fiscal review committee may receive pertinent data from health insurance issuers and from advocates of mandated benefits. Notwithstanding title 10, chapter 7, part 1, such data will be held as confidential by the fiscal review committee. (3) The fiscal review committee may draw on existing expertise within the departments of health, commerce and insurance, finance and administration, the TennCare bureau, and any other state agency or official, to perform these functions. If the fiscal review committee determines that additional resources are needed to evaluate fully a proposal, such request shall be directed to the finance, ways and means committees of the senate and house of representatives for consideration of funding as an amendment to the general appropriations act. (4) The fiscal review committee shall, no later than March 15 of the year in which the legislation is filed, attach to such legislation a statement on the proposed mandated benefit's impact on the premiums for health insurance coverage in Tennessee, especially for employees of companies employing fewer than fifty (50) employees. If the impact cannot be reasonably determined without additional resources, a statement to that effect, including the amount of additional resources needed, shall be included. The impact statement shall be available for the appropriate legislative committee when considering such proposal. (5) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit any health insurance issuer from voluntarily expanding or eliminating coverage nor to prohibit any individual or employer from electing to expand or eliminate coverage on any health maintenance organization contract or individual or group health insurance policy or contract covering the individual, the employer or employees of the employer, as applicable. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 123, s 1, eff. 4/10/2015. Acts 1989, ch. 244, § 2; 2004, ch. 640, § 1.
(a) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Health insurance issuer" means any entity subject to the insurance laws of this state or subject to the jurisdiction of the department of commerce and insurance that contracts or offers to contract to provide health insurance coverage including, but not limited to, an insurance company, a health maintenance organization, or a non-profit hospital and medical service corporation; and (2) "Mandated health benefit" means a benefit or coverage that is proposed to be required by law or that is required by law to be offered or provided by a health insurance issuer including, but not limited to, coverage for or the offering of specific health care services, treatments, diagnostic tests or practices.
(1) "Health insurance issuer" means any entity subject to the insurance laws of this state or subject to the jurisdiction of the department of commerce and insurance that contracts or offers to contract to provide health insurance coverage including, but not limited to, an insurance company, a health maintenance organization, or a non-profit hospital and medical service corporation; and
(2) "Mandated health benefit" means a benefit or coverage that is proposed to be required by law or that is required by law to be offered or provided by a health insurance issuer including, but not limited to, coverage for or the offering of specific health care services, treatments, diagnostic tests or practices.
(b) (1) As of January 2, 2005, upon the completion of all bill filing deadlines each year in both the house of representatives and senate of the general assembly, legislation containing a mandated health benefit shall be referred to the fiscal review committee in order that it may evaluate the legislation's potential impact on the cost of health insurance premiums. (2) To the extent that resources are otherwise available, the fiscal review committee may conduct research; receive testimony of experts including advocates of such mandated benefits; receive technical assistance from health insurance issuers; review for purposes of comparison, the mandated health benefits upon health insurance issuers in other states and jurisdictions and the effects of such mandates; and take other actions it determines appropriate for the completion of the assigned tasks. The fiscal review committee may receive pertinent data from health insurance issuers and from advocates of mandated benefits. Notwithstanding title 10, chapter 7, part 1, such data will be held as confidential by the fiscal review committee. (3) The fiscal review committee may draw on existing expertise within the departments of health, commerce and insurance, finance and administration, the TennCare bureau, and any other state agency or official, to perform these functions. If the fiscal review committee determines that additional resources are needed to evaluate fully a proposal, such request shall be directed to the finance, ways and means committees of the senate and house of representatives for consideration of funding as an amendment to the general appropriations act. (4) The fiscal review committee shall, no later than March 15 of the year in which the legislation is filed, attach to such legislation a statement on the proposed mandated benefit's impact on the premiums for health insurance coverage in Tennessee, especially for employees of companies employing fewer than fifty (50) employees. If the impact cannot be reasonably determined without additional resources, a statement to that effect, including the amount of additional resources needed, shall be included. The impact statement shall be available for the appropriate legislative committee when considering such proposal. (5) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit any health insurance issuer from voluntarily expanding or eliminating coverage nor to prohibit any individual or employer from electing to expand or eliminate coverage on any health maintenance organization contract or individual or group health insurance policy or contract covering the individual, the employer or employees of the employer, as applicable.
(1) As of January 2, 2005, upon the completion of all bill filing deadlines each year in both the house of representatives and senate of the general assembly, legislation containing a mandated health benefit shall be referred to the fiscal review committee in order that it may evaluate the legislation's potential impact on the cost of health insurance premiums.
(2) To the extent that resources are otherwise available, the fiscal review committee may conduct research; receive testimony of experts including advocates of such mandated benefits; receive technical assistance from health insurance issuers; review for purposes of comparison, the mandated health benefits upon health insurance issuers in other states and jurisdictions and the effects of such mandates; and take other actions it determines appropriate for the completion of the assigned tasks. The fiscal review committee may receive pertinent data from health insurance issuers and from advocates of mandated benefits. Notwithstanding title 10, chapter 7, part 1, such data will be held as confidential by the fiscal review committee.
(3) The fiscal review committee may draw on existing expertise within the departments of health, commerce and insurance, finance and administration, the TennCare bureau, and any other state agency or official, to perform these functions. If the fiscal review committee determines that additional resources are needed to evaluate fully a proposal, such request shall be directed to the finance, ways and means committees of the senate and house of representatives for consideration of funding as an amendment to the general appropriations act.
(4) The fiscal review committee shall, no later than March 15 of the year in which the legislation is filed, attach to such legislation a statement on the proposed mandated benefit's impact on the premiums for health insurance coverage in Tennessee, especially for employees of companies employing fewer than fifty (50) employees. If the impact cannot be reasonably determined without additional resources, a statement to that effect, including the amount of additional resources needed, shall be included. The impact statement shall be available for the appropriate legislative committee when considering such proposal.
(5) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit any health insurance issuer from voluntarily expanding or eliminating coverage nor to prohibit any individual or employer from electing to expand or eliminate coverage on any health maintenance organization contract or individual or group health insurance policy or contract covering the individual, the employer or employees of the employer, as applicable.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 123, s 1, eff. 4/10/2015.
Acts 1989, ch. 244, § 2; 2004, ch. 640, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-6-106 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 6 / Section 3-6-106
Duties of the commission and the attorney general and reporter
Status: in_force

