TennesseeHB 2645114th General Assembly (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

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.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

11 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 6 mixed.

Stronger local election conflict rules

No one may give or promise jobs, money, or benefits on a candidate’s behalf. A violation carries a civil fine up to $1,000 and a five‑year ban on city office or employment. Any city employee who files to run for city office must leave city employment. An Alderman whose term does not end within 45 days must resign at least 30 days before the qualifying deadline to run for Mayor.

City manager, staff hiring, and safeguards

The board appoints a city manager who must live in or near Martin and be chosen for training and experience. Former board members must wait two years before serving as manager. The manager hires department heads (with board approval) and oversees hiring, promotion, discipline, and firing; appeals go to the manager or a hearing officer. Hiring and promotions must be merit‑based. The board appoints a City Recorder (a resident) to handle budget, accounting, funds, records, and insurance, and a City Attorney who is a licensed Tennessee lawyer. Anyone handling city money must have a bond or employee crime insurance, paid by the city.

City property tax rules and collections

The board levies city property tax on taxable property. The rate is set per $100 of assessed value, and last year’s rate stays if no new rate is set. Tax bills show your assessed value, tax due, due dates, and delinquency info. The city sets due dates and can allow two equal semiannual payments. Late taxes add penalties and interest, and overdue records act like a court judgment. The city can collect with police distress warrants, the county trustee, the city attorney, garnishment, or chancery suits. If your property was left off the roll, the recorder must add and value it like similar property.

Annual city budget with public hearing

Each year the city manager submits a proposed budget. The board holds a public hearing and must publish notice at least 10 days before. The board then adopts the budget. If an emergency delays adoption, last year’s appropriations continue. Budget changes also need 10 days’ notice and a hearing.

City utilities and 20-year franchises

The city provides and maintains water, sewer, natural gas, garbage service, police, and fire protection. The board can grant utility or service franchises and contracts for up to 20 years.

How Martin elects and replaces leaders

City elections are nonpartisan in November. The Mayor is elected citywide for four years. One Alderman from each of three wards serves a four‑year, staggered term. Winners need the most votes; ties are settled by the board. Terms start at 7:00 p.m. on the first Monday in December. Candidates must be resident voters, age 21 by taking office, and city residents for one year. The board sets ward lines and reviews them at least every 10 years with new census data. Certain nonresident property owners can vote if they own at least a half interest for a year and qualify to vote for the General Assembly. Vacancies are filled by a board appointment within 45 days. The board elects a Vice Mayor for two years to act during absences and to succeed if the Mayor’s office is vacant. The Mayor presides and may vote on any matter.

Local license taxes on businesses

The board can license and tax activities that state law allows cities to tax. This can add local license fees or taxes for businesses.

City court rules and $50 fine cap

The board appoints a City Judge who is a licensed Tennessee lawyer for a three‑year term, unless removed. The City Court hears ordinance cases and can assess fines and costs. Contempt fines are capped at $50. All ordinance fines are capped at $50 per violation. Court fees go to the city treasury.

Bidding rules for city contracts

The city manager handles purchasing. Sealed bids are required for $10,000 or more. In a declared emergency, the manager can buy without bidding. The board can unanimously approve a noncompetitive contract based on a written recommendation from the manager. The board may let city crews do public improvements without bidding.

City powers, boundaries, and state-law options

The city is a perpetual municipal corporation. It can sue, be sued, make contracts, and own or sell property. City limits are those set in earlier acts and later changes under state law. Boundaries decide who gets city services and who pays city taxes. The board may choose to operate under general state municipal laws instead of or in addition to charter provisions.

Rules on building, fireworks, and land taking

The city can regulate fireworks and other explosives. It can require written permission before you build, set fire limits, and regulate animals running at large. The board can pass ordinances to protect health, safety, and order. The city can take private land for public use when needed, with compensation.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Tandy Darby
Republican • House

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