State and Local Government Committee advances, rejects bills on voting rights, cultural grants, campaign donations and local development

The State and Local Government Committee convened in session to consider a large slate of committee-member bills; the meeting transcript does not specify the calendar date. The panel approved several bills and amendments, rejected others, and heard testimony from municipal and county associations, outside legal advocates and nonprofit groups.

The committee approved an amendment to a rights-restoration measure intended to remove financial barriers for people seeking to restore voting rights after involvement with the justice system. Senate sponsor Senator Ackbary, the bill sponsor, told the committee, “After robust discussion last week in committee and feedback from committee members, we've crafted a new amendment to this legislation, which will simply remove the financial burden for those who seek to restore their right to vote after they have exited the justice system.” The amendment removed a court-costs requirement and allowed people who are current on child support payments to apply to regain their voting rights. The bill, as amended, passed committee on a recorded roll call: seven ayes, one no, and was ordered to the calendar.

The committee also approved creation of an African American Cultural and Historical Grant Act. Senator Kyle said the amended bill would create a grant fund administered by the Tennessee Historical Commission to support capital projects at facilities that highlight African American history and culture; he listed examples such as restoration projects for the Claiborne Temple in Memphis and the Alex Haley House and Museum in Henning. The measure as amended passed committee by roll call (seven ayes, one no) and moves to the calendar.

A bill that would limit local governments’ ability to change developer agreements after execution drew lengthy testimony and failed in committee. Senator Pote described the proposal as preventing a…