[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":-5,"_68":69,"_70":-5,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6745051,"mediaKeyId","3040906-43061caf0f502e78f15cab7a4708a7a1","parentId",3040906,"title","Tennessee House advances $59.7 billion budget after marathon floor debate and dozens of amendments","audioSeconds",887,"startMs",6262000,"endMs",7149000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3040906-43061caf0f502e78f15cab7a4708a7a1&start=6262&end=7149","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3040906-43061caf0f502e78f15cab7a4708a7a1/thumbnail_6262000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6745051/Tennessee-House-advances-597-billion-budget-after-marathon-floor-debate-and-dozens-of-amendments","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6745051-98737406d23211dda431383a3953b30e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770724826&Signature=Yiho3MagiZzKvxxJ6qi0h71LJ8tc2seqXKQIGznqOwBgTOgq4ZRBuGgEmfs1pc1CuHSPXiLuQNrTfo8mB36zcHArx0JFJppki4HrVhvz1Gyb3QcNZU690NNHklI7LCDdorCbo~-dxGgfKztNA9uyAxRfDcCRL~Eb2yYilBg3rSEGAUjTtopD4FQIWdTBy6wR9BzEkkF18DxB8Nh-~VI1La~WdKKjBQ~GwXi7z~T8H--FSS~bGq52s6xvZ5Z19RmF3m~gL9i2VO6uKxEBPB4KlwWiQycvcpL6nnjYz-GMdTuxwwjzanMgeg8PLzI98vaCN9N8g3qggJQtZmUP2vkaIA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Tennessee Legislature","date","2025-04-16T00:00:00Z","article","The Tennessee House on April 16 passed the fiscal 2026 appropriations package after an extended floor session that included lengthy debate and dozens of member-filed amendments.

The chamber approved a $59.7 billion budget that the House budget chair said includes $29.7 billion in state appropriations, $20.8 billion in federal funds and $9.2 billion in other sources. The package includes a mix of recurring and nonrecurring items: large new education investments, disaster-recovery funding for counties affected by recent storms, and health and social services additions backed by TennCare shared savings.

Among the largest new items the House budget document lists are $640 million in new state funding for K–12 education that includes teacher bonuses and targeted grants; roughly $1.5 billion in new health and social services spending including shared-savings allocations for hospital buybacks and workforce pay steps; and extensive transportation and grant pools for local infrastructure and volunteer services.

Lawmakers debated and voted on many amendments. One of the most contested floor amendments added $8 million in recurring state funds to reimburse counties for the costs of running primary elections; that amendment was adopted after extended debate about whether the expense had been disclosed in committee. Other member-filed amendments proposed funding for forensic crime labs, museum and arts programs, veterans’ grants, anti-poverty measures and alternative allocations of earmarked state dollars; many amendment proposals failed to secure required 2/3 consideration or were rejected in votes on the floor.

Budget process and floor conduct were repeatedly debated by members. Some Democrats argued the chamber rushed late-filed appropriations and adopted large items without adequate review; Republican leaders and budget chairs said the package preserved fiscal discipline, kept the state's low-debt position and funded priorities such as roads and education. Budget leaders noted a large balance of nonrecurring funds available this year due to prior reversions, treasurer investment earnings and TennCare shared savings.

Votes at a glance
- House Bill 1409 (FY26 appropriations act): Passed on final reading; roll-call recorded on the floor (final passage announced in transcript).
- House Bill 1408 (budget implementation / BEMP): Passed as amended.
- House Bill 1407 (bond authorization): Passed; authorizes G.O. bonds for higher education and other capital projects and preserves low statewide debt-service ratios.
- Notable adopted amendment: $8,000,000 recurring appropriation to reimburse local governments for primary-election costs (adopted on floor roll call).

What lawmakers said
Chairman Gary Hicks, House budget chair: the package reflects available recurring revenue plus a large set of nonrecurring balances and shared-savings funds; he defended the practice of programming some one-time funds for one-time priorities and urged members to prepare amendments for next year’s cycle.