(a) The duties of the Tennessee ethics commission include the following: (1) Recommend guiding principles of ethical conduct for consideration and adoption by the legislative or executive branches. The commission shall publish the guiding principles on the commission's website. Guiding principles of ethical conduct may be recommended for each of the following classifications: (A) Members of the general assembly; (B) The governor, secretary of state, treasurer, comptroller of the treasury, members of the governor's cabinet, and cabinet level staff within the governor's office; and (C) Lobbyists and employers of lobbyists; (2) Develop filing, coding and cross-indexing systems; (3) Make as many documents filed available for viewing on the Internet as is reasonable based on the commission's financial resources, and make each document filed available for public inspection and copying during regular office hours at the expense of any person requesting copies of the documents; provided, that this subdivision (a)(3) does not apply to those documents required to be confidential pursuant to § 3-6-202 ; (4) Review all filed documents to ensure compliance with the laws administered and enforced by the commission. Statements filed with the commission for more than two (2) years shall be deemed to be sufficient, absent a showing of fraud or the existence of an ongoing investigation related to the statement; (5) Accept and file any information voluntarily supplied that exceeds the requirements of this chapter; (6) Prepare and publish on the commission's website reports as are deemed to be appropriate and in the public interest by the commission, including quarterly reports listing alphabetically all registered lobbyists and employers of lobbyists, as defined in part 3 of this chapter; (7) Prepare and publish manuals and guides to facilitate compliance with, and enforcement of, the laws administered and enforced by the commission; (8) Administer ethics training as provided in this part; (9) Provide an annual report to the governor and the general assembly by July 1 concerning the administration and enforcement of laws under the jurisdiction of the commission, including the necessity, or lack of necessity, for any additional action or additional legislation that will serve to further the purposes of this chapter; (10) Investigate any alleged violation, upon sworn complaint or upon its own motion, as provided in § 3-6-201 ; and (11) Preserve all filed reports or statements for a period of at least five (5) years from the date of receipt, or longer when there is a pending investigation by the commission or any law enforcement agency, or when there is an ongoing administrative or judicial proceeding related to the information. (b) It is the duty of the attorney general and reporter to render opinions and give counsel to the commission upon the request of the executive director or the commission. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 37, s 3, eff. 3/14/2023. Acts 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 26; 2009 , ch. 556, § 17.
(a) The duties of the Tennessee ethics commission include the following: (1) Recommend guiding principles of ethical conduct for consideration and adoption by the legislative or executive branches. The commission shall publish the guiding principles on the commission's website. Guiding principles of ethical conduct may be recommended for each of the following classifications: (A) Members of the general assembly; (B) The governor, secretary of state, treasurer, comptroller of the treasury, members of the governor's cabinet, and cabinet level staff within the governor's office; and (C) Lobbyists and employers of lobbyists; (2) Develop filing, coding and cross-indexing systems; (3) Make as many documents filed available for viewing on the Internet as is reasonable based on the commission's financial resources, and make each document filed available for public inspection and copying during regular office hours at the expense of any person requesting copies of the documents; provided, that this subdivision (a)(3) does not apply to those documents required to be confidential pursuant to § 3-6-202 ; (4) Review all filed documents to ensure compliance with the laws administered and enforced by the commission. Statements filed with the commission for more than two (2) years shall be deemed to be sufficient, absent a showing of fraud or the existence of an ongoing investigation related to the statement; (5) Accept and file any information voluntarily supplied that exceeds the requirements of this chapter; (6) Prepare and publish on the commission's website reports as are deemed to be appropriate and in the public interest by the commission, including quarterly reports listing alphabetically all registered lobbyists and employers of lobbyists, as defined in part 3 of this chapter; (7) Prepare and publish manuals and guides to facilitate compliance with, and enforcement of, the laws administered and enforced by the commission; (8) Administer ethics training as provided in this part; (9) Provide an annual report to the governor and the general assembly by July 1 concerning the administration and enforcement of laws under the jurisdiction of the commission, including the necessity, or lack of necessity, for any additional action or additional legislation that will serve to further the purposes of this chapter; (10) Investigate any alleged violation, upon sworn complaint or upon its own motion, as provided in § 3-6-201 ; and (11) Preserve all filed reports or statements for a period of at least five (5) years from the date of receipt, or longer when there is a pending investigation by the commission or any law enforcement agency, or when there is an ongoing administrative or judicial proceeding related to the information.
(1) Recommend guiding principles of ethical conduct for consideration and adoption by the legislative or executive branches. The commission shall publish the guiding principles on the commission's website. Guiding principles of ethical conduct may be recommended for each of the following classifications: (A) Members of the general assembly; (B) The governor, secretary of state, treasurer, comptroller of the treasury, members of the governor's cabinet, and cabinet level staff within the governor's office; and (C) Lobbyists and employers of lobbyists;
(A) Members of the general assembly;
(B) The governor, secretary of state, treasurer, comptroller of the treasury, members of the governor's cabinet, and cabinet level staff within the governor's office; and
(C) Lobbyists and employers of lobbyists;
(2) Develop filing, coding and cross-indexing systems;
(3) Make as many documents filed available for viewing on the Internet as is reasonable based on the commission's financial resources, and make each document filed available for public inspection and copying during regular office hours at the expense of any person requesting copies of the documents; provided, that this subdivision (a)(3) does not apply to those documents required to be confidential pursuant to § 3-6-202 ;
(4) Review all filed documents to ensure compliance with the laws administered and enforced by the commission. Statements filed with the commission for more than two (2) years shall be deemed to be sufficient, absent a showing of fraud or the existence of an ongoing investigation related to the statement;
(5) Accept and file any information voluntarily supplied that exceeds the requirements of this chapter;
(6) Prepare and publish on the commission's website reports as are deemed to be appropriate and in the public interest by the commission, including quarterly reports listing alphabetically all registered lobbyists and employers of lobbyists, as defined in part 3 of this chapter;
(7) Prepare and publish manuals and guides to facilitate compliance with, and enforcement of, the laws administered and enforced by the commission;
(8) Administer ethics training as provided in this part;
(9) Provide an annual report to the governor and the general assembly by July 1 concerning the administration and enforcement of laws under the jurisdiction of the commission, including the necessity, or lack of necessity, for any additional action or additional legislation that will serve to further the purposes of this chapter;
(10) Investigate any alleged violation, upon sworn complaint or upon its own motion, as provided in § 3-6-201 ; and
(11) Preserve all filed reports or statements for a period of at least five (5) years from the date of receipt, or longer when there is a pending investigation by the commission or any law enforcement agency, or when there is an ongoing administrative or judicial proceeding related to the information.
(b) It is the duty of the attorney general and reporter to render opinions and give counsel to the commission upon the request of the executive director or the commission.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 37, s 3, eff. 3/14/2023.
Acts 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 26; 2009 , ch. 556, § 17.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-2-103 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 2 / Section 3-2-103
Approval of governor
Status: in_force

If the governor approves the bill, joint resolution, or order, the governor shall write upon the same, to the left of and below the signatures of the speakers of the two (2) houses, the fact and date of approval, as follows: "Approved ____________________, 20____________________," and shall sign the same as follows: " ______________, Governor." Acts 1871, ch. 139, § 3; Shan., § 229; Code 1932, § 170; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-203.
If the governor approves the bill, joint resolution, or order, the governor shall write upon the same, to the left of and below the signatures of the speakers of the two (2) houses, the fact and date of approval, as follows: "Approved ____________________, 20____________________," and shall sign the same as follows: " ______________, Governor."
Acts 1871, ch. 139, § 3; Shan., § 229; Code 1932, § 170; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-203.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-3-120 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-3-120
Perjury and subornation of perjury - Penalty
Status: in_force

(a) Any person who willfully and corruptly swears or affirms falsely in any material manner, upon any oath or affirmation, in respect of any matter under inquiry before either house, or such committee of either house or joint committee of both houses, commits perjury and shall be subject to indictment, trial and conviction for such perjury. (b) Any person who corruptly procures another to swear or affirm falsely in any such inquiry commits subornation of perjury and shall be subject to indictment, trial and conviction for such offense. (c) A violation of this section is a Class E felony. Acts 1931, ch. 3, § 9; C. Supp. 1950, § 172.9; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-320; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 15.
(a) Any person who willfully and corruptly swears or affirms falsely in any material manner, upon any oath or affirmation, in respect of any matter under inquiry before either house, or such committee of either house or joint committee of both houses, commits perjury and shall be subject to indictment, trial and conviction for such perjury.
(b) Any person who corruptly procures another to swear or affirm falsely in any such inquiry commits subornation of perjury and shall be subject to indictment, trial and conviction for such offense.
(c) A violation of this section is a Class E felony.
Acts 1931, ch. 3, § 9; C. Supp. 1950, § 172.9; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-320; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 15.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-3-108 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-3-108
Subpoena power
Status: in_force

Either house of the general assembly, acting in committee of the whole, or both houses acting in joint session or committee of the whole, or any committee of either or both houses, has the power, respectively, to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of papers or other evidence; and to that end each of them, respectively, has the power to issue subpoenas, including subpoenas duces tecum, to enforce the attendance of witnesses and the production of any records, documents, papers or other items of evidence, deemed to be material to any matter under inquiry or investigation by any of them respectively. Acts 1931, ch. 3, § 3; C. Supp. 1950, § 172.3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-308.
Either house of the general assembly, acting in committee of the whole, or both houses acting in joint session or committee of the whole, or any committee of either or both houses, has the power, respectively, to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of papers or other evidence; and to that end each of them, respectively, has the power to issue subpoenas, including subpoenas duces tecum, to enforce the attendance of witnesses and the production of any records, documents, papers or other items of evidence, deemed to be material to any matter under inquiry or investigation by any of them respectively.
Acts 1931, ch. 3, § 3; C. Supp. 1950, § 172.3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-308.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-7-106 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 7 / Section 3-7-106
Subpoenas - Oaths
Status: in_force

In carrying out its work, the committee is authorized to issue subpoenas, including subpoenas duces tecum, to enforce the attendance of witnesses and the production of records, documents, papers, or other items of evidence, and to administer oaths to persons testifying before the committee. Acts 1967, ch. 12, § 6; 1967, ch. 198, § 6; T.C.A., § 3-706.
In carrying out its work, the committee is authorized to issue subpoenas, including subpoenas duces tecum, to enforce the attendance of witnesses and the production of records, documents, papers, or other items of evidence, and to administer oaths to persons testifying before the committee.
Acts 1967, ch. 12, § 6; 1967, ch. 198, § 6; T.C.A., § 3-706.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-10-103 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 10 / Section 3-10-103
Meetings
Status: in_force

