[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6659307,"mediaKeyId","2472302-cd2727ec1b642fc318600446ce8d893c","parentId",2472302,"title","State Board of Education requests additional attorney for licensure discipline, outlines standards review and scholarship rulemaking timeline","audioSeconds",642,"startMs",8099000,"endMs",8741000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2472302-cd2727ec1b642fc318600446ce8d893c&start=8099&end=8741","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2472302-cd2727ec1b642fc318600446ce8d893c/thumbnail_8099000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6659307/Tennessee/State-Board-of-Education-requests-additional-attorney-for-licensure-discipline-outlines-standards-review-and-scholarship-rulemaking-timeline","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6659307-834ac3bc815363367bda4b1b7eaba721/orig.mp4?Expires=1771069739&Signature=o3-TLRiGNM8e2O3geG~pXLfPbyxUPV9u8pYYzWBWvv4oGAOtsFj4YsvVFLqyeC3xogsYeNQEjNWxgtZC9x1eplwbQ7CZd6duTLewKA82e8PUqeoOlWYkqpL6F6wIFITCm4yHUgNVA0hqQ9IdL4aK4gYWm9G~otYkn4jGIev5IK997EWqQB4HM6y13gzVZO8k2oogcfQPpERz5aAND-nzuOL7EF~qTiH7HKvCshDnKx3s5HDq7BV40ZC6KczSDLCi46xBq5ueGNYNsyI0rnvcmSO06ma2s~cxiE-rA4u3d2mSJi968wXVmMMHPhjStzdX1d0BeF7Y7cFRG7Dj1iJuUQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","TN House of Representatives","date","2025-03-03T16:39:29.177Z","article","Executive Director Sarah Morrison and deputy directors Nathan James and Michael Duerlein briefed the Finance, Ways and Means Committee on March 3 on the State Board of Education\u0000work, budget and rulemaking plans. The board’s base budget is flat at $3.3 million; staff said the board requested one attorney position to address rising licensure‑discipline caseloads but that request was not funded.

Why it matters: The board is responsible for educator licensure, discipline and standards—areas lawmakers and the public often cite when discussing student safety, teacher quality and school performance. Board staff said caseloads for discipline work have increased and the additional attorney would reduce the average caseload held by existing attorneys.

Key points from the hearing

- Budget and licensure discipline: Nathan James said the board\u0000budget remains $3.3 million, with payroll and operating lines detailed. Michael Duerlein described discipline work: the board’s office receives reports about educators and determines whether to open state licensure cases; the board currently has three attorneys and three paralegals handling intake, negotiations and case work. Duerlein said caseloads have risen from roughly 407 reports in 2020 to higher volumes recently and that adding a full‑time attorney would reduce per‑attorney caseloads toward 65–85 active matters.

- Standards review process: Duerlein described the board’s standards review process on an eight‑year cycle. The board is conducting English language arts (ELA) standards review with public comment and educator panels; the social studies review previously generated about 25,000 public comments. He said the standards development committee and a subsequent public comment round lead to final recommendations to the board.

- Education Freedom Scholarships and rulemaking: Morrison said the board is implementing statutory rulemaking for the Education Freedom Scholarship program per legislation passed by the General Assembly. The board scheduled a special called meeting for March 20 to consider emergency rules and expected further meetings in June to finish rulemaking in time for implementation.

- Educator preparation report card and licensure changes: Staff highlighted improvements shown in the ninth educator preparation report card and said the board recently moved to eliminate the edTPA performance assessment for licensure, a change made after review by a licensure committee that included legislative members.

What members asked and what officials said

Members asked about licensure restoration, returns of licenses after revocation and time frames; the board said license revocations include a minimum five‑year revocation period before restoration consideration. Members also asked about summer school participation and early childhood interventions; board staff described summer school participation as improving and said data show positive effects when students who need additional learning attend summer programs.

