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Subcommittee advances four bills, including Rescue Squad Recognition Act
Summary
The Departments & Agencies Subcommittee advanced four bills to the full committee, including a measure requiring state recognition for rescue squads and bills on raffle deadlines, stadium alcohol sales and solicitation filings.
The Departments & Agencies Subcommittee advanced four bills to the full committee at a meeting where members voted unanimously on each item.
The measures that moved forward included House Bill 1337, which would reopen a short application window for certain charitable raffles; House Bill 823, which would allow two newer sports stadiums to sell wine and spirits; House Bill 391, which would change the timing for filings by professional solicitors with the Secretary of State; and House Bill 357, the Rescue Squad Recognition Act, which would require state recognition and authorization for rescue squads.
The package matters because it affects nonprofit fundraising procedures, alcohol sales at public venues, the oversight of professional solicitors, and the regulation of local rescue squads by the State Fire Marshal.
House Bill 1337, sponsor: Chairman Garrett. The bill would reopen a five-day application window for organizations that missed a January 31 application deadline to apply to the Secretary of State for permission to hold a raffle. "If this piece of legislation makes it through and is signed by the governor, it opens up that window for 5 days that they can apply," Chairman Garrett said, describing the bill. Chairman Crawford asked whether the change would affect bingo run by volunteer fire departments; Garrett replied that those organizations would be notified after the governor signs the bill and would have the five-day window to reapply. The subcommittee voted 5-0 to advance the bill to the full committee.
House Bill 823, sponsor: Chairman Lafferty. This measure would permit two recently opened sports stadiums — one in Knoxville and one in Chattanooga — to sell wine and spirits like other major venues across the state. Chairman Lafferty described the bill as aligning those stadiums' alcohol policies with other major sport venues. The subcommittee advanced the bill by a 5-0 vote.
House Bill 391, sponsor: Representative Ashley. Originating from the Secretary of State's office, the bill would change when a professional solicitor must file charitable fundraising materials with the Secretary of State. Representative Ashley said the proposal addresses prior free-speech concerns about a prior-approval requirement while preserving oversight of professional solicitors' campaigns. Representative Chisholm asked Ashley to repeat the explanation; Ashley said he would remain available to answer additional questions. The subcommittee advanced the bill by a 5-0 vote.
House Bill 357, sponsor: Chairman Powers. The Rescue Squad Recognition Act would prohibit a municipality, county, political subdivision or nonprofit from operating a rescue squad unless the entity has been duly recognized and authorized by the State Fire Marshal's Office. Powers said the State Fire Marshal, in consultation with the Tennessee Association Rescue Squad and other stakeholders, must promulgate rules setting standards and qualifications for recognition and continued authorization. The subcommittee advanced the measure by a 7-0 vote.
Votes at a glance
• House Bill 1337 — Advance to full committee; vote 5-0. Key detail: would reopen a five-day application window for missed raffle application deadline (Jan. 31). Sponsor: Chairman Garrett.
• House Bill 823 — Advance to full committee; vote 5-0. Key detail: allows wine and spirits sales at two newer sports stadiums (Knoxville, Chattanooga). Sponsor: Chairman Lafferty.
• House Bill 391 — Advance to full committee; vote 5-0. Key detail: changes timing for professional solicitors' filings with the Secretary of State; sponsors cited free-speech concerns and continued oversight. Sponsor: Representative Ashley.
• House Bill 357 — Advance to full committee; vote 7-0. Key detail: requires state recognition and authorization by the State Fire Marshal's Office for rescue squads; rulemaking to be done in consultation with the Tennessee Association Rescue Squad and stakeholders. Sponsor: Chairman Powers.
The subcommittee concluded its calendar and adjourned after advancing the items listed above.