The first meeting of the committee shall be held at the call of the co-chairs within fifteen (15) days after the appointment of the members. Thereafter, the committee shall meet at least one (1) time during each regular or adjourned session of the general assembly. Other meetings may be called during or between sessions by the co-chairs at their pleasure or by a majority of the members of the committee. Members of the committee from the senate only or the house of representatives only may meet at the call of the appropriate speaker to consider matters concerning only the senate or the house of representatives, respectively. Acts 1977, ch. 89, § 2; T.C.A., § 3-1003.
The first meeting of the committee shall be held at the call of the co-chairs within fifteen (15) days after the appointment of the members. Thereafter, the committee shall meet at least one (1) time during each regular or adjourned session of the general assembly. Other meetings may be called during or between sessions by the co-chairs at their pleasure or by a majority of the members of the committee. Members of the committee from the senate only or the house of representatives only may meet at the call of the appropriate speaker to consider matters concerning only the senate or the house of representatives, respectively.
Acts 1977, ch. 89, § 2; T.C.A., § 3-1003.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-1-122 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 1 / Section 3-1-122
Forwarding of former general assembly member's email
Status: in_force

A former member of the general assembly may request that emails sent to the former member's legislative email address be automatically forwarded to the former member's private email address for up to twelve (12) months from the former member's last official day of service as a member of the general assembly. This section shall not apply to members of the general assembly who are removed from office or who resign from office. Acts 2009 , ch. 507, § 1.
A former member of the general assembly may request that emails sent to the former member's legislative email address be automatically forwarded to the former member's private email address for up to twelve (12) months from the former member's last official day of service as a member of the general assembly. This section shall not apply to members of the general assembly who are removed from office or who resign from office.
Acts 2009 , ch. 507, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-1-105 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 1 / Section 3-1-105
Oaths of office
Status: in_force

(a) The speaker of the senate may administer the official oath to any senators-elect, in the presence of the senate. (b) The speaker of the house of representatives may administer the official oath to any members-elect of the house of representatives, in the presence of the house. (c) The speaker of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives may also administer the oath of office to the clerks and doorkeepers of their respective houses. (d) (1) The members of the general assembly may administer the official oath of office for any local public official of any municipality or county, including any county having metropolitan form of government, or any other political subdivision of the state. (2) For purposes of this section, "local public official" means a person elected or appointed to any office or entity of local government. Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 576,s 1, eff. 3/28/2014. Acts 1865-1866, ch. 25, §§ 1-3; Shan., §§ 223-225; mod. Code 1932, §§ 163-165; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-112.
(a) The speaker of the senate may administer the official oath to any senators-elect, in the presence of the senate.
(b) The speaker of the house of representatives may administer the official oath to any members-elect of the house of representatives, in the presence of the house.
(c) The speaker of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives may also administer the oath of office to the clerks and doorkeepers of their respective houses.
(d) (1) The members of the general assembly may administer the official oath of office for any local public official of any municipality or county, including any county having metropolitan form of government, or any other political subdivision of the state. (2) For purposes of this section, "local public official" means a person elected or appointed to any office or entity of local government.
(1) The members of the general assembly may administer the official oath of office for any local public official of any municipality or county, including any county having metropolitan form of government, or any other political subdivision of the state.
(2) For purposes of this section, "local public official" means a person elected or appointed to any office or entity of local government.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 576,s 1, eff. 3/28/2014.
Acts 1865-1866, ch. 25, §§ 1-3; Shan., §§ 223-225; mod. Code 1932, §§ 163-165; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-112.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-12-103 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 12 / Section 3-12-103
Office space - Facilities
Status: in_force

Suitable office space and facilities shall be provided in Nashville convenient to the general assembly. Acts 1977, ch. 89, § 6; T.C.A., § 3-1203.
Suitable office space and facilities shall be provided in Nashville convenient to the general assembly.
Acts 1977, ch. 89, § 6; T.C.A., § 3-1203.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-3-106 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-3-106
Subcommittees - Appointment and powers
Status: in_force

(a) In order to expedite and efficiently perform its duties, any such committee, unless otherwise ordered and directed by the house or houses for which such committee may be acting, may appoint and designate out of its own membership, a subcommittee or subcommittees, to consist of one (1) or more of the members of such committee. (b) Such subcommittee or subcommittees, when so designated and directed by such committee, and subject to such restrictions as the committee may impose, shall be and are authorized and empowered, on behalf of such committee, and on behalf of the house or houses of the general assembly for which such committee has been authorized to act, to proceed with the work and investigations of such committee, including the assembling of desired information and data, and the subpoenaing and taking of testimony of witnesses, and having a record thereof made, for the later use of such committee and the house or houses of the general assembly for which such committee has been authorized to act. (c) Any such subcommittee or subcommittees, when acting in pursuance of the orders and directions of the committee from whose membership they have been selected, shall have and possess all the power and authority conferred by this chapter upon the committee from the membership of which such subcommittee has been designated, and any person or witness failing to obey a subpoena to appear and testify and produce any evidence, documentary or otherwise, before such subcommittee, is guilty of contempt, and may be dealt with therefor, as provided in § 3-3-111 in respects to all persons or witnesses subpoenaed to appear and appearing before any committee. Any such person or witness subpoenaed to appear or appearing before any such subcommittee who makes default in respect of such appearance, the giving of testimony or the production of any evidence, documentary or otherwise, before any subcommittee, commits a criminal offense, and upon indictment, trial and conviction therefor, shall be punished by fine and imprisonment, in all respects as provided in § 3-3-112 in regard to offending persons or witnesses subpoenaed to appear or appearing before any committee as set out and declared in §§ 3-3-112 - 3-3-114 and 3-3-120. Acts 1931, ch. 3, § 13; C. Supp. 1950, § 172.13; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-306.
(a) In order to expedite and efficiently perform its duties, any such committee, unless otherwise ordered and directed by the house or houses for which such committee may be acting, may appoint and designate out of its own membership, a subcommittee or subcommittees, to consist of one (1) or more of the members of such committee.
(b) Such subcommittee or subcommittees, when so designated and directed by such committee, and subject to such restrictions as the committee may impose, shall be and are authorized and empowered, on behalf of such committee, and on behalf of the house or houses of the general assembly for which such committee has been authorized to act, to proceed with the work and investigations of such committee, including the assembling of desired information and data, and the subpoenaing and taking of testimony of witnesses, and having a record thereof made, for the later use of such committee and the house or houses of the general assembly for which such committee has been authorized to act.
(c) Any such subcommittee or subcommittees, when acting in pursuance of the orders and directions of the committee from whose membership they have been selected, shall have and possess all the power and authority conferred by this chapter upon the committee from the membership of which such subcommittee has been designated, and any person or witness failing to obey a subpoena to appear and testify and produce any evidence, documentary or otherwise, before such subcommittee, is guilty of contempt, and may be dealt with therefor, as provided in § 3-3-111 in respects to all persons or witnesses subpoenaed to appear and appearing before any committee. Any such person or witness subpoenaed to appear or appearing before any such subcommittee who makes default in respect of such appearance, the giving of testimony or the production of any evidence, documentary or otherwise, before any subcommittee, commits a criminal offense, and upon indictment, trial and conviction therefor, shall be punished by fine and imprisonment, in all respects as provided in § 3-3-112 in regard to offending persons or witnesses subpoenaed to appear or appearing before any committee as set out and declared in §§ 3-3-112 - 3-3-114 and 3-3-120.
Acts 1931, ch. 3, § 13; C. Supp. 1950, § 172.13; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-306.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-10-108 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 10 / Section 3-10-108
Access to legislative computer system - Reproduction of Tennessee Code Annotated
Status: in_force

