The Tennessee House of Representatives' State and Local Government Committee convened on April 21, 2025, to address a critical legislative matter impacting Morgan County. The committee unanimously approved House Bill 1440, which proposes a significant change in the appointment process for the county attorney position.

Currently, the county attorney is an elected position, but this bill seeks to transition it to an appointed role by the county commission for a four-year term. Additionally, the bill removes the residency requirement for the attorney, allowing for a broader pool of candidates. This change comes in response to the recent resignation of the county attorney, who left to expand her law practice, highlighting the urgent need for legal representation in the county.

Representative Butler, the bill's sponsor, explained that the county commission only realized the necessity of this legislative action after the attorney's departure. The county currently allocates $10,000 annually for legal services, indicating the part-time nature of the role. The swift passage of this bill aims to ensure that Morgan County can promptly fill the vacancy and maintain essential legal services.

The committee's decision reflects a proactive approach to local governance, addressing immediate needs while also modernizing the appointment process for legal representation in the county. With a unanimous vote of 14-0, House Bill 1440 will advance to the calendar and rules for further consideration.

As the committee concluded its session, discussions hinted at the need for more legislative business in future meetings, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to addressing local governance issues effectively.