Tenenssee State Fire Marshal’s Office Marina and Dock Inspections Bring Greater Safety To Tennesseans

Nashville, TN – Swimmers and boaters can be assured of increased safety at Tennessee’s public marinas and docks thanks to new regulations that took effect January 1st.

Approved last year by the Tennessee General Assembly and signed into law May 16th, 2014 by Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam, Senate Bill No. 1954/House Bill No. 1892 – known as the Noah Dean and Nate Act – makes it mandatory that State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) inspectors examine the electrical wiring and equipment of all Tennessee public marinas and docks. [Read more]

Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam signs Food Tax Reduction Bill at Marion County Grocery

Legislation the first step in two-year effort to reduce sales tax on groceries to 5 percent

Whitwell, TN – Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam today traveled to Marion County to sign legislation to reduce the state portion of the sales tax on groceries from 5.5 percent to 5.25 percent.

Haslam held a ceremonial bill signing at the locally- and independently-owned Smith Bros. Grocery in Whitwell, Tennessee.

“We’re focused on making state government more efficient and more effective while reducing the cost to taxpayers,” Haslam said. “The sales tax on food touches all Tennesseans, and this is an effort to lower the burden. I applaud the Tennessee General Assembly for passing this important piece of legislation this year.” [Read more]

Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam signs Legislation to expand FastTrack Program

Bill aims to boost economic development in rural counties and for extraordinary projects

Nashville, TN – Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam announced he has signed legislation to expand the state’s FastTrack program to specifically support economic development in rural communities and for exceptional projects.

The governor proposed the legislation, HB 2344/SB 2206, in January to create the FastTrack Economic Development Fund, an expansion of the Department of Economic and Community Development’s (ECD) current infrastructure and job training program. [Read more]

Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam signs TEAM Act into Law

Historic Legislation transforms State Government to recruit, retain and reward employees

Nashville, TN – Joined by state employees, legislators and members of his Cabinet, Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam today signed the Tennessee Excellence, Accountability and Management (TEAM) Act into law on the Tennessee Tower plaza across from the State Capitol in Nashville.

“State government’s role is to provide services that Tennesseans aren’t able to get on their own, and I believe it is my job to make sure we’re providing them in the most customer-focused, efficient and effective way,” Haslam said just before signing the bill into law. “In the next five years, almost 40 percent of state employees will become eligible for retirement, and in facing this challenge, it is our responsibility to build a top notch workforce for the future. [Read more]