TennesseeHB 2645114th General Assembly (2025-2026)House

AN ACT to amend Chapter 158 of the Private Acts of 1992; as amended by Chapter 103 of the Private Acts of 1993; Chapter 62 of the Private Acts of 1993; Chapter 27 of the Private Acts of 2001; Chapter 37 of the Private Acts of 2003; Chapter 87 of the Private Acts of 2006; and any other acts amendatory thereto, relative to the charter for the City of Martin.

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

Martin

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

13 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 5 costs, 7 mixed.

Martin establishes charter and government rules

The law replaces Martin's earlier charters and establishes a board with a mayor and six aldermen. The mayor can veto ordinances; two-thirds of the full board can override a veto. A board-selected vice mayor serves two years and acts for or succeeds the mayor as the charter directs. The manager prepares the annual budget with the recorder; adoption and amendments require notice and a public hearing. The board can choose state laws available to Tennessee cities instead of, or alongside, charter rules. The act requires two-thirds approval by the city legislative body before taking substantive effect.

Martin can require owner sidewalk repairs

Martin can require written permission before a building is built. The city can also require owners to build or repair sidewalks next to their property. The law sets no repair cost or schedule.

Martin employees face limits when running

A Martin employee cannot keep a city job after filing a nominating petition for city office. This excludes the mayor, aldermen, board or commission members, city attorney, and city judge. The restriction takes substantive effect upon two-thirds approval by the city legislative body.

Martin sets property tax rules

All taxable property in Martin is subject to city property tax. The board sets a rate per $100 of assessed value; last year's rate continues without a new rate. The recorder must add property missed by the county assessor, using the same assessment ratio as the same property class. Martin can also license and tax privileges taxable under Tennessee law. The law sets no actual tax rate or bill amount. These rules take substantive effect upon two-thirds approval by the city legislative body.

Martin fills vacancies and limits mayoral runs

Vacancy grounds include resignation, death, relocation, certain convictions, 90 days of unexplained meeting absences, or six months of continuous disability. A majority of remaining board members must appoint a qualified replacement within 45 days. The replacement serves until the term ends or the next regular city election, whichever comes first. An alderman running for mayor must resign at least 30 days before the qualifying deadline unless their term ends within 45 days of that election. When that resignation leaves a term extending beyond the election, the board must meet at least 20 days before the qualifying deadline. The resignation rule takes substantive effect upon two-thirds approval by the city legislative body.

Martin penalizes candidate-related gifts and promises

Candidates and people acting for them cannot give or promise offices, jobs, money, benefits, or anything of value. Violators face a civil penalty of up to $1,000. They also cannot hold city office or city employment for five years.

Martin caps fines and allows installments

Martin can penalize city ordinance violations, but a fine under the charter cannot exceed $50. The city judge hears ordinance cases and can impose fines, penalties, forfeitures, and costs. Contempt fines are also capped at $50, and city ordinances can allow installment payments with required security. Willful failure to pay or provide that security requires the judge to request a civil suit by the city attorney. Court fees and receipts go to the city and are deposited with the recorder.

Martin allows installments and tax collection

Martin must set tax due dates by ordinance and send bills showing assessed values, amounts due, and delinquency details. City ordinances can allow two equal yearly payments and set late-payment penalties and interest. Delinquent tax records have the force of a court judgment. An ordinance can authorize seizure and sale of goods, garnishment, court suits, or collection through the county trustee or city attorney. These rules take substantive effect upon two-thirds approval by the city legislative body.

Martin sets voter and candidate rules

Martin has three wards, with ward lines reviewed at least every 10 years when census results are available. Nonpartisan elections occur every two years at the November state election, with staggered four-year terms. Terms start at 7:00 p.m. on the first Monday in December after the election. Candidates must be qualified resident voters, live in Martin for the preceding year, and turn 21 before taking office. Aldermen must live in their ward, and candidates cannot run for mayor and alderman in the same election. Qualified residents can vote, as can qualified nonresidents holding at least half a taxable freehold property interest for one year. The property-owner voting rule also covers spouses owning property together by entirety.

Martin caps utility deals at 20 years

Martin can provide water, sewer, natural gas, and garbage services. The city can grant franchises or make contracts for public utilities and public services. These agreements cannot last more than 20 years. The law does not set household rates or require a specific service change.

Martin limits official pay and protects funds

The board sets the mayor's and aldermen's pay by ordinance, but salaries cannot change during their terms. Officials can receive reimbursement for actual, necessary costs of official duties. The mayor and specified personnel must have board-approved bonds, with amounts set by the board. Martin pays for the bonds and can accept employee crime-or-dishonesty insurance instead. The coverage rules take substantive effect upon two-thirds approval by the city legislative body.

Martin requires bids for larger purchases

Martin generally must use formal sealed bids and written, board-approved contracts for transactions of $10,000 or more. The board can waive bidding for a declared emergency. It can also approve a clearly advantageous contract by unanimous resolution of members present, following the manager's written recommendation. Work performed by a city department or agency can also proceed without competitive bidding.

Martin requires merit-based city hiring

Martin must base hiring and promotions on skills, experience, and other job qualifications. The board appoints the city manager based on qualifications, not political or religious preference. The manager must live in Martin or nearby; former mayors and aldermen must wait two years after their latest term expires. The manager hires department heads with board approval and manages personnel under board policies. Discipline and dismissal are subject to the charter's appeal and hearing procedures.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 125 • No: 1

Senate vote • 4/2/2026

FLOOR VOTE: Motion to Adopt 4/2/2026

Yes: 31 • No: 0

House vote • 3/30/2026

FLOOR VOTE: CONSENT CALENDAR PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 3/30/2026

Yes: 82 • No: 1

House vote • 3/26/2026

HOUSE CALENDAR & RULES COMMITTEE

Yes: 0 • No: 0

House vote • 3/18/2026

HOUSE STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE