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SB 6004

Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) - As enacted, authorizes TEMA to assist a political subdivision or local emergency management agency with recovery from disasters and emergencies on public property at the request of the political subdivision or agency; suspends certain eligibility requirements for unemployment benefits for persons in the area of a declared emergency. - Amends TCA Section 50-7-302 and Section 58-2-106.

114th First Extraordinary Session (January 2025)

Empowers Tennessee's emergency management agency to assist local disaster recovery and suspends unemployment eligibility restrictions for emergency-area workers.

Pub. Ch. 3
#tennesseeemergencymanagementagency(tema)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 6004

Legislative bill overview

SB 6004 expands the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency's authority to provide disaster recovery assistance to local governments and emergency management agencies on public property when requested. The bill also temporarily suspends certain unemployment benefit eligibility requirements for workers affected by declared emergencies.

Why is this important

This legislation streamlines disaster response by reducing bureaucratic barriers and enabling faster state-level support for local recovery efforts. The unemployment provision provides immediate financial relief to workers displaced by emergencies, helping stabilize affected communities during critical recovery periods.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of state authority: Expanding TEMA's powers could raise questions about the appropriate balance between state intervention and local autonomy in emergency management decisions
  • Unemployment benefit costs: Suspending eligibility requirements may increase state unemployment insurance expenditures without clear budgetary limits or sunset provisions
  • "Public property" definition: The bill's restriction to public property may leave gaps in assisting private sector businesses and residences affected by disasters, potentially creating equity concerns

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

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