The Tennessee Joint Committee on Government Operations convened on May 19, 2025, to review several key agenda items, culminating in positive recommendations for amendments and new rules affecting higher education and healthcare in the state.

The meeting began with a motion for a positive recommendation on an unspecified item, which passed unanimously with six votes in favor and no opposition. Following this, the committee addressed Item 7, presented by Shauna Jennings, Associate General Counsel for the University of Tennessee (UT). Jennings introduced an amendment to UT's permanent rule regarding the classification of students as in-state or out-of-state for tuition purposes. This amendment aligns with recent state and federal laws, including Tennessee Public Chapter 1057, which mandates in-state tuition for certain military families. The committee approved this amendment with a similar unanimous vote.

Next, the committee moved to Item 8, concerning TennCare's new permanent rules for supplemental payments to rural health clinics and federally qualified health centers. Amanda Petri, Associate Counsel for TennCare, outlined the changes aimed at improving reimbursement processes for these facilities. The new rules, developed in collaboration with stakeholders, were also met with a positive recommendation from the committee.

The final agenda item involved the Department of Finance Administration's proposal to repeal outdated rules governing the publication of annual reports. Jonathan Springer, Director of Legislation, explained that these rules, established in 1976, are no longer relevant due to the shift towards electronic publication. The committee recognized the obsolescence of these regulations and moved to recommend their repeal.

In summary, the meeting resulted in significant advancements for both higher education and healthcare in Tennessee, with all discussed items receiving positive recommendations. The committee's actions reflect a commitment to modernizing regulations and improving access to education and healthcare services in the state.