Rep. Tandy Darby Capitol Talk

HUNTINGDON (March 14) — State Rep. Tandy Darby (R-Greenfield) met with local officials and residents Friday at Capitol Talk, discussing Gov. Bill Lee’s budget proposal, school voucher expansion, public safety investments, and economic development efforts. Hosted by the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, the event covered key legislative issues, with Darby providing specific funding details and updates on legislation affecting schools, businesses, and law enforcement.

State Budget Focuses on Education, Childcare, and Business Growth
Gov. Lee’s $59.5 billion budget proposal includes $730.3 million for public education, with funding allocated for:

• $62.7 million for K-12 school infrastructure and facility improvements.

• $27.3 million for summer learning programs to prevent learning loss.

• $25 million for fast-track grants aimed at attracting new businesses.

• $5.9 million to expand childcare options for working families.

Darby emphasized childcare as a workforce issue, noting that a lack of options makes it difficult for some Tennesseans to remain in the workforce.

“A lot of companies have tried to put something together to offer childcare for their employees, and I think this funding is going to be pretty beneficial,” he said.

Education Freedom Accounts Expanding
Tennessee’s Education Freedom Account (EFA) program, which allows public funds to be used for private school tuition, is expanding this year.

• 162 schools across 30 counties have opted into the program.

• The state will review participation annually to track how many students move from public to private schools using EFAs.

“We’re going to take a look yearly about new private students receiving funds,” Darby said.

While the program has been debated in the legislature, Darby was not asked how the expansion might affect public school budgets. His remarks focused on parental demand for education options rather than whether shifting enrollment could impact public school funding.

“We recognize that local schools need support, but we also know parents are asking for more choices,” he said.

Public Safety and Infrastructure Receive Funding Boost
The budget also allocates funding for law enforcement and infrastructure improvements across the state:

• $38 million to hire 117 new state troopers.

• $5 million to expand the statewide School Resource Officer (SRO) program.

• $1 million for school-based behavioral health programs.

• $2.3 million for House of Worship security grants.

• $6.2 million for Tennessee State Parks maintenance.

• $40 million for environmental cleanup projects.

Legislative Priorities Include Cell Phone Policy, Land Purchases, and Utility Development
A proposed bill would allow local school boards (LEAs) to regulate or restrict student cell phone use in classrooms.

“This just opens the door so that you all are able to do what you think is necessary,” Darby said. “It lets you know the state is behind you in whatever decision you make.”

The bill does not establish statewide regulations, leaving the final decision to local school boards.

Darby raised concerns about foreign entities purchasing land near military bases and energy infrastructure, calling it an issue that has drawn attention in Tennessee.

“We’ve seen foreign entities buying property next to places that produce electricity, next to military installations. Some of it seems strategically coordinated,” he said.

He did not specify whether any legislation is currently being considered to address the issue.

A proposed hunting bill would allow the use of drones to locate downed game after a legal hunt, while keeping existing property laws in place.

“Right now, it’s still against the law to fly a drone over another person’s property without consent, and that will not change,” Darby said.

The bill would allow drone use only for tracking purposes, not for active hunting.

Legislature to Consider Public Utility Expansion
A public utility bill under discussion would allow developers to install utilities in areas where existing providers cannot meet demand in a timely manner.

Darby said further committee discussions would determine the final language of the bill before any legislative action is taken.

Upcoming Events
• Sen. John Stevens will attend the next Capitol Talk on April 11 to discuss West Tennessee legislative priorities.

• The National Day of Prayer event is scheduled for May 1 at the Carroll County Airport.

Darby closed the event by thanking attendees for their participation in state policy discussions and emphasizing the importance of collaboration between lawmakers, educators, and community leaders.

“I appreciate y’all coming out on a Friday morning,” he said. “I want you to know that the state recognizes these issues, and we are working to support our communities in whatever ways we can.”