(a) The joint legislative services committee shall consider each application for direct access to the legislative computer system in which confidential information is stored or processed, or that is connected to another computer in which confidential information is stored or processed, and solely shall determine whether or not to permit direct access by the applicant. (b) Direct access to such a computer may not be permitted unless protection of any confidential information is ensured. (c) Section 10-7-503 shall not apply to records or information otherwise available in printed form or to information or records otherwise exempt from § 10-7-503 . (d) If public information is stored in a computer-readable form, the committee has exclusive authority to determine the form in which the information will be reproduced for the requestor of the information; provided, that the reproduction, publication, and sale of Tennessee Code Annotated in any form, in whole or in part, shall be pursuant to title 1, chapter 1. If access to such public information is also available in printed form, it need not be provided in an electronic readable form. (e) The committee shall designate the terminals, if any, at which public access is given to public information. The data processing equipment located in the offices of members of the general assembly and legislative staff need not provide such access if not so designated by the committee. Acts 1987, ch. 163, § 8.
(a) The joint legislative services committee shall consider each application for direct access to the legislative computer system in which confidential information is stored or processed, or that is connected to another computer in which confidential information is stored or processed, and solely shall determine whether or not to permit direct access by the applicant.
(b) Direct access to such a computer may not be permitted unless protection of any confidential information is ensured.
(c) Section 10-7-503 shall not apply to records or information otherwise available in printed form or to information or records otherwise exempt from § 10-7-503 .
(d) If public information is stored in a computer-readable form, the committee has exclusive authority to determine the form in which the information will be reproduced for the requestor of the information; provided, that the reproduction, publication, and sale of Tennessee Code Annotated in any form, in whole or in part, shall be pursuant to title 1, chapter 1. If access to such public information is also available in printed form, it need not be provided in an electronic readable form.
(e) The committee shall designate the terminals, if any, at which public access is given to public information. The data processing equipment located in the offices of members of the general assembly and legislative staff need not provide such access if not so designated by the committee.
Acts 1987, ch. 163, § 8.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-3-117 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-3-117
Issuance of attachments
Status: in_force

(a) Power is given to such committees or subcommittees to issue attachments to be served on all persons who may willfully violate any subpoena, rule or order, made or promulgated by such committee. (b) Such attachment may be served by a sergeant-at-arms of any such committee on the offending person, who shall be kept in the custody of the sergeant-at-arms and brought before such committee to be dealt with as such committee may determine, under the power and authority provided and given in this chapter. Acts 1931, ch. 3, § 11; C. Supp. 1950, § 172.11; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-317.
(a) Power is given to such committees or subcommittees to issue attachments to be served on all persons who may willfully violate any subpoena, rule or order, made or promulgated by such committee.
(b) Such attachment may be served by a sergeant-at-arms of any such committee on the offending person, who shall be kept in the custody of the sergeant-at-arms and brought before such committee to be dealt with as such committee may determine, under the power and authority provided and given in this chapter.
Acts 1931, ch. 3, § 11; C. Supp. 1950, § 172.11; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-317.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-18-110 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 18 / Section 3-18-110
Delegate or alternate delegate not lucrative office - Payment for expenses and mileage
Status: in_force

(a) A delegate or an alternate delegate shall not receive compensation, but shall be eligible for reimbursement for expenses and mileage in accordance with the regulations promulgated by the commissioner of finance and administration and approved by the attorney general and reporter. (b) For purposes of Article II, § 26 of the Constitution of Tennessee, the position of delegate or alternate delegate is not a lucrative office. (c) All funds necessary to pay expenses under subsection (a) shall be paid from appropriations to the general assembly. Acts 2014, ch. 979, § 1.
(a) A delegate or an alternate delegate shall not receive compensation, but shall be eligible for reimbursement for expenses and mileage in accordance with the regulations promulgated by the commissioner of finance and administration and approved by the attorney general and reporter.
(b) For purposes of Article II, § 26 of the Constitution of Tennessee, the position of delegate or alternate delegate is not a lucrative office.
(c) All funds necessary to pay expenses under subsection (a) shall be paid from appropriations to the general assembly.
Acts 2014, ch. 979, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-12-106 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 12 / Section 3-12-106
Relationships with members of general assembly
Status: in_force

(a) The director of the office of legal services and the director's legal staff shall maintain the attorney-client relationship with each member of the general assembly with respect to communications between the member and the attorney, except as otherwise provided by the rules of either house of the general assembly. (b) All materials arising out of this relationship including, but not limited to, proposed bills and amendments, analyses, opinions, and memoranda prepared by an attorney are not public records nor subject to title 10, chapter 7, part 5, except as otherwise provided by the rules of either house of the general assembly or when released by the member for whom the material was prepared. Acts 1977, ch. 89, § 10; T.C.A., § 3-1206.
(a) The director of the office of legal services and the director's legal staff shall maintain the attorney-client relationship with each member of the general assembly with respect to communications between the member and the attorney, except as otherwise provided by the rules of either house of the general assembly.
(b) All materials arising out of this relationship including, but not limited to, proposed bills and amendments, analyses, opinions, and memoranda prepared by an attorney are not public records nor subject to title 10, chapter 7, part 5, except as otherwise provided by the rules of either house of the general assembly or when released by the member for whom the material was prepared.
Acts 1977, ch. 89, § 10; T.C.A., § 3-1206.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-13-102 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 13 / Section 3-13-102
Director - Staff
Status: in_force

The joint legislative services committee shall appoint, subject to the approval of the speakers of the senate and the house of representatives, a director of legislative administration. The director shall be a graduate of an accredited college or university or shall have such training or practical experience in finance, public administration, or accounting as may be deemed necessary to perform the duties of the office. The director and other personnel shall be chosen without reference to party affiliation but solely on the basis of fitness to perform the duties of the office. The director shall serve at the pleasure of the committee. The committee shall determine the compensation of the director, while the compensation of other personnel shall be determined by the committee upon recommendation of the director. Personnel shall be employed on recommendation of the director with the approval of the speakers. Acts 1977, ch. 89, § 15; T.C.A., § 3-1302.
The joint legislative services committee shall appoint, subject to the approval of the speakers of the senate and the house of representatives, a director of legislative administration. The director shall be a graduate of an accredited college or university or shall have such training or practical experience in finance, public administration, or accounting as may be deemed necessary to perform the duties of the office. The director and other personnel shall be chosen without reference to party affiliation but solely on the basis of fitness to perform the duties of the office. The director shall serve at the pleasure of the committee. The committee shall determine the compensation of the director, while the compensation of other personnel shall be determined by the committee upon recommendation of the director. Personnel shall be employed on recommendation of the director with the approval of the speakers.
Acts 1977, ch. 89, § 15; T.C.A., § 3-1302.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-3-109 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-3-109
Service of subpoenas - Form
Status: in_force

(a) Any such subpoenas may be delivered to, and, when so delivered, shall be served by the sergeant-at-arms of the senate, acting for it, or by the sergeant-at-arms of the house of representatives, acting for it, or by either of the sergeants-at-arms when the subpoena relates to a matter pending before both houses acting in joint session, or by a sergeant-at-arms to be appointed by any committee to act for it. (b) Any such sergeant-at-arms shall promptly serve, execute and make return of any such process delivered to the sergeant-at-arms, and has the power to deputize any person to serve, execute and make return of such process for and in the stead of the sergeant-at-arms, to the house or houses or committee issuing same. (c) Such subpoenas shall be signed, respectively, by the speaker or speaker pro tem of either house, or the chair of a committee of the whole of the house or houses, or by the chair or chair pro tem of any committee, issuing such subpoena; and same shall run in the name of the state of Tennessee, and the county in which the subpoena is issued, or is to be served, and may be in the usual form of subpoenas issuing out of courts of record of this state, requiring the attendance of witnesses and production of any such evidence before the bodies or committees issuing such subpoenas. Acts 1931, ch. 3, § 3; C. Supp. 1950, § 172.3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-309.
(a) Any such subpoenas may be delivered to, and, when so delivered, shall be served by the sergeant-at-arms of the senate, acting for it, or by the sergeant-at-arms of the house of representatives, acting for it, or by either of the sergeants-at-arms when the subpoena relates to a matter pending before both houses acting in joint session, or by a sergeant-at-arms to be appointed by any committee to act for it.
(b) Any such sergeant-at-arms shall promptly serve, execute and make return of any such process delivered to the sergeant-at-arms, and has the power to deputize any person to serve, execute and make return of such process for and in the stead of the sergeant-at-arms, to the house or houses or committee issuing same.
(c) Such subpoenas shall be signed, respectively, by the speaker or speaker pro tem of either house, or the chair of a committee of the whole of the house or houses, or by the chair or chair pro tem of any committee, issuing such subpoena; and same shall run in the name of the state of Tennessee, and the county in which the subpoena is issued, or is to be served, and may be in the usual form of subpoenas issuing out of courts of record of this state, requiring the attendance of witnesses and production of any such evidence before the bodies or committees issuing such subpoenas.
Acts 1931, ch. 3, § 3; C. Supp. 1950, § 172.3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-309.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-13-104 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 13 / Section 3-13-104
Posting of report of per diem payments and reimbursed expenses on general assembly website
Status: in_force

