February 6, 2003
Allan F. Ramsaur
TBA Executive Director
(800) 899-6993 or (615) 277-3200
aramsaur@tnbar.org
This week in LegisFlash
Ready, Set, Go!
The First Session of the 103rd General Assembly began its regular working session this week. After inaugurating the governor, electing presiding officers and naming committee officers, the legislature adjourned for two weeks. They returned this week and the flow of legislation began to slowly build. Normally, a General Assembly considers approximately 3,000 bills in its two-year lifespan. By today, approximately 480 bills had been introduced.
Recently, we mentioned Rep. Frank Buck’s introduction of nearly 90 bills. The representative most famous for introducting a large number of caption bills, however, is Rep. Gary Odum (D-Nashville). Caption bills are bills that appear to accomplish some minor task but in reality are introduced so that there will be a vehicle to use for projects that arise after the bill cut-off date. While purists frown on circumventing the cut-off rules this way, almost all observers of the legislature have been very grateful to Rep. Odum from time to time. Rep. Odum introduced approximately 50 bills yesterday representing 72 percent of all bills reported as filed on that day.
Speaking of the cut-offs, currently the Senate nine-bill rule will take effect next Thursday, Feb. 13. This means that after close of business that day, each Senator can only introduce nine bills. There are, of course, exceptions, but in general, this day marks the beginning of the end of new bill introductions, at least in the Senate. While there are rumors this year for the first time that the House may consider a similar rule, we are informed that the House cut-off date is Thursday, Feb. 20. The Senate final cut-off date is the Feb. 24 so expect some change in the House date since the two chambers usually have the same final cut-off date.
TBA bills are in the process of being introduced and drafted. Next week we will give you an update on the senators and representatives who have agreed to support the TBA’s legislative initiatives.
Stay tuned!
Questions, comments? Contact TBA Legislative Counsel Steve Cobb at SAC@wallerlaw.com or TBA Executive Director Allan F. Ramsaur at aramsaur@tnbar.org
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