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HB 2560

Civil Emergencies - As introduced, clarifies that, during emergency conditions, TEMA and TEMA's director shall report in writing, in addition to any other means, to the governor or the governor's designee. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 9; Title 13; Title 16; Title 39; Title 55; Title 58; Title 62; Title 65; Title 68 and Title 71.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by William Lamberth

Requires TEMA to provide written emergency reports to Tennessee's governor alongside existing communication methods during declared emergencies.

Received from House, Passed on First Consideration
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Bill Summary · HB 2560

Legislative bill overview

HB 2560 amends Tennessee emergency management law to require TEMA (Tennessee Emergency Management Agency) and its director to provide written reports to the governor or designee during emergency conditions, in addition to any other reporting methods already in use. The bill modifies multiple Tennessee Code Annotated titles to implement this written reporting requirement across emergency management procedures.

Why is this important

Clear written documentation of emergency communications creates an official record of government response during crises, which can improve accountability, coordination, and post-emergency review. This addresses potential gaps where verbal or informal reporting might occur without documented evidence, particularly important for major disasters affecting public safety and resource allocation.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation burden: Requiring written reports during active emergencies could create administrative overhead when agencies are focused on immediate response operations
  • Clarity on "in addition to": The phrase "in addition to any other means" may create duplicate reporting requirements without defining which existing methods remain necessary
  • Scope ambiguity: The bill affects 11 different Tennessee Code titles, raising questions about whether all these modifications are necessary or if some are redundant

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

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