House Bill 1949, also known as Senate Bill 2179, amends Tennessee Code Annotated to establish new guidelines for the disbursement of funds to nonprofit organizations involved in opioid abatement and remediation efforts. The bill introduces a new subsection (b) to Section 33-11-105, which mandates that funds approved for these organizations must be distributed as a combination of advance payment and reimbursement grants. Specifically, it is intended that approximately fifty percent (50%) of the grant funds be allocated as advance payments to cover recurring expenses, such as employee wages and salaries.

Additionally, the existing subsection (b) of Section 33-11-105 is redesignated as subsection (c) to accommodate this new provision. The bill emphasizes the legislative intent behind these changes, aiming to ensure that nonprofit organizations have the necessary financial support to effectively address the opioid crisis at various levels—statewide, regional, and local. The act is set to take effect immediately upon becoming law, prioritizing public welfare.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 33-11-105