The director of legislative administration shall cause to be posted on the official general assembly website a report, by member, that contains the per diem payments made to members of the general assembly and all other expenses, including out-of-state travel, reimbursed in accordance with § 3-1-106 . The report shall include the purpose of the reimbursement made. The initial report shall be filed no later than fifteen (15) days following the last day of April 2006, and shall include all payments made from the first day of January 2006, until the last day of March 2006. Thereafter, the report shall be updated quarterly, no later than fifteen (15) days following the end of the quarter. The reports shall remain on the website until one month following the end of each general assembly. The last quarter reported in each general assembly shall include the period of time from the last quarter reported until the regular November election and the first report in each general assembly shall include the period of time from the regular November election until the end of the first quarter. Acts 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 45.
The director of legislative administration shall cause to be posted on the official general assembly website a report, by member, that contains the per diem payments made to members of the general assembly and all other expenses, including out-of-state travel, reimbursed in accordance with § 3-1-106 . The report shall include the purpose of the reimbursement made. The initial report shall be filed no later than fifteen (15) days following the last day of April 2006, and shall include all payments made from the first day of January 2006, until the last day of March 2006. Thereafter, the report shall be updated quarterly, no later than fifteen (15) days following the end of the quarter. The reports shall remain on the website until one month following the end of each general assembly. The last quarter reported in each general assembly shall include the period of time from the last quarter reported until the regular November election and the first report in each general assembly shall include the period of time from the regular November election until the end of the first quarter.
Acts 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 45.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-4-101 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 4 / Section 3-4-101
Subpoena powers
Status: in_force

(a) Any standing committee or select committee of the general assembly shall have the power to issue subpoenas, including subpoenas duces tecum, and to enforce the attendance of witnesses and the production of records, documents, papers or other items of evidence. (b) In proceedings before such committees, §§ 3-3-108 - 3-3-121 shall apply. Acts 1967, ch. 125, § 1; T.C.A., § 3-801.
(a) Any standing committee or select committee of the general assembly shall have the power to issue subpoenas, including subpoenas duces tecum, and to enforce the attendance of witnesses and the production of records, documents, papers or other items of evidence.
(b) In proceedings before such committees, §§ 3-3-108 - 3-3-121 shall apply.
Acts 1967, ch. 125, § 1; T.C.A., § 3-801.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-1-202 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 1 / Section 3-1-202
Part definition
Status: in_force

As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires, "relative" means a parent, foster parent, parent-in-law, child, spouse, brother, foster brother, sister, foster sister, grandparent, grandchild, son-in-law, brother-in-law, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, or other family member who resides in the same household. Acts 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 47.
As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires, "relative" means a parent, foster parent, parent-in-law, child, spouse, brother, foster brother, sister, foster sister, grandparent, grandchild, son-in-law, brother-in-law, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, or other family member who resides in the same household.
Acts 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 47.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-18-106 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 18 / Section 3-18-106
Offense of delegate or alternate knowingly or intentionally voting or attempting to vote outside of scope of instructions or established limits - Class E felony
Status: in_force

(a) It is an offense for a delegate or alternate delegate to knowingly or intentionally vote or attempt to vote outside the scope of: (1) The instructions established by a joint resolution adopted under § 3-18-103 ; or (2) The limits placed by the general assembly in a joint resolution that calls for an Article V convention for the purpose of proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States on the subjects and amendments that may be considered by the Article V convention. (b) A violation of subsection (a) is a Class E felony. Acts 2014, ch. 979, § 1.
(a) It is an offense for a delegate or alternate delegate to knowingly or intentionally vote or attempt to vote outside the scope of: (1) The instructions established by a joint resolution adopted under § 3-18-103 ; or (2) The limits placed by the general assembly in a joint resolution that calls for an Article V convention for the purpose of proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States on the subjects and amendments that may be considered by the Article V convention.
(1) The instructions established by a joint resolution adopted under § 3-18-103 ; or
(2) The limits placed by the general assembly in a joint resolution that calls for an Article V convention for the purpose of proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States on the subjects and amendments that may be considered by the Article V convention.
(b) A violation of subsection (a) is a Class E felony.
Acts 2014, ch. 979, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-3-115 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-3-115
Penalty for evasion of service
Status: in_force

Any person who, after having knowledge that an inquiry or investigation has been ordered by either house or both houses of the general assembly, willfully leaves and is absent from the county of such person's usual residence for the purpose of evading the service upon such person of any subpoena that thereafter might be issued to command such person to appear and give testimony or produce documents or other evidence in the course of any such inquiry or investigation, commits a Class C misdemeanor. Acts 1931, ch. 3, § 7; C. Supp. 1950, § 172.7; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-315; Acts 1989, ch. 519, § 113.
Any person who, after having knowledge that an inquiry or investigation has been ordered by either house or both houses of the general assembly, willfully leaves and is absent from the county of such person's usual residence for the purpose of evading the service upon such person of any subpoena that thereafter might be issued to command such person to appear and give testimony or produce documents or other evidence in the course of any such inquiry or investigation, commits a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1931, ch. 3, § 7; C. Supp. 1950, § 172.7; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-315; Acts 1989, ch. 519, § 113.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-1-115 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 1 / Section 3-1-115
Orientation on ethics laws and rules for general assembly members
Status: in_force

An orientation shall be provided to all members elected or appointed to serve for their first term or partial term of office in the general assembly, which shall include, as part of the orientation, instruction on ethics laws and rules that pertain to members of the general assembly. Acts 2005, ch. 451, § 1.
An orientation shall be provided to all members elected or appointed to serve for their first term or partial term of office in the general assembly, which shall include, as part of the orientation, instruction on ethics laws and rules that pertain to members of the general assembly.
Acts 2005, ch. 451, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-1-114 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 1 / Section 3-1-114
Reporting requirement satisfied by notice to legislators of publication of report
Status: in_force

If a statute requires an official or entity of state government to make a report to each member of the general assembly, the statute is satisfied if the official or entity notifies each of the members in writing to each member's office that the report has been published. A member may then notify the official or entity if the member chooses to receive a copy of the report. The member may give such notice by electronic mail or facsimile transmission. The notice shall provide a date or a period of time in which the member shall respond. A failure of a member to respond to the notice shall be considered the same as a member declining to receive a copy of such report. Acts 1998, ch. 790, § 1.
If a statute requires an official or entity of state government to make a report to each member of the general assembly, the statute is satisfied if the official or entity notifies each of the members in writing to each member's office that the report has been published. A member may then notify the official or entity if the member chooses to receive a copy of the report. The member may give such notice by electronic mail or facsimile transmission. The notice shall provide a date or a period of time in which the member shall respond. A failure of a member to respond to the notice shall be considered the same as a member declining to receive a copy of such report.
Acts 1998, ch. 790, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-18-105 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 18 / Section 3-18-105
Application to call convention of no effect if all delegates and alternates vote or attempt to vote outside scope of instructions and established limits
Status: in_force

The application of the general assembly to call an Article V convention for proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States ceases to be a continuing application and shall be treated as having no effect if all of the delegates and alternate delegates vote or attempt to vote outside the scope of: (1) The instructions established by a joint resolution adopted under § 3-18-103 ; or (2) The limits placed by the general assembly in a joint resolution that calls for an Article V convention for the purpose of proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States on the subjects and amendments that may be considered by the Article V convention. Acts 2014, ch. 979, § 1.
The application of the general assembly to call an Article V convention for proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States ceases to be a continuing application and shall be treated as having no effect if all of the delegates and alternate delegates vote or attempt to vote outside the scope of:
(1) The instructions established by a joint resolution adopted under § 3-18-103 ; or
(2) The limits placed by the general assembly in a joint resolution that calls for an Article V convention for the purpose of proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States on the subjects and amendments that may be considered by the Article V convention.
Acts 2014, ch. 979, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-17-114 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 17 / Section 3-17-114
Criminal background checks
Status: in_force

