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SB 2158

General Assembly - As introduced, revises and clarifies procedures of the joint committee on ways and means, including authorizing the committee to issue notice that a hearing will not be held or to hold a hearing to review the application or acceptance of federal aid in an amount that is less than $25 million. - Amends TCA Section 4-4-116 and Chapter 512 of the Public Acts of 2025.

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

SB 2158 allows Tennessee's Joint Committee on Ways and Means to skip mandatory hearings on federal aid applications under $25 million, expediting fund acceptance with reduced formal review.

Transmitted to Governor for action.
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Bill Summary · SB 2158

Legislative bill overview

SB 2158 streamlines the Tennessee Joint Committee on Ways and Means' procedures for reviewing federal aid applications and acceptance. The bill raises the threshold for mandatory hearings on federal aid from an unspecified lower amount to $25 million, allowing the committee to issue notice that no hearing will be held for smaller federal aid packages.

Why is this important

This change affects how quickly Tennessee can process and accept federal funding for state programs and infrastructure. By reducing mandatory hearing requirements for smaller federal aid amounts, the state can potentially accelerate access to federal dollars while still maintaining oversight on larger grants and assistance programs.

Potential points of contention

  • Reduced transparency: Lower thresholds for avoiding hearings may limit public and legislative scrutiny of federal aid acceptance, even for substantial amounts under $25 million
  • Accountability concerns: Streamlining procedures could reduce documented deliberation on how federal funds are used or what conditions accompany them
  • Definition ambiguity: The bill doesn't clearly define what constitutes "federal aid" (grants, loans, block funding, etc.) or explain the rationale for the $25 million threshold specifically

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

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