The Tennessee House of Representatives passed HB2319 by a vote of 72-11, with 10 members present but not voting. The bill prohibits employees of a local government from serving on the legislative body of the same local government where they work. Its Senate companion, SB2591, has cleared the committee process and is scheduled for a final vote on Monday.

Two amendments were adopted in the House version: one that delays the bill’s effective date until after this year’s elections, and another that grandfathers in any county employees currently serving on a county commission as of January 1, 2027, allowing them to finish their terms.

An additional amendment is expected to be considered in the Senate next week. It would clarify that employees of a local education agency (such as school districts) are not considered county employees under the provisions of this bill.