Committee advances bill to speed disaster grant delivery by easing procurement steps

Representative Alexander presented House Bill 1467 on Feb. 18 to streamline how the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency administers disaster grants, saying procurement rules have delayed relief in past disasters. "This bill exempts disaster grants administered by TEMA from existing procurement requirements and will ensure that communities affected by a disaster get relief as fast as possible," Alexander said, referencing delays after the 2024 Hurricane Helene in Northeast Tennessee.

Members asked whether the bill lowers procurement thresholds or permits no-bid contracts. Representative Butler asked whether thresholds were reduced; Alexander replied the bill does not change threshold amounts and that checks and balances such as the comptroller's oversight would remain. Representative Warner asked if contractors could effectively be selected on a no-bid basis; the sponsor and supporters said standard bidding remains but the process would be simplified to remove duplicative steps that create delays.

The committee voted to move House Bill 1467 to calendar and rules by voice vote recorded as 20 ayes, 0 nos. Supporters said the measure would allow emergency operating loans without waiting for a federal disaster declaration and permit local governments to use alternate revenue sources to repay grant-anticipation loans when reimbursements are late.

The bill will proceed to subsequent calendar placement and any required fiscal review; supporters emphasized the intent to speed funds to local governments after catastrophic events while retaining oversight.