Tennessee House Bill HB2122

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/2/26
• Refer: 2/5/26

Caption

AN ACT to amend Chapter 677 of the Private Acts of 1949; as amended by Chapter 434 of the Private Acts of 1968; and any other acts amendatory thereto, relative to the county attorney for Hamblen County.

Impact

In addition to establishing election procedures, HB2122 lays out the compensation structure for the County Attorney. According to the bill, the elected County Attorney will receive an annual retainer of $1,200, supplemented by additional fees for legal services rendered on behalf of the county. This stipulation ensures that the County Attorney is compensated adequately while allowing for oversight by the County Legislative Body, thus maintaining a level of control over county expenditures related to legal services.

Summary

House Bill 2122 aims to amend the provisions regarding the office of the County Attorney for Hamblen County, originally set forth in the Private Acts of 1949 and later amended in 1968. This bill establishes the process for the election of the County Attorney, making it mandatory for the position to be filled annually by the Hamblen County Commission during their September meeting. The implications of this change are significant as it formalizes the election process, which may increase accountability and transparency in the role of the County Attorney.

Contention

While the bill may streamline the election and compensation process, there are potential points of contention, particularly regarding the adequacy of the retainer fee. Some critics might argue that $1,200 may not be sufficient to attract qualified legal professionals for such an important position. Moreover, the requirement for legislative approval of additional compensation could lead to bureaucratic delays or conflicts over legal expenses, raising concerns about how effectively the County Attorney can operate within these limits.