(a) The secretary of state may establish, by duly promulgated rules and regulations, the procedures and criteria for requiring and obtaining criminal background checks for officers, directors, trustees, and the principal salaried executive staff officer who will operate the annual event for a nonprofit organization. No background check shall be conducted on any such person unless the secretary finds good cause, based upon objective criteria, that the information contained in the annual event application, or supporting documentation, is ambiguous, false or insufficient; provided, that a background check may be required for good cause if based upon reliable information from a law enforcement agency. The secretary of state may utilize the Tennessee bureau of investigation or the federal bureau of investigation to conduct criminal background checks. (b) Procedures and payments of costs associated with criminal background checks shall be governed by §§ 38-6-103 and 38-6-109 . The nonprofit organization that has filed an annual event application shall be responsible for payment of all criminal background checks required by this section. The secretary of state shall not pay for any criminal background check required by this section. (c) Criminal background checks may include fingerprint checks against state and federal criminal records maintained by the Tennessee bureau of investigation and the federal bureau of investigation. (d) The secretary of state shall be immune from suit for declining to approve the conducting of an annual event based upon criminal background information received pursuant to this section. (e) (1) In the event that the secretary establishes procedures and criteria for requiring and obtaining criminal background checks, such checks shall not be performed upon officers, directors or trustees who receive no compensation for their duties associated with the nonprofit organization. (2) In the event that the secretary establishes procedures and criteria for requiring and obtaining criminal background checks, such provisions shall only apply to annual event applications for the operation of annual events to be conducted on and after July 1, 2005. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 134,s 22, eff. 4/14/2015. Acts 2004, ch. 476, § 2.
(a) The secretary of state may establish, by duly promulgated rules and regulations, the procedures and criteria for requiring and obtaining criminal background checks for officers, directors, trustees, and the principal salaried executive staff officer who will operate the annual event for a nonprofit organization. No background check shall be conducted on any such person unless the secretary finds good cause, based upon objective criteria, that the information contained in the annual event application, or supporting documentation, is ambiguous, false or insufficient; provided, that a background check may be required for good cause if based upon reliable information from a law enforcement agency. The secretary of state may utilize the Tennessee bureau of investigation or the federal bureau of investigation to conduct criminal background checks.
(b) Procedures and payments of costs associated with criminal background checks shall be governed by §§ 38-6-103 and 38-6-109 . The nonprofit organization that has filed an annual event application shall be responsible for payment of all criminal background checks required by this section. The secretary of state shall not pay for any criminal background check required by this section.
(c) Criminal background checks may include fingerprint checks against state and federal criminal records maintained by the Tennessee bureau of investigation and the federal bureau of investigation.
(d) The secretary of state shall be immune from suit for declining to approve the conducting of an annual event based upon criminal background information received pursuant to this section.
(e) (1) In the event that the secretary establishes procedures and criteria for requiring and obtaining criminal background checks, such checks shall not be performed upon officers, directors or trustees who receive no compensation for their duties associated with the nonprofit organization. (2) In the event that the secretary establishes procedures and criteria for requiring and obtaining criminal background checks, such provisions shall only apply to annual event applications for the operation of annual events to be conducted on and after July 1, 2005.
(1) In the event that the secretary establishes procedures and criteria for requiring and obtaining criminal background checks, such checks shall not be performed upon officers, directors or trustees who receive no compensation for their duties associated with the nonprofit organization.
(2) In the event that the secretary establishes procedures and criteria for requiring and obtaining criminal background checks, such provisions shall only apply to annual event applications for the operation of annual events to be conducted on and after July 1, 2005.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 134,s 22, eff. 4/14/2015.
Acts 2004, ch. 476, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-17-101 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 17 / Section 3-17-101
Short title
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Tennessee Nonprofit Gaming Law." Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 134,s 1, eff. 4/14/2015. Acts 2004, ch. 476, § 1.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Tennessee Nonprofit Gaming Law."
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 134,s 1, eff. 4/14/2015.
Acts 2004, ch. 476, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-3-112 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-3-112
Penalty for willful default of summoned witness
Status: in_force

Every person who, having been summoned as a witness by the authority of either house or of both houses of the general assembly, or by the authority of any standing or special committee of either house or any joint committee of both houses of the general assembly, to give testimony or to produce any papers, or other items of evidence, upon any matter under inquiry before either house, or both houses, or any such committee of either house or joint committee of both houses of the general assembly, willfully makes default, by failing to appear, or who, having appeared, willfully refuses to answer any question or to produce any papers or other evidence pertinent to the matter under inquiry, whether such question be propounded by any member of such committee, or by any legal counsel of such committee, in its presence and by its permission, commits a Class C misdemeanor. Acts 1931, ch. 3, § 5; C. Supp. 1950, § 172.5; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-312; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
Every person who, having been summoned as a witness by the authority of either house or of both houses of the general assembly, or by the authority of any standing or special committee of either house or any joint committee of both houses of the general assembly, to give testimony or to produce any papers, or other items of evidence, upon any matter under inquiry before either house, or both houses, or any such committee of either house or joint committee of both houses of the general assembly, willfully makes default, by failing to appear, or who, having appeared, willfully refuses to answer any question or to produce any papers or other evidence pertinent to the matter under inquiry, whether such question be propounded by any member of such committee, or by any legal counsel of such committee, in its presence and by its permission, commits a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1931, ch. 3, § 5; C. Supp. 1950, § 172.5; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-312; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-3-116 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-3-116
Violation of Section 3-3-115 as continuing offense - Venue - Limitation of prosecutions
Status: in_force

(a) Any person violating § 3-3-115 commits a continuing offense during all the time such person is so willfully absent from the county of such person's usual residence for the purpose of evading any subpoena that might be issued for such person during the session of the general assembly which has ordered such investigation. (b) Such continuing offender shall be subject to indictment, trial and conviction, in any county of this state to which such person has gone, or in which such person remains or may be found during the continuance of such offense, as well as in the county of such person's usual residence from which such person has willfully gone and is absent for the purpose of evading the service of any such subpoena. (c) No such person guilty of violating § 3-3-115 shall be subject or liable to more than one (1) conviction for any one (1) violation, and any indictment under § 3-3-115 shall be returned within five (5) years after the date of the final adjournment of the session of the general assembly at which the inquiry or investigation, at which such offender has willfully sought to avoid appearing, was made or authorized. Acts 1931, ch. 3, § 7; C. Supp. 1950, § 172.7; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-316.
(a) Any person violating § 3-3-115 commits a continuing offense during all the time such person is so willfully absent from the county of such person's usual residence for the purpose of evading any subpoena that might be issued for such person during the session of the general assembly which has ordered such investigation.
(b) Such continuing offender shall be subject to indictment, trial and conviction, in any county of this state to which such person has gone, or in which such person remains or may be found during the continuance of such offense, as well as in the county of such person's usual residence from which such person has willfully gone and is absent for the purpose of evading the service of any such subpoena.
(c) No such person guilty of violating § 3-3-115 shall be subject or liable to more than one (1) conviction for any one (1) violation, and any indictment under § 3-3-115 shall be returned within five (5) years after the date of the final adjournment of the session of the general assembly at which the inquiry or investigation, at which such offender has willfully sought to avoid appearing, was made or authorized.
Acts 1931, ch. 3, § 7; C. Supp. 1950, § 172.7; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-316.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-17-107 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 17 / Section 3-17-107
Public records - Release of information
Status: in_force

Applications, reports, and all other documents and information required to be filed under this chapter, or by the secretary, shall be public records in the office of the secretary. The secretary, in the secretary's discretion, may compile, summarize, publish, or otherwise release to the public any information contained in applications and any other documents filed with or received by the secretary under this chapter. Acts 2004, ch. 476, § 2.
Applications, reports, and all other documents and information required to be filed under this chapter, or by the secretary, shall be public records in the office of the secretary. The secretary, in the secretary's discretion, may compile, summarize, publish, or otherwise release to the public any information contained in applications and any other documents filed with or received by the secretary under this chapter.
Acts 2004, ch. 476, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-9-202 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 9 / Section 3-9-202
"Local government retirement plan" defined
Status: in_force

For the purposes of this part, "local government retirement plan" means any retirement plan of any county, municipality, school district, utility district, development district, or any other subdivision of the state which operates a public retirement plan for its employees for which the governmental unit has liability. Acts 1981, ch. 137, § 1.
For the purposes of this part, "local government retirement plan" means any retirement plan of any county, municipality, school district, utility district, development district, or any other subdivision of the state which operates a public retirement plan for its employees for which the governmental unit has liability.
Acts 1981, ch. 137, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-16-104 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 16 / Section 3-16-104
Office space and facilities
Status: in_force

Suitable office space and facilities shall be provided in Nashville convenient to the general assembly. Acts 1987, ch. 163, § 5.
Suitable office space and facilities shall be provided in Nashville convenient to the general assembly.
Acts 1987, ch. 163, § 5.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-10-109 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 10 / Section 3-10-109
Legislative computer access and information - Violations - Penalties
Status: in_force

