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House approves making TEMA a standalone department
Summary
The House passed HB 2560 to create the Department of Tennessee Emergency Management Authority (TEMA) as a standalone department separate from the Department of Military (Ayes 85, Nays 1).
Leader Lambert moved passage of HB 2560 on third and final consideration. He said the bill "creates the Department of Tennessee Emergency Management Authority, TEMA, as it is currently known. But it would be a standalone department. It would no longer be under the Department of Military."
After committee amendments were withdrawn and an amendment rewriting the bill was adopted, the House voted. The clerk recorded Ayes 85, Nays 1; HB 2560 received a constitutional majority and the Speaker declared it passed. The motion to reconsider was tabled without objection.
Why it matters: Elevating TEMA to a standalone department changes administrative oversight and could affect reporting lines and budgets; sponsors described the change as aligning agency structure with mission.
Next steps: With final passage in the House, the bill proceeds per legislative process toward enrollment and any subsequent actions required for enactment.
