House Bill 519 and Senate Bill 599 propose amendments to the Tennessee Code Annotated regarding the Tennessee Historical Commission and the James K. Polk Home. The bill modifies Section 4-52-109 by changing the timeframe for certain actions from "ninety (90) days" to "one hundred eighty (180) days." Additionally, it introduces new provisions for the Tennessee Historical Commission, including the requirement to negotiate for the purchase and transfer of the James K. Polk Home, which is to be operated as a museum for public benefit.

The bill also outlines the commission's authority to use funds for the repair and restoration of the Polk Home and allows for the assignment of property management to a nonprofit corporation dedicated to its upkeep. It mandates annual reporting to the governor and legislative leaders on the commission's activities and emphasizes the intent to preserve the home for future generations. Furthermore, it deletes certain sections of the current law and specifies that no funds will be expended unless appropriated by the general appropriations act. The act will take effect upon the conveyance of the Polk Home and for other purposes on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 4-52-109
Amended with SA0472 -- 02/19/2026: 4-52-109, 4-13-201, 4-13-202, 4-13-203, 4-13-204, 4-29-248(a)(31), 4-29-248