Tennessee Farm Bureau priority issues for 2022
On January 11, the 112th General Assembly gaveled in for its second regular session. This year, Farm Bureau will focus on these four priority issues:
MODERNIZATION OF AGRICULTURE SALES TAX EXEMPTIONS (SB905 Stevens/HB1405 Halford):
• Easier for the farmer to understand, retailer to follow and the state to implement.
• To match the manufacturing section of the code so in the future as technology changes, the agriculture community can work with the Department of Revenue to resolve issues.
• Allow farmers to remain competitive with farmers in other states.
SOLAR FACILITIES (SB2797 Walley/HB2761 Gant):
• There is increased interest in developing large solar facilities across Tennessee. Many farmers have been approached about converting thousands of acres of farmland into solar sites.
• There is little state law that protects property owners in these situations.
• At this time, we believe a TACIR study is warranted to find answers such as local government zoning authority and planning, consumer protection laws, and to understand solar needs and capacity in the state.
PARTITION OF HEIRS PROPERTY ACT (SB2167 Stevens/HB2612 Farmer):
• There is property in Tennessee which has been passed to the landowner’s heirs as tenants-in-common under state law. Tenants-in-common who meet the definition of Heirs Property can be vulnerable to a wide range of challenges in their efforts to manage the property. We support the Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act which provides a series of simple due process protections to resolve ownership issues.
• The 2018 Farm Bill developed a process for farmers in states which have adopted the uniform law to acquire a farm number to be eligible for federal farm programs.
INCREASING THE GREENBELT ACREAGE CAP (SB1282 Niceley/HB1445 T.Hicks):
• We support raising the Greenbelt acreage cap above the current 1500 acres to meet today’s farming operations.
STATE OF THE STATE BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS:
On Monday, January 31, Governor Bill Lee delivered his fourth State of the State address and presented budget and legislative priorities to a joint session of the General Assembly. The proposed $52.6 billion budget includes strategic investments in K-12 education, higher education, improving transportation infrastructure and more. This is the largest budget proposal in state history, largely due to the influx of federal dollars. Key highlights are noted below. It is important to note the budget must be approved by the General Assembly.
EDUCATION:
• $500 million for Career and Technical Education (CTE) improvements in all high schools and middle schools
• $124.7 million to provide an increase into the teacher salary pool
• $200 million for TCAT infrastructure investments to help double the skilled workforce by 2026
• $6 million to establish the Institute of American Civics at the University of Tennessee
• $250 million in infrastructure improvements at Tennessee State University to mitigate life-safety issues and help improve academic and student campus buildings
AGRICULTURE:
• Funding proposals within the Department of Agriculture include statewide FFA positions, state fair infrastructure, and new positions for the diagnostic lab.
SAFE AND SECURE TENNESSEE:
• Adding 100 Highway Patrol Troopers, 20 Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Agents, and 25 Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Forensic Science Personnel
• Directing the Department of Safety and Homeland Security to create a plan so every house of worship in Tennessee can receive high-quality safety training
• $355.6 million in a Multi-Agency Law Enforcement Training Academy
• $179 million to complete full construction of Tennessee Advanced Communications Network coverage, ensuring full mobile connectivity across all Tennessee for emergency communications and law enforcement
RURAL TENNESSEE:
• $82 million to reimburse public hospitals for uncompensated care, primarily in rural communities
• $26 million for Rural Opportunity Grants, helping to get communities ready for corporate investment INFRASTRUCTURE MODERNIZATION
• $619 million to accelerate projects listed in the IMPROVE Act and invest in transportation projects to ensure economic opportunity
• $4 million to enhance litter cleanup on Tennessee highways
ASSET MANAGEMENT:
• $2.541 billion for higher education and general government capital improvements over the next several years
• $214.8 million for capital maintenance, ensuring deferred maintenance is addressed within current capital assets
REDISTRICTING MAPS APPROVED:
Redistricting is the process of redrawing electoral boundaries for state lawmakers and the U.S. House of Representatives every ten years using the U.S. Census data. The change in population and demographics are reflected in new legislative district boundaries and can change who represents an area in state and/or federal government for the next decade. The new district maps passed both the House and Senate and have been signed by the governor. Visit tncot.cc/ tndistrict and enter your address in the search bar to see current and previous district assignments.
NEW CDL REQUIREMENTS, WHAT IT MEANS FOR TENNESSEE FARMERS:
On Monday, February 7, 2022, the US DOT implemented new rules for people seeking to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). The new rules apply to new CDL applicants or current CDL holders who are seeking to upgrade to a higher class of CDL if they are applying on or after February 7, 2022. These new applicants are required to complete what is called Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT). Individuals who already have a CDL are not required to complete the ELDT. The new regulations do not change any requirements for farmers in Tennessee, unless they are newly seeking to obtain a CDL or upgrading class of CDL. In Tennessee, farmers and their employees are exempt from CDL requirements if they are hauling their own commodities, stay within the state limits, and stay within 150 miles from the farm outside of the state. Similarly, the new ELDT is not required for agribusiness employees who are seeking a seasonal CDL in Tennessee. If you have more questions, visit tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/Learn/ELDT.