Representative Jerry Williams, House Ways & Means: defended several appropriation amendments and emphasized the committee's review process.

Several Democratic members and some Republicans pressed chairs for slower process and more transparency on late-filed amendments; multiple members said they felt misled about fiscal notes during committee stages.

Why it matters
The appropriations act sets Tennessee's spending priorities for the next fiscal year and determines the state's ability to sustain current services, invest in infrastructure, and meet public-safety and education goals. The bill also preserves the state's comparatively low debt-service ratio and sets up funding flows that local governments and schools will begin to use this year.

What comes next
The House passed its appropriations package after floor action; procedural steps remain for transmittal or conference with the Senate as required by the legislative calendar. Members signaled a continuation of budget oversight and possible follow-ups in finance subcommittees.

Votes provenance (selected)
- Adoption of $8,000,000 local primary elections appropriation: transcript roll call 07:08:09–07:10:01 (adopted).
- Final passage of FY26 appropriations: final roll call recorded 12:44:07–12:47:10 (passage announced in record).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Floor Session - 27th Legislative Day\tApr 16, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Tennessee House on April 16 passed the fiscal 2026 appropriations package after an extended floor session that included lengthy debate and dozens of member-filed amendments.","taxTitle","taxId",0,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":-5,"_68":69,"_70":-5,"_71":72,"_73":72},6745036,"House approves comprehensive vaping rules, tax and advertising limits after floor debate",1230,18779000,20009000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3040906-43061caf0f502e78f15cab7a4708a7a1&start=18779&end=20009","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3040906-43061caf0f502e78f15cab7a4708a7a1/thumbnail_18779000.jpg","/articles/6745036/House-approves-comprehensive-vaping-rules-tax-and-advertising-limits-after-floor-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6745036-f936369490543c941b50769416f48e7a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770724826&Signature=Qog~Xw2YqgPJDXLnXP66Pv7jYBzPceY~vIfUAJuH4bnbdo3XWLw9PSZhTlrKohfvqwuqRz4zOQuNhc-9K3srnUw0S1bgnZCfIx-GHZHrrLAWwQvTXufusRABzCPNo3Os3ATNk07c8TvAwUxj0Qi7SrXMwi6IKLQmtRykQMgQ9KKvpMQ-NND4lf2y2qzlgo3LC0mbvi2KkAKhcuo3CXT1p2cvUnzJtKgAWR3J6wjV5nDU0Uzru3BieQkRg3O6-UBTKSk88TSgOWbgTXyFLrXEK4oAvHe~i5uhzD-yH4CAIfNaH-vmQr9d1DJTcCcCpkogBG2oP5AAVziPOugNQP6Akw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Tennessee House on April 16 passed a wide-ranging vaping-regulation bill (Senate Bill 763 as amended) that sets new product, advertising and taxation rules for vapor products sold in the state.

Major provisions adopted on the House floor include:
- Manufacturer and product controls: Products sold in Tennessee must be produced in FDA-registered facilities (domestic or eligible foreign sites). The bill bans consumable vapor products produced in specified foreign-adversary countries and allows the Alcoholic Beverage Commission to enforce registration, manufacturing and labeling rules.
- Tax and price: The measure imposes a 10% wholesale tax on vapor products to be collected based on the wholesale cap price; the tax is intended to help defray public-health and enforcement costs.
- Advertising and placement restrictions: The bill restricts advertising and marketing that targets youth, bans cartoons or character-based appeals, and bars billboard advertising of vapor products within 1,000 feet of K–12 schools, childcare centers, playgrounds, churches and substance-recovery facilities.
- Retailing and enforcement: The legislation prohibits retail sales to anyone under age 21; it also creates a schedule of penalties for violations (fines and possible license loss) and a phase-in period for retailers and manufacturers to comply.

Debate and outcome
Members said the bill balances public-health concerns about youth vaping with time for industry to come into compliance with federal food-and-drug standards. Supporters stressed the bill's public-health rationale and the need to curb youth-targeted marketing. Business representatives and some lawmakers raised process and implementation concerns; floor managers added amendments to clarify enforcement authorities, allow limited grandfathering of existing contract-pharmacy arrangements, and provide a transition window for vendors.

