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SB 2082

Appropriations - As introduced, makes appropriations for the purpose of defraying the expenses of certain legislative enactments passed during the 2026 session of the 114th General Assembly; earmarks sufficient state funds for the purpose of funding any bill naming a highway or bridge in honor of a service member killed in action. -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Bo Watson

Allocates DOT funds to cover costs of 2026 memorial highway/bridge designations for those killed in the line of duty, as enacted in 2026 memorial bills.

Action deferred in Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee to next calendar
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2082

Summary of Bill: SB 2082 (Session 114, Tennessee)

Date: Updated based on available information from bill history

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill is an appropriations measure for Tennessee state government for fiscal years beginning July 1, 2025, and July 1, 2026.
  • Its overarching purpose is to provide funding for the operations of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, as well as for state aid, capital outlay, debt service, emergency/contingency needs, and provisional continuing appropriations. It also includes general provisions related to how appropriations may be obligated and expended.
  • A specific earmark directs funds from the Department of Transportation (DOT) to cover the costs of funding a general bill or resolution in the 2026 session that designates memorial highways or memorial bridges (for individuals killed in the line of duty) on interstate, U.S., or state highways, as described in Tennessee law (Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 54-1-133).

Key Provisions

Section 1: DOT Earmark for Memorial Designations

  • Creates a dedicated earmark from the Department of Transportation funds.
  • Purpose: To fund any general bill or resolution enacted in the 2026 session that designates:
    • An interstate, U.S. highway, or state highway as a memorial highway, or
    • A bridge on such routes as a memorial bridge
  • The memorial designations must be for individuals killed in the line of duty, consistent with Tenn. Code Ann. § 54-1-133.
  • The earmark is “sufficient” to cover the funding needs of such memorial designation bills, as they are enacted.

Section 2: Revenue Loss Intent

  • The bill acknowledges and seeks to recognize a revenue loss resulting from 2026 legislation that does not increase expenditures but foregoes previously collected revenue.
  • This is a legislative recognition of the cost/foregone revenue impact of certain acts, presumably for budgeting or accounting purposes.

Section 3: Effective Date

  • The act takes effect upon becoming law, i.e., it becomes law when enacted and signed/amended as appropriate.

Who/What Is Affected

  • Department of Transportation (DOT): Funding source for the memorial designation earmark.
  • State-funded memorial designation bills: Any 2026 general bill or resolution that designates a highway or bridge as a memorial for service members killed in action.
  • Tennessee state government operations: The broader appropriations provisions impact the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, as well as related departments, institutions, offices, and agencies, by establishing the framework for appropriations for the 2025–2026 fiscal years.
  • Entities accounting for revenue: The recognition of revenue loss from certain acts may affect budget reporting and fiscal notes.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Legislative history indicates the bill was introduced in January 2026 and advanced through the Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee in April 2026, with ongoing committee action.
  • The fiscal years covered are:
    • Beginning July 1, 2025
    • Beginning July 1, 2026
  • The earmark is conditioned on a 2026 session act that designates memorial highways/bridges, implying a potential linkage: the appropriation would provide funding specifically if such a memorial designation bill is enacted.

Note on Status

  • As of the latest action, the bill was under consideration by the Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee with continued deliberation in April 2026. Final passage status would depend on subsequent committee actions and floor votes.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to emphasize potential fiscal impact, legislative process implications, or provide a plain-language brief for a broader audience.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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