The Tennessee House of Representatives passed HOUSE BILL 2319, which primarily aims to prevent conflicts of interest by prohibiting employees of local government from serving on the legislative body of that same local government. Or otherwise, county employees would not be able to serve as county commissioners.
The House passed the bill by a vote of 72 ayes and 11 nays.
Its Senate companion, Bill 2591, has cleared the committee process and is scheduled for a final vote on Monday.
Two amendments were adopted: one that delays the bill’s effective date until after this year’s elections; and another that grandfathers in any county employees currently serving as a county commissioner as of January 1, 2027, allowing them to finish their terms.
An additional amendment is expected to be considered in the Senate next week. It would clarify that employees of a local education agency (such as school districts) are not considered county employees under the provisions of this bill.
