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HB 1865

General Assembly - As introduced, decreases from 50 to 25 miles a member's principal residence is from the capitol for purposes of the member receiving the hotel portion of per diem; prohibits such members from receiving a daily mileage allowance. - Amends TCA Section 3-1-106.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Jeremy Faison

Reduces per diem hotel eligibility distance from 50 to 25 miles from Tennessee's capitol and eliminates mileage allowances for closer legislators, cutting compensation costs.

Taken off notice for cal in s/c Finance, Ways, and Means Subcommittee of Finance, Ways, and Means Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 1865

Legislative bill overview

HB 1865 modifies Tennessee legislative per diem rules by reducing the distance threshold from 50 to 25 miles to qualify for hotel reimbursement and eliminates daily mileage allowances for members whose principal residence falls within this distance from the state capitol. This directly affects which legislators receive certain travel-related compensation during legislative sessions.

Why is this important

Per diem and mileage allowances represent direct taxpayer funding of legislative operations. This bill would reduce state spending on legislator compensation while potentially affecting which legislators benefit from travel allowances—particularly those representing districts closer to Nashville. The change could have modest financial impact on state budgets and different consequences for urban versus rural-based legislators.

Potential points of contention

  • Fairness concerns: Legislators from closer districts would lose both hotel and mileage compensation, while those farther away retain hotel benefits, raising questions about equitable treatment
  • Rural vs. urban impact: Rural legislators representing distant districts may argue they face genuine travel costs, while closer-district legislators face pressure to maintain Nashville-area housing
  • Fiscal impact ambiguity: Unclear whether savings offset any unintended consequences, such as reduced legislative attendance or increased reliance on alternative arrangements

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

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