TN HB0808

Counties experiencing "substantial economic distress" may forgo mandatory minimum compensation increases for county officials by resolution of the county legislative body

Economic distress criteria include major job losses, high unemployment rates, low family incomes, high poverty levels, and concentration of employment in declining industries

Department of Economic and Community Development must determine each county's distress status by July 1 annually, using unemployment, per capita income, and poverty data from state or federal agencies

Compensation must return to standard levels when the county is no longer distressed or when officials take office after the next county election following the resolution

Economic distress determinations take effect upon becoming law; all other provisions take effect July 1, 2025