The House roll-call recorded the passage of the bill (transcript shows vote tally recorded on the floor). Sponsors said the bill gives the state new tools to reduce youth vaping while preserving legal avenues for adult consumers and for compliant manufacturers.

Why it matters
The law subjects vapor products to an ongoing regulatory and tax structure similar to other tobacco control measures. It changes retail and advertising practices across the state and creates an alternate compliance path requiring FDA-aligned manufacturing and registration.

Provenance
Timestamps in the transcript show an extended floor debate beginning about 05:12:59 into the meeting record with the chamber voting and tally recorded at about 05:33:09.

Speakers quoted from the transcript
- Representative Hawk (sponsor): \"This bill is a comprehensive response to the youth vaping epidemic; it includes product registration, advertising restrictions and taxes that reflect the public-health costs.\"
- Representative Freeman (floor): asked for additional restrictions on storefront placement and sign rules; sponsor and managers said they would revisit placement in future proposals.

Implementation notes
The bill authorizes administrative enforcement by the ABC (Alcoholic Beverage Commission) and establishes a phased compliance window for retailers. Manufacturers and wholesalers will be expected to register and comply with recordkeeping prior to sales in-state.","The Tennessee House passed a comprehensive vaping regulation bill on April 16 that requires manufacturer registration, restricts foreign-made consumable products, levies a 10% wholesale tax and curtails youth-oriented marketing and billboard placements.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":-5,"_68":69,"_70":-5,"_71":72,"_73":72},6745041,"House honors Tennessee native and NASA astronaut Barry \"Butch\" Wilmore; presents state flag flown in space",646,3620000,4266000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3040906-43061caf0f502e78f15cab7a4708a7a1&start=3620&end=4266","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3040906-43061caf0f502e78f15cab7a4708a7a1/thumbnail_3620000.jpg","/articles/6745041/House-honors-Tennessee-native-and-NASA-astronaut-Barry-Butch-Wilmore-presents-state-flag-flown-in-space","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6745041-2a2e303aee6f43839a91aa2bc983354f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770724826&Signature=OHNnyXvi88Nwz4kkeqsm4kYkvQIgwdMBNcOMVzvMoqdAEK5jnoSJ-gg3-0eyjZNEuFyIsCvtLH0wcMOF6a~gUUhEx4X3PJmO~T2qzNy46j1n5udsJHOE4kVtCo-7HXDMj3iLr2ozOcD9c~cggY7wHdf8p9cZGW0Dxu8RzDKD7AFd55YOZ5tJbxW0pEnYeFW5bsMTwZjQVIpt3LZnqDA-JMbMfQ4KhGj932cCkPdM72zOlcyXlp65pFQshSrYpQCbcZKwLxbnxmR26JWlJ~Cd1kT9Bv4fT-rrWcFTTnHYIePRaovxk94NzJ7~HaS3AHU9QjKkeMC3CjazRcyNOay7kQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Tennessee House of Representatives adopted a resolution on April 16 honoring Captain Barry \"Butch\" Wilmore for his career as a U.S. Navy pilot and NASA astronaut and welcomed him to the chamber for formal recognition.

Representative Williams introduced Wilmore and read the resolution honoring the Mount Juliet native for multiple space flights and for representing Tennessee while participating in outreach activities including video calls with Tennessee Technological University. Members rose to welcome the astronaut and later gathered in the well for photographs.

Wilmore thanked the House and described Tennessee as home, and he presented a Tennessee state flag that he said flew on the space station for the duration of his mission; Representative Williams placed the flag in the custody of the state museum at the speaker's invitation.

Why it matters
The House resolution is ceremonial: it recognizes a Tennessean's national service and provides a public moment to highlight STEM, higher education connections to state universities and the family ties that Wilmore cited while in the chamber.