Ending

Board leaders said they are focused on licensure capacity, standards review and implementing scholarship rules; the committee did not take formal action during the presentation.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Finance, Ways, and Means Committee- March 3, 2025- House Hearing Room 1","oneSentenceSummary","The Tennessee State Board of Education told the Finance committee on March 3 it has a flat $3.3 million budget and asked for an attorney post to handle educator licensure‑discipline caseloads; board staff also outlined an 8‑year standards review, ongoing licensure rule changes and imminent rulemaking on Education Freedom Scholarships.","taxTitle","Finance, Ways, and Means, House of Representatives, Committees, Legislative, Tennessee","taxId",31062,"location","Tennessee","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6659311,"TWRA seeks operating and capital support, cites reserves and proposes fee changes as license revenues stall",1196,4504000,5700000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2472302-cd2727ec1b642fc318600446ce8d893c&start=4504&end=5700","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2472302-cd2727ec1b642fc318600446ce8d893c/thumbnail_4504000.jpg","/articles/6659311/Tennessee/TWRA-seeks-operating-and-capital-support-cites-reserves-and-proposes-fee-changes-as-license-revenues-stall","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6659311-28848f4cc44c583f360596ab50f28c3b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771069739&Signature=ZmNAe5hkWwW4VQTqySxm1Bc-cT1Yg-Dh-pCsSjfMxQ32n~juMrR82IKbYl1F-DjrDrux39LCVBjd15H1ih0jKWp7LvhER7gPDMoVMT8mSoIEdAwEveTDHREhHdk1WnzvoQwmIonPimQfyLp1R9gVERBKV55UXPxTpvs8lCBXv5trNipjCFQJ8CBiP9hDSEbfp7N6c7Ft0DUyeeqna7zTg1h-YHrkI9Fhnh-52LbFteIhzyWJasEughS815ylgtk~kclfkbsdaoX4EL2XgqrEZ~tg983-RElX6kODT0ZsbnoeKeSRxi2Kb2lTFOHxSuX0j~3yauMwcyHSXx3Z36o~hg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) briefed the House Finance, Ways and Means Committee on March 3 about a budget strain driven by stagnant license sales, rising costs and increasing demand for access, and requested general‑fund support to address personnel and operational shortfalls.

Director Max Don and TWRA deputies said the agency is funded primarily through hunting and fishing license sales, federal apportionments (Pittman‑Robertson for wildlife; Dingell‑Johnson for fish/sport fish restoration), marine fuel taxes, and a real‑estate transfer‑tax wetlands acquisition fund. The director told the committee license sales are effectively flat and that the agency is “about 32% behind on CPI” because fees have not kept pace with inflation since the last fee increase in 2015.

Why it matters: TWRA manages roughly 1.6 million acres (550,000 acres under state ownership) across 137 wildlife management areas and operates 21 shooting ranges, 1,200 boat access areas and multiple hatcheries. The agency said constrained revenue threatens maintenance, law enforcement coverage, and public access programs.

Key elements of TWRA presentation

- Fee and reserve picture: TWRA said wildlife fund reserves total approximately $63,000,000 (about six months of operating costs), the boating fund reserve is roughly $20,000,000 (16 months) and the wetlands fund reserve is about $23,000,000 (15 months). The agency reported a Fish and Wildlife Commission vote approving a fee increase proposal that will proceed through the legislative process; director said the increase would be effective July 1, 2025, if approved by required bodies.

- Funding model challenges and R3 initiative: Director Don described hunting and fishing license sales as stagnant nationwide and said TWRA is pursuing recruitment, retention and reactivation (R3) programs to expand participation. The agency emphasized that federal apportionment dollars must be spent and cannot be commingled with state funds, which affects budget operations.

- Land acquisitions and access: TWRA reported 66,000 acres acquired in FY24 (noting most was a single large block on the Cumberland), and said the wetlands acquisition fund purchases are limited to willing sellers and must follow statutory and appraisal rules. Don said most acquisitions aim to join existing wildlife management areas and that purchases are for willing sellers at appraised value.

- Disease and wildlife concerns: Persistent avian influenza detections in wild birds, chronic wasting disease monitoring and human‑bear conflicts in some tourist areas were cited as operational concerns that affect wildlife and public safety.

- Lake Halford user fees: TWRA staff reported first‑year collection at Lake Halford generated about $164,003 (daily/annual user fees, marina fees and one‑time dock permits) but said compliance and concessionaire arrangements affect collection; the agency said revenues flow into the wildlife fund and are not currently earmarked for Lake Halford alone.

Questions from members

Committee members raised affordability concerns for hunters and anglers, the scale and cost of land management, the economic effects of TWRA‑owned lands on county tax bases and the tradeoffs inherent in acquiring property for public access. Director Don said the agency has repurposed vacant positions, deferred maintenance and is actively evaluating programs and partnerships to reduce costs while protecting access.