(a) It is unlawful for any person to intentionally or knowingly gain access to information stored or maintained in a computer under the control of the joint legislative services committee if it is not lawful for such person to have access and such person is also not authorized by such committee to have access to that information. (b) It is unlawful for a person to intentionally, knowingly or recklessly damage, destroy, delete, alter, or impair access to or use of information stored or maintained in a computer under the control of the joint legislative services committee if such person is not authorized by such committee to do so. (c) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor. Acts 1987, ch. 163, § 9; 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
(a) It is unlawful for any person to intentionally or knowingly gain access to information stored or maintained in a computer under the control of the joint legislative services committee if it is not lawful for such person to have access and such person is also not authorized by such committee to have access to that information.
(b) It is unlawful for a person to intentionally, knowingly or recklessly damage, destroy, delete, alter, or impair access to or use of information stored or maintained in a computer under the control of the joint legislative services committee if such person is not authorized by such committee to do so.
(c) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1987, ch. 163, § 9; 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-14-105 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 14 / Section 3-14-105
Reports
Status: in_force

Evaluative reports prepared by the office shall include, but are not limited to: (1) Evaluation of the present program; (2) Evaluation of the implementation procedures; and (3) Recommendations on changes needed in the program, implementation, funding level, statutory authority, or department organization. Acts 1977, ch. 317, § 4; T.C.A., § 3-1405.
Evaluative reports prepared by the office shall include, but are not limited to:
(1) Evaluation of the present program;
(2) Evaluation of the implementation procedures; and
(3) Recommendations on changes needed in the program, implementation, funding level, statutory authority, or department organization.
Acts 1977, ch. 317, § 4; T.C.A., § 3-1405.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-6-116 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 6 / Section 3-6-116
Training program for members of the commission
Status: in_force

(a) A person who is appointed to the Tennessee ethics commission may not vote, deliberate, or be counted as a member in attendance at a meeting of the commission until the person completes a training program provided by the office of the attorney general and reporter that complies with this section. This section shall not apply to members who are reappointed to the commission for a subsequent term. (b) The training program shall provide the person with information regarding: (1) The legislation that created the commission; (2) The role and function of the commission; (3) The rules of the commission, with an emphasis on the rules that relate to disciplinary and investigatory authority; (4) The current budget for the commission; (5) The results of the most recent formal audit of the commission; (6) The requirements of the laws administrated and enforced by the commission; and (7) Any applicable policies adopted by the commission. (c) A person appointed to the commission is entitled to reimbursement for expenses incurred in attending the training program. Acts 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 26.
(a) A person who is appointed to the Tennessee ethics commission may not vote, deliberate, or be counted as a member in attendance at a meeting of the commission until the person completes a training program provided by the office of the attorney general and reporter that complies with this section. This section shall not apply to members who are reappointed to the commission for a subsequent term.
(b) The training program shall provide the person with information regarding: (1) The legislation that created the commission; (2) The role and function of the commission; (3) The rules of the commission, with an emphasis on the rules that relate to disciplinary and investigatory authority; (4) The current budget for the commission; (5) The results of the most recent formal audit of the commission; (6) The requirements of the laws administrated and enforced by the commission; and (7) Any applicable policies adopted by the commission.
(1) The legislation that created the commission;
(2) The role and function of the commission;
(3) The rules of the commission, with an emphasis on the rules that relate to disciplinary and investigatory authority;
(4) The current budget for the commission;
(5) The results of the most recent formal audit of the commission;
(6) The requirements of the laws administrated and enforced by the commission; and
(7) Any applicable policies adopted by the commission.
(c) A person appointed to the commission is entitled to reimbursement for expenses incurred in attending the training program.
Acts 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 26.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-14-101 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 14 / Section 3-14-101
Creation - Duties
Status: in_force

There is created an office of program evaluation within the general assembly which has the duty to: (1) Systematically evaluate, on an appropriate schedule, all programs conducted under the control or auspices of state government; (2) Evaluate programs of local government as directed by resolution of either house of the general assembly or by joint resolution; (3) Furnish to the members of the general assembly reports of the findings of its evaluative studies of state or local governmental programs, agencies, and departments; (4) Prepare, in conjunction with the office of legal services for the general assembly, and distribute legislation which would effectuate any statutory changes recommended in a report of an evaluative study; (5) Provide personnel to serve as committee staff or to assist the staff of any committee of either house of the general assembly which has program evaluation duties; (6) Assist committees and individual members of the general assembly in the evaluation of state and local governmental programs; and (7) Fulfill any other functions specified by law or assigned by any committee of the general assembly and approved by the appropriate speaker. Acts 1977, ch. 317, § 1; T.C.A., § 3-1401.
There is created an office of program evaluation within the general assembly which has the duty to:
(1) Systematically evaluate, on an appropriate schedule, all programs conducted under the control or auspices of state government;
(2) Evaluate programs of local government as directed by resolution of either house of the general assembly or by joint resolution;
(3) Furnish to the members of the general assembly reports of the findings of its evaluative studies of state or local governmental programs, agencies, and departments;
(4) Prepare, in conjunction with the office of legal services for the general assembly, and distribute legislation which would effectuate any statutory changes recommended in a report of an evaluative study;
(5) Provide personnel to serve as committee staff or to assist the staff of any committee of either house of the general assembly which has program evaluation duties;
(6) Assist committees and individual members of the general assembly in the evaluation of state and local governmental programs; and
(7) Fulfill any other functions specified by law or assigned by any committee of the general assembly and approved by the appropriate speaker.
Acts 1977, ch. 317, § 1; T.C.A., § 3-1401.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-1-104 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 1 / Section 3-1-104
Residence requirements - Counties electing two or more direct representatives
Status: in_force

In those counties entitled to elect two (2) or more direct representatives and divided by § 3-1-103 into representative districts, a candidate for election to the office of representative shall not be required to reside in the representative district from which such candidate seeks to be elected, but shall be a resident of the county. Acts 1965 (E.S.), ch. 3, § 11; modified; T.C.A., § 3-111.
In those counties entitled to elect two (2) or more direct representatives and divided by § 3-1-103 into representative districts, a candidate for election to the office of representative shall not be required to reside in the representative district from which such candidate seeks to be elected, but shall be a resident of the county.
Acts 1965 (E.S.), ch. 3, § 11; modified; T.C.A., § 3-111.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-7-111 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 7 / Section 3-7-111
Reserved Reserved
Status: repealed

Acts 1986, ch. 670, §3; repealed by Acts 2012 , ch. 673, § 1, effective 7/1/2012.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-12-102 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 12 / Section 3-12-102
Director - Staff
Status: in_force

The joint legislative services committee shall appoint, subject to the approval of the speaker of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives, a director of legal services who shall be a graduate of an accredited law school, shall be licensed to practice law in the state of Tennessee, shall have five (5) or more years of experience in the field of legislative law, and shall have such training or practical experience in government as may be deemed necessary to perform the duties of the office. The director of legal services and other personnel shall be chosen without reference to party affiliation but solely on the basis of fitness to perform the duties of the office. The director shall serve at the pleasure of the committee. The committee shall determine the compensation of the director, while the compensation of other personnel shall be determined by the committee upon recommendation of the director. Personnel shall be employed on recommendation of the director with the approval of the speakers. Acts 1977, ch. 89, § 6; T.C.A., § 3-1202.
The joint legislative services committee shall appoint, subject to the approval of the speaker of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives, a director of legal services who shall be a graduate of an accredited law school, shall be licensed to practice law in the state of Tennessee, shall have five (5) or more years of experience in the field of legislative law, and shall have such training or practical experience in government as may be deemed necessary to perform the duties of the office. The director of legal services and other personnel shall be chosen without reference to party affiliation but solely on the basis of fitness to perform the duties of the office. The director shall serve at the pleasure of the committee. The committee shall determine the compensation of the director, while the compensation of other personnel shall be determined by the committee upon recommendation of the director. Personnel shall be employed on recommendation of the director with the approval of the speakers.
Acts 1977, ch. 89, § 6; T.C.A., § 3-1202.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-2-109 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 2 / Section 3-2-109
Placing prefiled bill or resolution on calendar - Effect of procedural defects
Status: in_force

