Tennessee Senate Bill SB1440

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/28/25
• Chaptered: 6/4/25
• Passed: 6/4/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Chapter 553 of the Acts of 1903; as amended by Chapter 311 of the Private Acts of 1974 and Chapter 233 of the Private Acts of 1978; and any other acts amendatory thereto, relative to the city judge of the City of Tullahoma.

Impact

In terms of structure, the bill alters the election cycle of the city judge, setting the election for this position to coincide with the biannual elections for the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, starting from the year 2026. The city judge will serve an eight-year term following this scheduled election, providing stability and consistency in judicial governance at the municipal level. Additionally, the responsibility for establishing the judge's compensation will lie with the Board of Mayor and Aldermen through ordinance, enabling local administrative control over judicial remuneration.

Summary

Senate Bill 1440 aims to amend existing legislation related to the city judge of Tullahoma, Tennessee, originally established in Chapter 553 of the Acts of 1903. One of the primary changes proposed by the bill is the extension of the current city judge's term for an additional year, thus delaying the expiration from August 2025 to August 2026. This adjustment ensures continuity in the judicial leadership of the city without immediate disruption in the court system's functioning.

Contention

The bill also stipulates certain qualifications for individuals seeking the city judge position. Candidates must be practicing attorneys in good standing, with necessary residency requirements that ensure a local connection to Tullahoma. These qualifications and the new election cycle may raise discussions among local residents and officials about the implications of having a longer-term judge for local governance and legal oversight, as well as the qualifications required of individuals serving in such a pivotal role in their community.