Ending

Don asked the committee to consider the agency\u0000funding request, which included general fund support cited in the governor's package for salary compensation and other adjustments; the committee did not take immediate action during the hearing.","Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency director presented the agency\u0000budget request on March 3, describing stagnant hunting/fishing license sales, reserve balances, a proposed fee increase approved by the Fish and Wildlife Commission, and agency land acquisitions and access initiatives.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6659314,"State veterinarian, agriculture officials describe ongoing bird flu response and discuss indemnity, vaccines and trade risks",243,3175000,3418000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2472302-cd2727ec1b642fc318600446ce8d893c&start=3175&end=3418","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2472302-cd2727ec1b642fc318600446ce8d893c/thumbnail_3175000.jpg","/articles/6659314/Tennessee/State-veterinarian-agriculture-officials-describe-ongoing-bird-flu-response-and-discuss-indemnity-vaccines-and-trade-risks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6659314-6afa72d32c4f3864db9b7ad48185a565/orig.mp4?Expires=1771069739&Signature=h93mh9VJg7a2nzdBb3AmaZEcgo0wEcIF~prFizNeJgj5oFxspAYvoxiW0ilTiIlrR2n5IT4xHTWt0W3JZwyG4ogUSgvdjHQwOd0qK0Epk9RdWyCk9~XiLPzflan-dcZne7HDWZyydcpbY678gGx2gOGOwEMyeh5345bgegjRipW65qTaxykujFK24UdC2pMMNHGe~JfOdO2mwT1ZmyPyZlsZX4g~zhnMm0pCogvJgVR7rOJqq9XzjFKykNCETj8qZyAwHwYZv~rj4-Wj4VRa8NHQzy8e3Da-ofVb1plUUIqBWq0Xw35AVoW9lEM66o2-rvPKfILFiXVfOiz9uHlp3w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","State agriculture officials and the Tennessee state veterinarian outlined an ongoing avian influenza (bird flu) response during the Finance, Ways and Means hearing on March 3, telling lawmakers the outbreak has caused large depopulations, disrupted markets and is prompting discussions about indemnity and vaccine strategies.

State veterinarian Dr. Samantha Beatty told the committee the agency has been working on bird flu response “pretty much nonstop” since early 2022 and said infections have affected backyard and commercial flocks. \"It has been, pretty much nonstop with the bird flu response since early 2022,\" she said. Beatty said the disease’s spread through migratory waterfowl and changing viral genetics complicate detection, response and prevention measures.

Deputy Commissioner Andy Holt and Commissioner Hatcher said federal funding, indemnity and a national strategy are central concerns. Holt described three action items developed with national counterparts and state officials: establishment of a standing national bird‑flu response plan, review of indemnity mechanisms for heavily affected producers, and development of a vaccine strategy. He said Secretary Rollins had publicly acknowledged those priorities at a recent meeting.

Why it matters: Officials said the outbreak has depressed producer incomes and driven egg prices higher, with large depopulations of layers and vulnerable pasture‑raised flocks. They cautioned that vaccination strategies require careful consideration because they can affect international trade.

Key points from the hearing

- Scale and economic effect: Commissioner Hatcher called the situation affecting egg layers “millions and millions of birds” and said recent depopulations have pushed egg prices up. He also noted the broader economic footprint of Tennessee’s poultry and poultry genetics industries.

- Indemnity and federal role: Committee members asked how the state would respond if federal indemnity or testing support were reduced. Dr. Beatty and department leaders said Tennessee relies on federal cooperative agreements for indemnity and testing reimbursement; when federal support is paused or limited the state has had to use other emergency funding and contingency approaches.

- Vaccination and trade risks: Officials said vaccination is being examined as a tool, but that a vaccination strategy must account for international trade implications. Andy Holt said Tennessee and state counterparts are evaluating vaccines but that use of vaccines can complicate export markets.

- Backyard flocks and outreach: Beatty described the emotional and practical challenges of backyard flock depopulations and said state programs provide testing, voluntary participation in the National Poultry Improvement Plan and outreach to small producers. She said the department will work to provide testing and education for backyard producers and commercial operations.

What members asked and officials’ responses

Members pressed for contingency planning if federal funds were cut. Beatty said federal indemnity remains important and that the state has sought ways to access emergency funds when federal support is constrained. Holt and Hatcher said the federal government’s engagement is key and that the department is participating in national planning with USDA and other states.

Ending

Officials said they expect the virus to remain a long‑term challenge and emphasized coordination with USDA on indemnity and vaccine planning. No formal policy change or vote was recorded at the hearing; department officials emphasized the need for federal‑state coordination and for developing additional response tools.","During the March 3 Finance, Ways and Means hearing, state veterinarians and agriculture leaders said avian influenza has caused millions of bird losses, is affecting egg prices and that federal indemnity, testing and vaccine strategy are central to the response; they urged coordination with USDA and noted trade consequences.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6659317,"Tennessee agriculture leaders outline $92 million-plus capital and recurring budget priorities, including AgTrak expansion and farmland conservation",553,1246000,1799000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2472302-cd2727ec1b642fc318600446ce8d893c&start=1246&end=1799","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2472302-cd2727ec1b642fc318600446ce8d893c/thumbnail_1246000.jpg","/articles/6659317/Tennessee/Tennessee-agriculture-leaders-outline-92-million-plus-capital-and-recurring-budget-priorities-including-AgTrak-expansion-and-farmland-conservation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6659317-0e3a0911a0cdec9eabe28509c9f09504/orig.mp4?Expires=1771069739&Signature=jPtnGSwM5WOGX88wG232KhFLFF~x-LixOH~gfknvEbvfoRHTcn~sj6P8lClxkpiMagL2LAPADzCBqoz3b2amQYGVu6WmPdciv7MV2PGUtOgaJA-GUZKVnYDZDKd7PcUfiKrvgM96bjs-2ICtL-LnAZQFcKHV-TeVToLAho3RQDX4Be3FzGwmjuA3fuMHj21kLgxtf7iY0oi4h1E9utZG0XwO9BjpYo917GPbFmrMBZvMQu8XhtGeIkEUpKALWwf9kWtf7QBh4g-CuIVSF-nz-W7ltLzu7EzPhsIW14RvuBuSA4kMPNOpsN3MguEHqI9TvvmWmJmwm5L9pJo9FmYCAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Tennessee Department of Agriculture presented a budget package to the House Finance, Ways and Means Committee on March 3 that would add recurring and nonrecurring funding to cost‑share programs, farmland conservation and youth agricultural education facilities.