(a) Immediately upon the convening of the next succeeding regular session of the general assembly, all bills and resolutions prefiled in accordance with § 3-2-108 and this section shall be deemed properly introduced and shall be placed upon the calendar on the first legislative day for first consideration and passage in the same manner as bills and resolutions introduced after the convening of the general assembly. (b) When any prefiled bill or resolution is placed on the calendar for first consideration and the same is passed, any prior failure to comply with any of the procedural requirements of § 3-2-108 and this section shall have no effect on the validity of such bill or resolution. Acts 1975, ch. 107, § 2; 1979, ch. 26, § 2; T.C.A., § 3-209.
(a) Immediately upon the convening of the next succeeding regular session of the general assembly, all bills and resolutions prefiled in accordance with § 3-2-108 and this section shall be deemed properly introduced and shall be placed upon the calendar on the first legislative day for first consideration and passage in the same manner as bills and resolutions introduced after the convening of the general assembly.
(b) When any prefiled bill or resolution is placed on the calendar for first consideration and the same is passed, any prior failure to comply with any of the procedural requirements of § 3-2-108 and this section shall have no effect on the validity of such bill or resolution.
Acts 1975, ch. 107, § 2; 1979, ch. 26, § 2; T.C.A., § 3-209.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-6-110 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 6 / Section 3-6-110
Authority to petition for an order of enforcement
Status: in_force

The Tennessee ethics commission has the authority to petition the chancery court, through the attorney general and reporter or its own legal counsel, for enforcement of any order it has issued. The court's order of enforcement has the same force and effect as a civil judgment. Acts 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 26.
The Tennessee ethics commission has the authority to petition the chancery court, through the attorney general and reporter or its own legal counsel, for enforcement of any order it has issued. The court's order of enforcement has the same force and effect as a civil judgment.
Acts 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 26.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-3-122 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-3-122
Compensation of witnesses
Status: in_force

(a) Any person or persons subpoenaed to appear as a witness before any such committee, or subcommittee, shall be entitled to compensation including travel pay, as is now provided by law in respect of witnesses subpoenaed to appear in civil cases in courts of record of this state. (b) Such compensation for witnesses, when certified as due and payable by the chair of any such committee, or the member or members thereof acting as such subcommittee, shall be paid by the state treasurer, upon warrants drawn by the commissioner of finance and administration, out of any funds of the state not otherwise appropriated. Acts 1931, ch. 3, § 15; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 172.15; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 3; impl. am. Acts 1961, ch. 97, § 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-322.
(a) Any person or persons subpoenaed to appear as a witness before any such committee, or subcommittee, shall be entitled to compensation including travel pay, as is now provided by law in respect of witnesses subpoenaed to appear in civil cases in courts of record of this state.
(b) Such compensation for witnesses, when certified as due and payable by the chair of any such committee, or the member or members thereof acting as such subcommittee, shall be paid by the state treasurer, upon warrants drawn by the commissioner of finance and administration, out of any funds of the state not otherwise appropriated.
Acts 1931, ch. 3, § 15; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 172.15; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 3; impl. am. Acts 1961, ch. 97, § 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-322.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-1-204 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 1 / Section 3-1-204
Transfer of spouses
Status: in_force

When as a result of a marriage, general assembly employees are in violation of the prohibition established by this part, the violation shall be resolved by means of a transfer within the general assembly, transfer to another governmental entity, or resignation as may be necessary to remove the violation. The director of legislative administration shall advise the employees of each of the alternatives available to remove the violation. The employees shall be given the opportunity to select among the available alternatives. If the employees are unable to agree upon any the alternative within sixty (60) days, then the speaker of the house of representatives, the speaker of the senate, both speakers acting jointly or the joint legislative services committee shall take appropriate action to resolve the violation. Acts 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 47.
When as a result of a marriage, general assembly employees are in violation of the prohibition established by this part, the violation shall be resolved by means of a transfer within the general assembly, transfer to another governmental entity, or resignation as may be necessary to remove the violation. The director of legislative administration shall advise the employees of each of the alternatives available to remove the violation. The employees shall be given the opportunity to select among the available alternatives. If the employees are unable to agree upon any the alternative within sixty (60) days, then the speaker of the house of representatives, the speaker of the senate, both speakers acting jointly or the joint legislative services committee shall take appropriate action to resolve the violation.
Acts 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 47.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-14-203 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 14 / Section 3-14-203
Appointment of director and other personnel
Status: in_force

The joint legislative services committee shall appoint, subject to the approval of the speaker of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives, a director of the office of legislative budget analysis who shall be a graduate of an accredited college or university, shall have five (5) or more years of experience in the field of state budget analysis and review, and shall have such training or practical experience in government as may be deemed necessary to perform the duties of the office. The director of the office of legislative budget analysis and other personnel shall be chosen without reference to party affiliation but solely on the basis of fitness to perform the duties of the office. The director shall serve at the pleasure of the committee. The committee shall determine the compensation of the director, while the compensation of other personnel shall be determined by the committee upon recommendation of the director. Personnel shall be employed on recommendation of the director with the approval of the speakers. The office of legislative budget analysis shall be the successor office to the existing legislative budget office and the director, all personnel, office furnishings, office equipment and supplies in use by the existing office of legislative budget analysis shall be transferred to the office created by this part and such director and staff shall be the director and staff of the office created by this part. Acts 1999, ch. 497, § 4.
The joint legislative services committee shall appoint, subject to the approval of the speaker of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives, a director of the office of legislative budget analysis who shall be a graduate of an accredited college or university, shall have five (5) or more years of experience in the field of state budget analysis and review, and shall have such training or practical experience in government as may be deemed necessary to perform the duties of the office. The director of the office of legislative budget analysis and other personnel shall be chosen without reference to party affiliation but solely on the basis of fitness to perform the duties of the office. The director shall serve at the pleasure of the committee. The committee shall determine the compensation of the director, while the compensation of other personnel shall be determined by the committee upon recommendation of the director. Personnel shall be employed on recommendation of the director with the approval of the speakers. The office of legislative budget analysis shall be the successor office to the existing legislative budget office and the director, all personnel, office furnishings, office equipment and supplies in use by the existing office of legislative budget analysis shall be transferred to the office created by this part and such director and staff shall be the director and staff of the office created by this part.
Acts 1999, ch. 497, § 4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-12-104 — TN Code / Title 3 / Chapter 12 / Section 3-12-104
Suggested revisions of laws
Status: in_force

(a) Suggested revisions to the Tennessee Code Annotated, to the uncodified public acts, and to other general laws of the state shall be prepared by the office of legal services. Such revisions may be initiated by the office of legal services, may be recommended by individual lawyers, legislators, judges, or other public officials, or may be directed by resolution of either or both houses of the general assembly. (b) Suggested revisions initiated by the office of legal services shall be transmitted with appropriate explanatory information to the standing committees by which such legislation would be reviewed. (c) Suggested revisions recommended by individual lawyers, legislators, judges, or other public officials shall be transmitted to the appropriate standing committees with a copy to the recommending party. (d) Suggested revisions directed by either house of the general assembly shall be conducted under the supervision of special committees composed of legislators and other persons knowledgeable in the particular field of inquiry. Such committees shall be appointed by the speaker of the senate or the speaker of the house of representatives, or both in the case of joint resolutions. The resolution shall specify the size of the special committee, the areas of representation desired, and a time for reporting. Upon completion of any suggested revision, the supervising committee shall transmit its report and recommendations to the house directing the suggested revision or to the general assembly; and that committee shall be disbanded. In preparing suggested revisions directed by resolution, the office of legal services shall have the authority to contract for assistance with any public or private agency or educational institution or to contract for any necessary assistance from individuals. Acts 1977, ch. 89, § 8; T.C.A., § 3-1204.
(a) Suggested revisions to the Tennessee Code Annotated, to the uncodified public acts, and to other general laws of the state shall be prepared by the office of legal services. Such revisions may be initiated by the office of legal services, may be recommended by individual lawyers, legislators, judges, or other public officials, or may be directed by resolution of either or both houses of the general assembly.
(b) Suggested revisions initiated by the office of legal services shall be transmitted with appropriate explanatory information to the standing committees by which such legislation would be reviewed.
(c) Suggested revisions recommended by individual lawyers, legislators, judges, or other public officials shall be transmitted to the appropriate standing committees with a copy to the recommending party.
(d) Suggested revisions directed by either house of the general assembly shall be conducted under the supervision of special committees composed of legislators and other persons knowledgeable in the particular field of inquiry. Such committees shall be appointed by the speaker of the senate or the speaker of the house of representatives, or both in the case of joint resolutions. The resolution shall specify the size of the special committee, the areas of representation desired, and a time for reporting. Upon completion of any suggested revision, the supervising committee shall transmit its report and recommendations to the house directing the suggested revision or to the general assembly; and that committee shall be disbanded. In preparing suggested revisions directed by resolution, the office of legal services shall have the authority to contract for assistance with any public or private agency or educational institution or to contract for any necessary assistance from individuals.
Acts 1977, ch. 89, § 8; T.C.A., § 3-1204.