Speakers and provenance
Representative Jerry Williams introduced the resolution and Captain Barry Wilmore delivered brief remarks and presented the flown flag. The clerk read the resolution and the House adopted it by voice vote. (Transcript segments supporting this article: resolution read at 01:00:20; remarks and presentation 01:05:12–01:11:00.)","The Tennessee House on April 16 adopted a resolution honoring astronaut Barry 'Butch' Wilmore for his naval and NASA career and welcomed him to the chamber, where he presented a Tennessee state flag that flew during his extended mission in space.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":-5,"_68":69,"_70":-5,"_71":72,"_73":72},6745045,"House reads proposed constitutional amendments on state property tax, victims' rights and bail; set for second readings",345,5376000,5721000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3040906-43061caf0f502e78f15cab7a4708a7a1&start=5376&end=5721","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3040906-43061caf0f502e78f15cab7a4708a7a1/thumbnail_5376000.jpg","/articles/6745045/House-reads-proposed-constitutional-amendments-on-state-property-tax-victims-rights-and-bail-set-for-second-readings","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6745045-c63611b27725031786bddb673b720964/orig.mp4?Expires=1770724826&Signature=lqb73Jabu~5DEPRc9NNmsWiyZXUYb6-4wcSZSpg-nXroeaWIgHxHdvCR9zGNq7kbclK84d8Dm0zjEtfm~kzfH0Zrr0jajF6CBDqAJ3WAOLKkJ4T50wi9uwnPzXQoNjjDZhDgkRnoV~jAKWH9iY6accSgsRnYQTccnR3xZh~VFmqxsRGEy0SAl8pqGkcPdf-kYAk0QnOIBjvxsKiWqaUAoeyUqZlnsNYK5ViYOX1GfFouR-SgUYNwkpOsYhzmncporc2gpcjOG8eL~Qd8q0S5PWwYg-pMzQZ517m5xmopbA2B3Ji9w79FsoiyqaD7hGQaPv2KqtDM8PQ996~vr9oPRw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Tennessee House read three Senate joint resolutions on April 16 proposing amendments to the state constitution and scheduled second readings.

Senate Joint Resolution 1 (read for first time) would amend Article II, Section 28 to prohibit the state from levying a property tax on real or personal property; sponsors said the change would enshrine a long-standing practice and prevent future statewide property taxation.

Senate Joint Resolution 9 (read for first time) would replace Article I, Section 35 with an expanded set of enumerated constitutional rights for crime victims, including notice and presence at public proceedings, the right to be heard on plea and sentencing, and protections from harassment. The resolution directs that any enabling laws be consistent with due process and does not create a private cause of action.

Senate Joint Resolution 25 (read for first time) would amend Article I, Section 15 on bail, creating a list of particularly serious offenses for which bail would be treated differently and requiring judges to put reasons on the record when granting or denying bail in such cases.

House sponsors formally moved to set each proposed amendment for a second reading on Thursday, April 17, 2025. The measures will need the constitutionally-prescribed publication and voter approval steps to become part of the Tennessee Constitution.

Why it matters
Proposed constitutional amendments, if ultimately passed in two successive General Assemblies and submitted to voters at the next gubernatorial election, change the state's governing framework and can have long-term policy effects; these measures address taxation authority, victims' procedural and substantive rights, and statutory bail rules.

Provenance
Each resolution was read on the House floor: SJR 1 on first reading at 01:29:36, SJR 9 at 01:33:57 and SJR 25 at 01:40:10 (transcript timestamps).","The Tennessee House on April 16 read multiple Senate joint resolutions proposing constitutional amendments — including measures to prohibit state property taxation, to expand victims' constitutional rights, and to amend bail provisions. Sponsors set the measures for second reading later this week.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Tennessee House advances $59.7 billion budget after marathon floor debate and dozens of amendments

House approves comprehensive vaping rules, tax and advertising limits after floor debate

House honors Tennessee native and NASA astronaut Barry "Butch" Wilmore; presents state flag flown in space

House reads proposed constitutional amendments on state property tax, victims' rights and bail; set for second readings