Commissioner Hatcher, presenting the package, told the committee the request includes a $15,000,000 recurring expansion for AgTrak (referred to in presentation materials as the Ag Enterprise Fund), a $5,000,000 recurring increase for the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP), and a $25,000,000 ask for the Farmland Conservation Fund. He also described a $1,866,300 request linked to administration of a state meat inspection program and two large capital requests totaling about $46,000,000 for FFA and 4‑H facilities, including a $46,000,000 project for the FFA lodge at Camp Clements.

Why it matters: Department officials said the increases are intended to support producers and small processors, slow farmland loss, and expand workforce and leadership training for youth. Commissioner Hatcher framed the capital investments as workforce development tools, saying 4‑H and FFA are “one of our best workforce development tools” and noting the department’s view that the FFA program is among the nation’s strongest.

Details and context

- AgTrak / Ag Enterprise Fund: Deputy Commissioner Andy Holt described a three‑tier “funnel” of cost‑share programs. He said TAEP targets single operations and that the Ag Enterprise Fund is a quarter cost‑share program with awards that average “pretty close to that $100,000” cap. Holt said AgTrak/Ag Enterprise Fund will focus on multi‑operation, larger capital projects and that the $15,000,000 recurring addition would give the department a permanent economic development tool for agricultural projects. Samantha Wilson, the department’s budget director, said TAEP’s base was $26.5 million and that the program typically spends the majority of its base each year.

- Farmland Conservation Fund: Hatcher described the $25,000,000 request as support for voluntary permanent conservation easements to “slow the loss of farmland,” noting the state faces ongoing farmland loss and an estimated nationwide net farm income decline that has pressured producers.

- State meat inspection: The department requested $1,866,300 tied to establishing or administering a state meat inspection program; Hatcher said the program would aid small and producer‑processors and support branding.

- 4‑H and FFA capital and recurring support: The submission would invest in 4‑H centers across the state and upgrade Camp Clements, a long‑standing FFA leadership facility. Philip Baker, chairman of the Tennessee FFA Foundation board, explained the recurring $500,000 for FFA and $250,000 for 4‑H are used to provide FFA membership and to support major events such as 4‑H Congress and Roundup. Ryan Hensley, director of the 4‑H foundation, outlined plans to deploy roughly $11 million per 4‑H center for STEM/classroom buildings and to expand overnight capacity at Middleton’s Lone Oaks facility.

- ARPA and recovery work: The department reviewed prior ARPA investments (about $124.8 million in five projects) and ongoing work addressing Hurricane Helene impacts. Hatcher said the agency is coordinating with FEMA, TEMA and USDA to identify remaining recovery needs for affected producers.

What committee members asked and what officials said

Members pressed for detail on average award sizes and program flows. Holt said the Ag Enterprise Fund awards generally cluster near its $100,000 cap and that the department typically allocates about $1.5 million per quarter for those awards. Committee members also asked about Camp Clements spending from a prior $4,000,000 nonrecurring appropriation; Baker and Hensley said that funding has been used for deferred maintenance and ADA compliance.

Ending

Officials characterized the package as a mix of recurring investments to support producers and permanent conservation tools plus large capital projects for youth agricultural education. No formal committee action was recorded at the hearing; the department presented the proposal and answered member questions.
","Commissioner Hatcher and Tennessee Department of Agriculture officials presented their 2025-26 budget priorities to the Finance, Ways and Means Committee on March 3, requesting increases for cost-share programs, farmland conservation and capital projects for 4‑H and FFA facilities as well as funding for a state meat inspection program.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

State Board of Education requests additional attorney for licensure discipline, outlines standards review and scholarship rulemaking timeline

TWRA seeks operating and capital support, cites reserves and proposes fee changes as license revenues stall

State veterinarian, agriculture officials describe ongoing bird flu response and discuss indemnity, vaccines and trade risks

Tennessee agriculture leaders outline $92 million-plus capital and recurring budget priorities, including AgTrak expansion and farmland conservation