Government Affairs Spotlight

As the new year takes shape, so does another year in Nashville for state legislators. Here’s what you need to know about the 2022 Tennessee legislative session!

Tennessee began the second half of the 112th legislative session on January 11. Each legislative session spans two years, and this will wrap up the 112th session later this year.

This is notable because anything filed last year, during the first year of the session, carries forward. However, any new legislation introduced this year that’s left unresolved will likely go away.

Elected officials are required to pass a balanced state budget each year. This normally takes six to eight weeks. Expect the entire session to last about another eight weeks and wrap up in April or May.

This year is an election year, and right now there’s at least a few seats up for grabs that impact TNBA members.

Because there’s a fundraising blackout period during the legislative session, most legislators who are running don’t want to spend any more time in Nashville than what’s absolutely necessary.

During this election year, Tennesseans will also feel the impacts of redistricting from the 2020-2021 census.

“While only a few preliminary bills have been introduced yet, and it’s unknown what will affect our organization, I’m excited to kick off the session and work with representatives across Tennessee on behalf of TNBA members,” says Levoy Knowles, TNBA government affairs director.

Each month, I’ll provide you with updates from the General Assembly and explain how it could possibly affect our members and the broadband industry.