Latest news with #HouseBill6003
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tennessee General Assembly passes Helene recovery bills
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Tennessee General Assembly passed bills related to Hurricane Helene relief on Wednesday night. The state House passed the bills after they were approved by the Senate earlier Wednesday. State representatives from across Northeast Tennessee stood by the podium as the bills were discussed and voted on. Questions raised from Disaster Relief Committee members on why special session is just now happening Representatives approved House Bill 6003, which would create two funds: the Hurricane Helene Interest Payment Fund and the Governor's Response and Recovery Fund. The first would be used to help cover local governments' interest costs on money borrowed for Hurricane Helene recovery. The second fund would be used by TEMA for Helene relief such as agriculture recovery, unemployment assistance, and business recovery assistance. The funds would be disbursed through grants or loans to third parties. 'This is a tremendous first step,' said Rep. Timothy Hill, who chaired the Disaster Relief Committee during the special session. 'I believe we're going to see more bills and more funding come in the regular session, but this is where we need to start.' The House also approved House Bill 6007, which would provide property owners whose property was destroyed or damaged with payments worth up to 130% of their total 2024 property tax levy. Bill allows direct payments for NE TN Helene-hit homeowners Representatives also approved House Bill 6002, which would allow suspending some eligibility requirements for unemployment benefits for people in major disaster areas. It would also authorize TEMA, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, to assist local governments and emergency management agencies with disasters and emergencies on public property upon request. The bills will now go to the governor's desk. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tennessee General Assembly passes Helene recovery bills
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Tennessee General Assembly passed bills related to Hurricane Helene relief on Wednesday night. The state House passed the bills after they were approved by the Senate earlier Wednesday. State representatives from across Northeast Tennessee stood by the podium as the bills were discussed and voted on. Questions raised from Disaster Relief Committee members on why special session is just now happening Representatives approved House Bill 6003, which would create two funds: the Hurricane Helene Interest Payment Fund and the Governor's Response and Recovery Fund. The first would be used to help cover local governments' interest costs on money borrowed for Hurricane Helene recovery. The second fund would be used by TEMA for Helene relief such as agriculture recovery, unemployment assistance, and business recovery assistance. The funds would be disbursed through grants or loans to third parties. 'This is a tremendous first step,' said Rep. Timothy Hill, who chaired the Disaster Relief Committee during the special session. 'I believe we're going to see more bills and more funding come in the regular session, but this is where we need to start.' The House also approved House Bill 6007, which would provide property owners whose property was destroyed or damaged with payments worth up to 130% of their total 2024 property tax levy. Bill allows direct payments for NE TN Helene-hit homeowners Representatives also approved House Bill 6002, which would allow suspending some eligibility requirements for unemployment benefits for people in major disaster areas. It would also authorize TEMA, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, to assist local governments and emergency management agencies with disasters and emergencies on public property upon request. The bills will now go to the governor's desk. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
