In a recent meeting of the Private Acts Committee, significant changes were proposed for the county attorney position in Morgan County, Tennessee. The committee discussed a bill that would transition the role from an elected position to one appointed by the county commission for a four-year term. This change aims to address the current vacancy in the position, which has been unfilled due to the limited scope of work available in the small county of approximately 22,000 residents.

One of the key amendments in the bill is the removal of the residency requirement for the county attorney. This means that the appointed attorney will no longer need to live in Morgan County, although they must be a licensed practicing attorney in Tennessee. This clarification was emphasized during the meeting to ensure that future applicants understand the licensing requirements necessary to practice law in the state.

The committee members expressed their support for the bill, noting that the county commission currently allocates $10,000 annually for attorney services, which often goes unused. The change is expected to streamline the hiring process and attract qualified candidates who can better serve the county's legal needs.

The bill passed unanimously with 11 votes in favor and no opposition, moving on to the state and local government committee for further consideration. The discussions highlighted the importance of local governance and the need for flexibility in filling essential roles within small communities.

As the committee continues to navigate the complexities of local governance, this bill represents a proactive step towards ensuring that Morgan County has the legal representation it needs to effectively manage its affairs. The next steps will involve further review and potential implementation of the proposed changes, which could significantly impact the county's legal framework and operations.