June 2, 2011 •
Tennessee Bill Allowing Corporate Contributions Becomes Law
Contribution Limits Increased
Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam has signed Senate Bill 1915 (companion to House Bill 1003) into law.
The bill allows corporations to contribute to candidates by removing the previous statutory prohibition. The bill also adjusts contribution limits to reflect change in the Consumer Price Index.
The new law is effective immediately.
May 23, 2011 •
Tennessee General Assembly Adjourns Early
The first session of the 107th General Assembly adjourned the evening of May 21, 2011.
The adjournment was the earliest date in 18 years.
The 107th General Assembly will reconvene on Tuesday, January 10, 2012.
Photo of the Tennessee House Chamber by Ichabod on Wikipedia.
Increased Contribution Limits Also Included
Bills legalizing direct corporate contributions and increasing contribution limits have moved one step closer to becoming law.
House Bill 1003 and concurrent Senate Bill 1915 have been approved by state and local government committees in both chambers of the Tennessee General Assembly.
The bills would allow direct corporate contributions to candidates and would increase contribution limits by nearly 40 percent.
Photo of the Tennessee State Capitol by Ichabod on Wikipedia.
April 25, 2011 •
Tennessee Senate Bill 1227 Becomes Law
Bill Signed by Governor Alters Reporting Dates for Employer Disclosure Reports
Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam has signed into law Senate Bill 1227, which revises the filing dates for lobbyist employer disclosure reports.
The bill requires that employer disclosure reports be filed within 45 days of June 30 and December 31.
The new law takes effect July 1, 2011, with the first employer disclosure report under the new law covering the time period from April 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011 having a filing deadline of February 14, 2012.
Photo of Governor Bill Haslam courtesy of the Tennessee Governor’s website.
February 8, 2011 •
Tennessee Contribution Limits Increase
Lobbyist gift limits have been raised as well.
The Tennessee Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Finance introduced new contribution limits for 2011-2012 to reflect increases in the Consumer Price Index.
The new limits include a biennial aggregate limit of $113,700 on contributions to State and Local candidates and PACs. Individuals may contribute no more than $44,800 to State and Local candidates and no more than $68,900 to all PACs (including parties) during the two year cycle.
Lobbyist gift limits have increased to $55 per event and lobbyist employers are limited to gifts with a cumulative value of $110 during a calendar year.
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