Tennessee Senate Bill SB2595

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/2/26

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 creating the office of County Attorney, SB2595 addresses the compensation structure for this position. The bill stipulates that the County Attorney will receive an annual retainer fee of $1,200, which will be paid in monthly installments. It also allows for additional reasonable compensation for services rendered on behalf of the County, but such payments will be subject to review by the County Legislative Body. This provision strives to establish a transparent financial arrangement that aligns with the county's financial policies, promoting equitable compensation practices.

Summary

Senate Bill 2595 seeks to amend Chapter 677 of the Private Acts of 1949, along with subsequent amendments, specifically regarding the position and compensation of the County Attorney for Hamblen County. The bill formally establishes the office of County Attorney, which will be elected annually by the Hamblen County Commission during their September meeting. This change is aimed at ensuring that the County Attorney has a defined role within the local government's structure, enhancing the clarity of responsibilities and accountability in legal matters.

Contention

There may be points of contention regarding the establishment of the County Attorney office in Hamblen County, particularly around the potential implications for local governance and funding priorities. Some stakeholders might express concerns about the allocation of county resources to this newly defined position, especially if additional funding for legal expenses arises. The requirement for a two-thirds vote from the legislative body of Hamblen County for the bill's enactment emphasizes the need for local buy-in and could lead to differing opinions on the necessity of this governance change. The bill ultimately aims to streamline local legal representation while also ensuring proper oversight of remuneration.