The Finance, Ways, and Means Committee of the Tennessee State Legislature convened on April 14, 2025, to discuss several key pieces of legislation, including House Bills 1134, 547, 1270, and 910. The meeting focused on advancing these bills to the calendar and rules for further consideration.

House Bill 1134 received unanimous support, passing with 27 votes in favor and none against. This bill's specifics were not detailed in the transcript, but its swift approval indicates broad consensus among committee members.

House Bill 547, introduced by Assistant Leader Cochran, proposes a new $12.50 fee for district attorneys, replacing a declining fee associated with bad check cases. The bill aims to provide local governments with a sustainable funding source as fewer people write bad checks. This bill also passed unanimously, with 28 votes in favor.

House Bill 1270, also led by Cochran, seeks to protect students and state employees from being coerced into affirming beliefs that contradict their personal convictions. The discussion highlighted concerns about how this bill would affect interactions in educational settings, particularly regarding gender identity. The bill passed with a vote of 20 in favor and 6 against, reflecting a divided opinion among committee members.

Lastly, House Bill 910, presented by Representative Garrett, aims to transfer the powers of the Human Rights Commission to the Attorney General's office, creating a new division for civil rights enforcement. The bill's intent is to streamline the handling of discrimination complaints and ensure they are taken seriously. The committee engaged in a thorough discussion about the implications of this transfer, particularly regarding the independence of investigations. The bill's future remains uncertain as it awaits further deliberation.

Overall, the committee's actions indicate a proactive approach to legislative changes, with a focus on funding mechanisms, individual rights, and the enforcement of civil rights in Tennessee. The next steps for these bills will involve further review and potential debate in the full legislature.