SB 599

ON FEBRUARY 19, 2026, THE SENATE ADOPTED AMENDMENT #1 AND PASSED SENATE BILL 599, AS AMENDED. AMENDMENT #1 rewrites the bill to, instead, terminate the James K. Polk Memorial Association and require the Tennessee historical commission ("commission"") to enter into good faith negotiations for the purchase and transfer of the James K. Polk Home in C olumbia. Present law conveyed the James K. Polk home to the James K. Polk Memorial Association in trust for the restoration and preservation of the property. This amendment authorizes the commission to expend funds appropriated or available to it for th e repair, renovation, and restoration of the James K. Polk Home, and the improvement of the premises. This amendment provides that the commission will hold legal title to the James K. Polk Home. However, the commission may assign actual custody and control of the property to a Tennessee nonprofit corporation organized for the express purpose of restoring, maintaining, and operating the James K. Polk Home and its premises. Such a nonprofit corporation may operate and manage the James K. Polk Home on behalf of the commission for the general public and to keep the James K. Polk Home and property in a high s tate of improvement and repair in a manner consistent with guidelines promulgated by the commission. Present law requires the James K. Polk Memorial Associate to make an annual report to the governor of its performance in restoring and maintaining the James K. Polk Home. This amendment requires the commission to make such an annual report to the govern or and the speakers of the senate and house of representatives. This amendment clarifies that it is not an appropriation of funds, and that funds must not be obligated or expended pursuant to it unless the funds are specifically appropriated by the general appropriations act. This amendment requires the commission to notify the executive secretary of the Tennessee code commission in writing of the purchase and transfer of the James K. Polk Home."