Tennessee County Voice

💡 The 2026 legislative cycle is beginning to take shape at the Tennessee General Assembly. In this week’s episode of the TCSA Capitol Update, we break down the impact of the candidate qualifying deadline for state legislative races and what uncontested seats could mean for lawmakers as they face key votes this session.

📆 We also discuss the shift to “final” committee calendars as the legislature moves deeper into the session, with committees working through packed agendas before deadlines close out bill consideration for the year. Several property tax cap proposals remain in play, including the legislation sponsored by Representative Zachary and Senator Watson that has been temporarily deferred but is expected to return for debate.

📚 In addition, this episode covers Governor Bill Lee’s proposal to expand the Education Freedom Scholarship program, ongoing debates over land use and development regulations affecting counties, and other major policy proposals advancing through committees.

🌟 For a full breakdown of the bills discussed this week and what’s ahead in the legislature, visit the TCSA Capitol Update blog.

©️ 2026 Tennessee County Services Association

For more information, visit www.tncounties.org

Property tax legislation took center stage this week at the Tennessee General Assembly, with a key proposal advancing that could significantly impact county governments.

In this week’s episode of TCSA’s Capitol Update, we break down the latest developments surrounding House Bill 1873. The bill, which proposes new limits on annual property tax revenue growth for counties, was approved in the House Cities and Counties Subcommittee after being amended to allow increases of 3% plus the Consumer Price Index. The measure would still require voter approval at a November election in even-numbered years for counties seeking to exceed that threshold.

This episode also covers several other proposals affecting property taxation, including legislation related to residential property valuations, assessment of movable structures used as residences, and changes to greenbelt rollback taxes.

Finally, we discuss several bills aimed at strengthening funding for ambulance and emergency medical services across Tennessee. These measures would increase reimbursement rates and expand funding streams through TennCare and private insurance — an issue that has become increasingly important as counties face growing pressure to subsidize EMS services.

County officials are encouraged to stay engaged and communicate with their legislators as these proposals continue moving through the committee.

Read the full written Capitol Update and track legislation impacting counties at:

👉 https://www.tncounties.org/capitol-update

©️ 2026 Tennessee County Services Association

For more information, visit www.tncounties.org

🏛️ TCSA Capitol Update | Week of February 27, 2026

County Government Day brought energy, perspective, and a packed schedule to Nashville — but it also came during an unusual week at the Capitol.

In this episode of TCSA’s Capitol Update, we recap a unique legislative week as hundreds of county officials gathered in Nashville for County Government Day while most House committees were paused. Attendees heard directly from  Comptroller Jason Mumpower, Speaker Cameron Sexton, and Governor Bill Lee — who reflected on his time in office and his commitment to rural Tennessee after visiting all 95 counties during his first campaign.

We also discuss a major announcement from Randy McNally, who shared on the Senate floor that he will not seek reelection this November after a decade serving as Lieutenant Governor and a long career in the General Assembly.

Looking ahead, committee calendars are filling quickly — and several bills could have significant impacts on county governments. Most notably, House Bill 1873 would cap local property tax increases at 2% plus inflation and require voter approval for increases beyond that threshold. County associations strongly oppose this legislation, and it is scheduled for committee consideration on Wednesday, March 4.

With 28 additional bills set for hearing in the Cities and Counties Subcommittee next week, this is a critical time for engagement from TCSA members.

For a full written version of this Capitol Update and ongoing legislative resources, visit www.tncounties.org.

©️ 2026 Tennessee County Services Association

For more information, visit www.tncounties.org

Tennessee Capitol Update, brought to you from the Tennessee County Services Association. Hear from TCSA Leadership about legislation that could potentially impact county governments across Tennessee's 95 counties. This update was generated on February 20, 2026. 

For a written companion, including a longer list of bills that were in action this week, please visit www.tncounties.org. 

©️ 2026 Tennessee County Services Association

For more information, visit www.tncounties.org