NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Legislation by State Rep. Tim Rudd, R-Murfreesboro, to help ensure lawmakers receive accurate information before voting on legislation advanced out of the House Public Service Subcommittee this week.
The Employee Accountability Act, or House Bill 1698, will authorize the chair of a legislative committee to require an executive branch employee appearing before the body to take an oath subject to the penalty of perjury.
“The legislative process demands accuracy, transparency and integrity. The Employee Accountability Act ensures state lawmakers have accurate information before making decisions that can impact all Tennesseans,” said Rudd. “This proposal is a critical step toward improving government efficiency and building a more prosperous Tennessee.”
House Bill 1698 would authorize the executive director of the legislature’s Fiscal Review Committee, which estimates a proposed bill’s cost, to require verification that all materials submitted by executive branch employees are true and correct.
Knowingly providing false information with the intent to deceive could be considered a Class C misdemeanor, according to the legislation. House Bill 1698 creates a process by which the speakers of the House and Senate could initiate an investigation into reliable allegations, which could then be referred to a district attorney general.
House Bill 1698 will be considered in the State and Local Government Committee on March 24.
State Rep. Tim Rudd represents District 34 in the Tennessee House of Representatives, which includes part of Rutherford County.