AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8, relative to public officers and employees.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE:

SECTION 1. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 8-24-102(e), is amended by adding the following language at the end of the subsection:

The term "average annualized general increase in state employee's compensation" shall mean the average percentage increase in base salaries for state employees plus the equivalent percentage increase in average state employees' salaries represented by recurring appropriation amounts provided to improve the level of retirement benefits, longevity benefits, and deferred compensation benefits or other similar benefits that are made available to state employees, not including health insurance benefits.

SECTION 2. This act clarifies existing law and therefore this act shall become effective upon passage, the public welfare requiring it.

Pursuant to Article III, Section 18, of the Constitution of the State of Tennessee, the Governor had House Bill No. 1289 in his possession longer than ten (10) days, so therefore the bill becomes law without the Governor's signature.