Labor & Employment (Emergency Management)

HB 6002 amends Tennessee law to streamline disaster response and support. It authorizes the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) to assist local governments with recovery on public property upon request, and suspends certain unemployment benefit eligibility rules for residents or workers in counties with a federal major disaster declaration. The suspension applies only to claimants in areas where the state has sought federal disaster aid, allowing flexibility in processing claims during emergencies. These changes directly affect TEMA, local emergency agencies, and individuals seeking unemployment benefits in declared disaster zones. The bill modifies specific sections of Tennessee Code (50-7-302 and 58-2-106) to implement these provisions.

SB 6004 amends Tennessee law to improve emergency response and support affected residents. It authorizes the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) to assist local governments with disaster recovery on public property when requested, and temporarily suspends certain unemployment eligibility requirements for people living or working in counties with a declared emergency. Specifically, it allows flexibility in processing unemployment claims for residents in areas where the state has requested federal disaster assistance. These changes apply only during active emergency declarations and aim to streamline aid during crises.