A couple of notable things from this week:
- We told you that the Senate Health and Welfare Committee held its final meeting on March 18. Well, surprise – at the end of this week the committee scheduled another meeting for April 1. A couple of bills we are following are on the calendar. See the schedule and tracker.
- The Governor released his supplemental budget, another signal that we are moving closer to the end of session. The supplemental budget is an update from what the Governor introduced in February. It represents changes in revenue projections and any new expenses, policies, and programs he supports. Of interest to the disability community, the supplemental budget includes these additional proposed items:
- Department of Disability & Aging (DDA) – Housing Assistance Grant (from Reserves) $1,000,000
- TennCare – Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities $24,618,500
As mentioned last week, bills that have not been placed on a committee calendar yet, and several of those that passed early in the session have been removed from this week’s bill tracker, along with others that have failed or been withdrawn.
Brief updates on bills of special interest, including those from our members:
HB 1457/SB 1684 – a bill to include a pregnant person certified to be high risk in the definition of disabled driver. This has been a tough one! This started as a broad bill to allow pregnant women to obtain accessible parking placards. It was a copycat of a bill in Florida, and other states. Advocates have worked hard to fight the bill. A late amendment narrows the bill, offering a temporary placard to a woman with a “certified” high risk pregnancy, for the duration of the condition. The amended bill has been sent to be calendared for the Senate and will be heard in House Finance subcommittee next week. It is not over yet! The bill and amendment are here: https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default?BillNumber=HB1457&GA=114
HB 2411/SB 2167 – a bill to include TennCare on the DDA statewide policy and planning council was passed by the Senate, as amended. It is expected to be on the House floor next week. View it here: https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default?BillNumber=HB2411&GA=114
HB 1644/ SB 1843, the nitrous oxide abuse prevention bill was passed by the Senate, as amended. It is expected to be on the House floor next week. View the bill here: https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default?BillNumber=HB1644&GA=114
HB 1646/SB 1795 related to insurance coverage for services related to acquired brain injury was taken off notice in both the House and Senate. Those of you who have been active in disability policy over the years know how challenging it can be to pass insurance reforms or mandates. This was the first try for this bill – more to come!
HB 1912/SB 2529 requires TN Department of Transportation to install signs and markers indicating rest areas with adult- sized changing tables. The Senate passed the bill as amended, with the House concurring. The bill awaits signatures. Well done! Read it here: https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default?BillNumber=HB1912&GA=114
SB 1621/HB 1653 – this bill urges the Department of Health Services to allocate a minimum of $16,000 annually in vocational rehabilitation funds for the purpose of supporting accessible information services for blind persons. This would prevent the demise of the Newline program. Sadly, despite good advocacy, this bill did not make it on to committee calendars this session.
Get Breaking Disability Policy Updates in Tennessee
Join our email list to stay connected and engaged in disability policy all year long!