Bill > HB2507

This bill restructures the governing boards of existing metropolitan and regional airport authorities in Tennessee by vacating the current boards and establishing new ones with specific appointment processes and qualifications. For metropolitan airports, a nine-person board will be appointed by legislative leaders (Speaker of the House and Speaker of the Senate), the Governor, and the executive officer of the creating municipality, with specific residency requirements for each appointee and a mandate for diverse representation, including at least one female commissioner and individuals with expertise in fields like engineering, law, business, public safety, aviation, or finance; these new board members will have staggered initial terms, followed by four-year terms, and are prohibited from having financial interests in the airport or its concessions or being an employee of the creating municipality. For regional airport authorities, a twelve-person board will be established with a similar appointment structure involving legislative leaders, the Governor, and local officials from participating municipalities and counties, including those in other states, also with staggered initial terms, four-year subsequent terms, and the same conflict of interest and expertise requirements. The bill also includes provisions for quarterly reporting of airport activities and financial matters, ensures that existing employee benefits are protected, and states that if any part of the act is found invalid, the rest will remain in effect.