TACIR adds six legislative studies to 2025–26 work program; amendment approved by voice vote

The Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations on May 20 approved an amendment adding six legislatively requested studies to its 2025–26 work program by voice vote.

The amendment, presented by Deputy Executive Director Melissa Brown, adds studies required by public acts that direct TACIR to examine (1) housing and treatment availability for adjudicated juvenile offenders, (2) continuums of care and how they might be improved, (3) the feasibility and effects of required insurance coverage for habilitative/rehabilitative speech therapy for stuttering, (4) sustainable funding sources for future transportation infrastructure, (5) the economic and workforce impact of cosmetology and barbering professions, and (6) county ambulance service models and reimbursement including commercial payers, Medicare and Medicaid. Several of the added studies carry statutory due dates ranging from Jan. 31, 2026, to Sept. 30, 2026.

Brown told the commission the amendment includes draft research plans (subtabs A–F) outlining timelines and benchmarks for each study and that the bills requesting the studies are attached in the docket. “Beginning at the top of the page, public chapter 418, Acts of 2025, requests a study regarding availability of housing and other treatment facilities for juvenile offenders …” she said when listing the additions. The commission recorded the associated statutory due dates in the draft plans presented with the memorandum.

Chair Senator Ken Yeager called for a motion; a motion and second were made and, after a brief period for discussion, members approved the amendment by voice vote. The transcript records a voice vote in which the chair asked, “Those in favor of approval of the 2025–26 work program amendment, say aye,” and the ayes carried. No roll-call tally was recorded in the meeting minutes. The commission did not amend the statutory texts; it accepted draft research plans and scheduled the listed deliverables and deadlines.

Why it matters: the new studies come directly from public chapters enacted by the General Assembly and will inform future policy by supplying staff research and recommendations on matters that affect counties and municipalities, such as ambulance funding and juvenile placement capacity.

Next steps: staff will carry forward the draft research plans and deadlines; the studies will be prepared by TACIR research staff and presented to the commission on the timelines shown in the draft plans; members may request interim updates as work proceeds.

(Reporting note: the commission’s presentation and the voice vote are recorded in the meeting transcript.)