House Bill 306 amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 5-1-202, by adding a new subsection that grants specific budgetary autonomy to certain county offices, including the sheriff, register, county clerk, assessor of property, and trustee, in counties that have adopted a charter form of government. Under this new provision, these offices are required to independently develop their budgets and submit them directly to the county legislative body. They must adhere to the approved budget in total and in line item detail, but they are allowed to approve transfers between line items within the total amount of each category for personnel and operational-maintenance expenses. Additionally, they can submit budget amendments between personnel and operational-maintenance categories to the county legislative body.

The bill also stipulates that the county legislative body cannot impose any personnel or operational maintenance restrictions on these offices. This legislation is designed to enhance the financial independence of these constitutional officers, ensuring they have the authority to manage their budgets effectively while still being accountable to the county legislative body. The act will take effect upon becoming law, emphasizing the importance of public welfare in its implementation.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 5-1-202