The Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee convened on April 15, 2025, to discuss several key legislative measures, including amendments to funding for Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) and adjustments to court fees.

One of the primary topics was Senate Bill 1430, which included an amendment to allocate an additional $25 million in bonds for MTSU. The committee decided to replace the anticipated use of school bonds with General Obligation (GEO) debt, streamlining the funding process for the university. The bill received unanimous support from committee members, indicating strong backing for the initiative.

Another significant discussion centered around Senate Bill 409, which aims to increase court fees for the first time in over 20 years. The proposed changes would implement a gradual fee increase over three years to help court clerks manage rising operational costs. Notably, the bill exempts family-related cases from these fee increases and establishes a fund to support continuing education for court clerks, funded by a $2 assessment on civil and criminal cases. This measure also passed with unanimous support from the committee.

The committee's decisions reflect a commitment to enhancing educational funding and ensuring the sustainability of court operations in Tennessee. Both bills are now recommended for passage to the full Senate calendar for further consideration.