Bill > HB0919

This bill modifies the appointing authority for several Tennessee higher education governing boards, primarily shifting some appointment powers from the governor to the speakers of the senate and house of representatives. Specifically, the bill changes the composition of boards for state universities and the University of Tennessee, reducing the number of board members appointed by the governor and adding new appointees from the legislative branch. For example, for the University of Tennessee board, the number of governor-appointed members will decrease from ten to eight, with the speakers of the senate and house each gaining the ability to appoint two new members. The bill also establishes new requirements for board member appointments, such as ensuring representation from different grand divisions of Tennessee, including alumni from various University of Tennessee institutions, and setting term limits of two consecutive six-year terms for board members. Additionally, the bill clarifies rules for board member vacancies, residency requirements, and the process for replacing members who fail to meet attendance requirements or lose their residency status. These changes aim to diversify and potentially depoliticize the appointment process for higher education governing boards by distributing appointment powers more broadly across different branches of Tennessee's state government.

Budget and Finance, Education, Government Affairs

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0919&ga=114