Committee approves overhaul of state personnel appeals, cutting independent step‑3 review

The committee approved an amended rewrite of the Tennessee Merit Appeals Commission framework—labeled "TMAC 2"—that removes the existing independent "step 3" hearing and replaces it with a two‑step internal appeals process followed by the ability to file in chancery court in one of the state's grand divisions.

Chairman McCallman presented the administration bill as a modernization of the 2012 framework to streamline appeals and improve efficiency. Eric Mayo, senior policy adviser for the Tennessee Department of Human Resources, told the committee the change was negotiated with the Tennessee State Employees Association (TSA) and that the amendment provides for court review if employees remain unsatisfied after the internal steps. “We have worked closely with TSA... Their board voted on Friday to go to a neutral position on the bill,” Mayo said. He also explained that the step‑2 decision would be appealable to chancery court in a grand division to speed resolution.

Opponents said removing the independent step‑3 hearing reduces fairness for state staff. Representative Dixie said step‑3 provided an independent review that could correct wrongful discipline and urged caution about removing it. “We have to make sure we get it right... we have to have an independent review to get an honest and unbiased opinion,” Dixie said.

Proponents cited administrative burden: Mayo and the sponsor said very few cases reached step‑3 and that changes would reduce time and cost for agencies while preserving the ability to appeal to court. After discussion and testimony, the committee adopted the amendment and moved the bill to Government Operations (13 ayes, 9 nos).