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TennesseeHB 2638114th General Assembly (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

AN ACT to amend Chapter 154 of the Private Acts of 1955; as amended by Chapter 158 of the Private Acts of 1988; Chapter 204 of the Private Acts of 1990; and any other acts amendatory thereto, relative to the City of Charlotte.

Sponsored By: Jody Barrett, Jody (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Charlotte

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

11 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 7 mixed.

City can levy property taxes

The law lets Charlotte assess and collect property taxes on all taxable property. The tax rate is for general purposes and does not include debt service. Homeowners and other owners may see city tax bills. These changes apply only after a two‑thirds vote of Charlotte’s legislative body and certification.

More people can vote in Charlotte

You can vote if you live in Charlotte. You can also vote if you live elsewhere but own at least 50% fee simple interest in city property, not just cemetery plots. You must show a certified deed or certified tax records. These rules apply only after a two‑thirds vote of Charlotte’s legislative body and certification.

Clear city records and law code

The Mayor prepares an Official Code that compiles city laws and updates it at least monthly. One newspaper notice is enough to adopt the code. The code can be sold for a reasonable fee with yearly revision fees. A city clerk keeps the seal, records minutes and votes, and issues certified copies for fees set by ordinance. These steps apply only after a two‑thirds vote of Charlotte’s legislative body and certification.

Stronger budget and audit rules

The Mayor must submit a detailed budget at least 45 days before the fiscal year. The plan must cover each fund and list new revenue measures apart from normal revenue. The Council can hire a CPA to audit all books yearly and publish a summary. These steps improve planning and oversight. They apply only after a two‑thirds vote of Charlotte’s legislative body and certification.

City land powers and annexation

Charlotte can buy, sell, hold, or take property for public use, including by condemnation under state law. It can reserve industrial sites, protect open space, and build and run parks, roads, sewers, libraries, hospitals, and other facilities. The city can change its borders and annex nearby areas under Tennessee law. Annexed homes may start paying city taxes and get city services. These rules apply only after a two‑thirds vote of Charlotte’s legislative body and certification.

Centralized bidding for city purchases

A city purchasing agent makes most purchases and contracts. Awards go to the lowest and best bidder by ordinance. No bids are needed for professional services, regulated‑rate services, or buys from other governments. These rules apply only after a two‑thirds vote of Charlotte’s legislative body and certification.

City may borrow for services

Charlotte can borrow money and appropriate funds for any municipal purpose. Borrowing helps pay for projects now but requires future debt payments. That can affect future budgets and tax needs. These changes apply only after a two‑thirds vote of Charlotte’s legislative body and certification.

Local city court and judge rules

Charlotte can set up a city court for ordinance cases. The city attorney or an assistant prosecutes. The Council appoints a judge for two‑year terms; pay cannot change during a term. Judges must step aside in conflict cases; the Mayor appoints an acting judge and may remove that acting judge without cause. Pay for an acting judge is set by ordinance. The Council may let the judge appoint and remove a court clerk and staff. These rules apply only after a two‑thirds vote of Charlotte’s legislative body and certification.

Local two‑thirds approval required first

None of these charter changes take effect in Charlotte unless two‑thirds of the city’s legislative body approves them. The presiding officer must proclaim the vote and certify approval to the Secretary of State.

Old charter subsections removed

The law deletes subsections 1.05(c), 1.05(f), 1.05(p), 1.05(q), and Section 4.17 of the prior charter. The act does not restate what these parts said. The real effect depends on the removed text. These deletions apply only after a two‑thirds vote of Charlotte’s legislative body and certification.

Stronger mayor and clear council rules

The Mayor is the city’s executive head and can hire, move, suspend, or remove most city staff. The Mayor can direct the City Attorney to bring legal actions and can act as purchasing agent if none is named. The Council has six members plus the Mayor, must hold public monthly meetings, and pay cannot change during a term. Special meetings need 48 hours’ written notice. Three members can add items to the next agenda. The Council can issue subpoenas and enforce attendance. These rules apply only after a two‑thirds vote of Charlotte’s legislative body and certification.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jody Barrett, Jody

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 155 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/15/2026

FLOOR VOTE: Motion to Adopt 4/15/2026

Yes: 31 • No: 0

House vote • 4/13/2026

FLOOR VOTE: CONSENT CALENDAR PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 4/13/2026

Yes: 94 • No: 0

House vote • 4/9/2026

HOUSE CALENDAR & RULES COMMITTEE

Yes: 0 • No: 0

House vote • 4/8/2026

HOUSE STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE

Yes: 19 • No: 0

House vote • 3/9/2026

HOUSE PRIVATE ACTS COMMITTEE

Yes: 11 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Pr. Ch. 56

    5/27/2026

  2. Signed by Governor.

    5/21/2026

  3. Transmitted to Governor for his action.

    5/11/2026House

  4. Signed by Senate Speaker

    5/5/2026Senate

  5. Signed by H. Speaker

    4/30/2026House

  6. Enrolled; ready for sig. of H. Speaker.

    4/20/2026House

  7. Senate substituted House Bill for companion Senate Bill.

    4/15/2026Senate

  8. Passed Senate, Ayes 31, Nays 0

    4/15/2026Senate

  9. Received from House, Passed on First Consideration

    4/14/2026Senate

  10. Passed H., Ayes 94, Nays 0, PNV 0

    4/13/2026House

  11. Engrossed; ready for transmission to Sen.

    4/13/2026House

  12. H. Placed on Consent Calendar for 4/13/2026

    4/9/2026House

  13. Rec. for pass; ref to Calendar & Rules Committee

    4/8/2026House

  14. Placed on cal. Calendar & Rules Committee for 4/9/2026

    4/8/2026House

  15. Action def. in State & Local Government Committee to 4/8/2026

    4/1/2026House

  16. Placed on cal. State & Local Government Committee for 4/8/2026

    4/1/2026House

  17. Action def. in State & Local Government Committee to 3/31/2026

    3/25/2026House

  18. Placed on cal. State & Local Government Committee for 3/31/2026

    3/25/2026House

  19. Action def. in State & Local Government Committee to 3/24/2026

    3/18/2026House

  20. Placed on cal. State & Local Government Committee for 3/24/2026

    3/18/2026House

  21. Placed on cal. State & Local Government Committee for 3/18/2026

    3/11/2026House

  22. Rec. for pass; ref to State & Local Government Committee

    3/9/2026House

  23. Placed on cal. Private Acts Committee for 3/9/2026

    3/4/2026House

  24. P2C, ref. to Private Acts Committee - State & Local Government Committee

    2/23/2026House

  25. Intro., P1C.

    2/19/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enrolled / Public Chapter

    PDF

  • Introduced

    PDF

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