House Bill 35 amends Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Section 13-14-111, by removing subsections (a) and (b) entirely, and revising subsection (c). The revised subsection outlines the state's intent to financially assist in the development of regional plans for economic development and other authorized activities, benefiting local governments and citizens. It establishes that the nine development districts will receive state funding, which will be included as a separate line item in the budget of the Department of Economic and Community Development, calculated at fifty cents per capita based on the latest population estimates.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that state appropriations to the development districts cannot be reduced except during across-the-board budget cuts affecting multiple departments. The funding for each district will be determined by a per capita assessment set by the district boards, with a formula for distributing remaining funds that considers population size, the number of counties served, and regional cost of living variations. The bill specifies the per capita assessments and corresponding annual state appropriations for the districts, ranging from $295,000 to $370,000 based on the assessment levels. The act will take effect upon becoming law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 13-14-111