HB 2111

This bill creates the state family advisory board ("board"") to be composed of nine members who must all be family members of individuals currently incarcerated in this state. The governor, the speaker of the senate, and the speaker of the house of representatives must each appoint three members, with each member coming from a different grand division in this state. In making the initial appointments, this bill requires staggered terms. Following the expiration of initial terms, all members serve three-year terms that begin on January 1 and end on December 31 of each applicable year. Additionally, m embers of the board are eligible for reappointment. This bill requires v acancies occurring on the board before the expiration of a term by reason of death, resignation, removal, or another reason to be filled in the same manner as the regular appointment for the remainder of the unexpired term. An appointed member of the board serves in such capacity until the expiration of the term to which the member was appointed and until the member's successor is duly appointed and qualified. The governor and the speakers of the senate and house of representatives mu st remove a member of the board whom the respective appointing authority appointed for cause. This bill requires the members to elect one member of the board to serve as the chair for a term of one year beginning January 1 of the appropriate year. The chair must direct the operation of the board. The board may designate one of its members to act as chair during the absence or incapacity of the chair, and when so acting, the member so designated has and performs all the powers and duties of the chair of the boar d. POWER AND AUTHORITY OF THE BOARD This bill requires the board to ( i ) f oster effective communication between the department of correction (""department"") and family members, ( ii ) s trengthen efforts for family reunification, ( iii ) b uild stronger families and communities upon reentry, and ( iv ) p rovide feedback on relevant activities within the department. The department must provide staffing as necessary for the board to fulfill its duties under this bill BOARD MEETINGS – QUORUM OF MEMBERS – REIMBURSEMENT FOR TRAVEL This bill requires the commissioner of correction to call the first meeting of the board. The board must meet at least monthly at a time and place prescribed by the board. In addition to the regular meetings of the board, the board must hold at least three public informational meetings each year for family members and the public to provide comments. However, t hese meetings must not be held in the same grand division. This bill provides that a majority of members of the board constitutes a quorum for official administrative business. The board must take all votes by public ballot or public roll call. Secret ballots or secret roll calls are not permitted. This bill provides that members of the board serve without compensation . However, the members of the board must be reimbursed for reasonable and necessary travel expenses in accordance with the state comprehensive travel regulations when engaging in the board's business. ENTITY REVIEW This bill provides that the commission terminates on June 30, 202 8, for purposes of the Tennessee Governmental Entity Review Law."