Tennessee Code Title 8. Public Officers and Employees § 8-23-208

(a) There is hereby created the commission on compensation. It is the duty of the commission to convene on or about October 1, 1999, and biennially thereafter, to make recommendations to the governor and the general assembly concerning the compensation of the governor, commissioners, constitutional officers, legislators and other officials as may be requested by the governor or speakers of the senate or house of representatives.

(b) The commission shall consist of six (6) members, two (2) each to be appointed by the governor, the speaker of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives. Commission members shall serve without compensation but shall be entitled to reimbursement for expenses in accordance with the comprehensive travel regulations. A commission member shall continue to serve until a successor is appointed by the appropriate appointing authority. Commission members shall not be employed by any governmental entity.

(c) The commission shall elect such officers as it deems necessary and shall conduct its business as it may agree; provided, that all meetings and proceedings of the commission shall be subject to chapter 44, part 1 of this title.

(d) Upon request, the office of comptroller of the treasury shall provide staff assistance to the commission in carrying out its duties.

(e) The commission shall report its recommendation to the governor and the general assembly by December 15 each year in which it is convened, and the governor shall include such recommendations and funding therefor in the recommended budget for the ensuing fiscal year.

(f) In making its recommendations, the commission shall consider the duties and responsibilities of each official, compensation paid to others with similar duties and responsibilities both within and without the state, the need to attract and retain highly qualified individuals in state service, and the positive impact on public policy of a citizen legislature which is broadly representative of the state's population.