Inside the governor's budget: DNA testing, AI and shorter DMV lines
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Faster DNA testing, school upgrades and more staff members handing driver license renewals are a few of the items tucked into Gov. Bill Lee's new $57.9 billion budget proposal.
Why it matters: The funding plan released this week illustrates Lee's priorities during his final year in office.
Between the lines: The budget will also be the subject of many debates as state lawmakers settle into the legislative session.
- We've mentioned some headline-grabbing proposals like the expansion of Tennessee's school voucher plan. Here are other noteworthy items from the 564-page document:
🪪 Driver services: As anyone who got a Real ID last year knows, the lines wrapping around driver service centers can test your patience. The budget would put $2.6 million toward adding 34 positions statewide.
- "Sometimes we have long wait times," Finance and Administration Commissioner Jim Bryson told lawmakers while presenting the budget Tuesday. "We're increasing staffing to improve those services."
📚 School improvements: $40 million is set aside to improve infrastructure at charter schools. Another $20 million would go toward maintenance grants at public K–12 facilities.
🚨 Adding state troopers: Lee's long-term efforts to grow Tennessee's law enforcement footprint would continue under his final budget, with $17.6 million to create 50 new state trooper positions.
- More than $19.7 million is also included to boost trooper pay across the board.
🧬 DNA testing: The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has had testing lags for rape kits and other DNA evidence for years. The new budget would use $4.9 million to create a 10-person rapid DNA unit.
- A state agency reviewing Tennessee's evidence backlog recently recommended that lawmakers adjust DNA testing laws to allow for rapid DNA technology during booking.
Flashback: TBI used rapid DNA testing to identify human remains after an explosion at a munitions plant last year.
- The technology allows for a two-hour turnaround on tests. It is portable and can be done on site during disasters.
🤖 Expanding AI: A one-time influx of $50 million would pay for the state to implement artificial intelligence technology in an effort to "make government work more efficiently for Tennesseans."
- The education budget also includes $210,000 to fund a professional development course about using AI in the classroom.
What's next: Lawmakers must approve the budget. They will make changes in the coming months before taking a final vote in the spring.