It was not long ago that North Carolina had the highest personal and corporate income tax rates in the Southeastern United States, but state legislators have been systematically cutting business and individual taxes, Forbes reports. This year, legislators turned their attention to the professional privilege tax, with the state House passing a budget that repeals the tax. The final budget is being negotiated but if the tax is repealed in the Tar Heel state, Tennessee would be among just five states that still levy a privilege tax. Tennessee House Majority Leader William Lamberth tells Forbes that state leaders agree with the goal of completely doing away with the tax but are moving judiciously. "It should never have been put in to begin with and on every single profession," he said. Jim Brown, NFIB state director in Tennessee, tells the magazine that “No one should be taxed just to go to work” and that “Paying the state $400 a year is a burden on many and frankly an insult” for those who “take care of the needs of so many Tennesseans.”

More than 200 general counsel and chief legal officers have signed a letter of support for Legal Services Corporation (LSC) funding, the corporation reports. The letter urges Congress to strengthen its investment in equal justice and emphasizes the important role legal aid plays in creating financial stability for families who form “the foundation of a resilient middle class and healthy consumers” and maintains the “strength of the American workforce.” The corporation also reports that similar letters have been signed by 37 state attorneys general, 93 law school deans, 184 law firm leaders, and the presidents of the Conference of Chief Justices and Conference of State Court Administrators.

The Arts & Business Council's Volunteer Lawyers and Professionals for the Arts is joining the law firm of Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, Nashville Bar Foundation and Country Music Association to provide free legal services for nonprofits and Black-owned small businesses in Nashville on July 20. Advice will cover business formation, corporate governance, contracts and navigating local ordinances and state regulations. Eligible entities may receive up to one hour of assistance. Clients should sign up online. Attorneys should email vlpa@abcnashville.org to volunteer.

A federal judge last week dismissed a lawsuit brought by a group of Tennessee-born transgender plaintiffs hoping to compel the state to change the sex designations on their birth certificates. The plaintiffs had sought to overturn a 1977 law that generally prohibits such changes, the Tennessean reports. The group, represented by Lambda Legal, argued that the law discriminates against transgender people and leads to possible harassment and violence when birth certificates do not match gender identities. U.S. District Judge Eli Richardson wrote in his decision that while there are varying definitions of "sex," the term "has a very narrow and specific meaning" for the purpose of birth certificates: the "external genitalia at the time of birth." Read Richardson's opinion.

The TBA and student loan provider SoFi have teamed up for a free webinar for members on July 11 at 3 p.m. CDT. During the session, SoFi’s team will cover topics such as how to use the tools, resources and products available at SoFi.com/TBA; options for managing debt; how to receive an exclusive discount when refinancing student loans; and updates on the current student loan landscape. Register here.

Make plans now to join colleagues at the TBA’s 2023 Disability Law Forum. This year’s program will take place virtually on Oct. 20 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Check back for more details coming soon to the TBA’s online course catalog.

The Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands will hold a veterans only clinic next Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. CDT at Operation Stand Down, 1125 12th Ave. S., Nashville 37203. To volunteer for the clinic, contact Kendra Cheek, 615-780-7131.

A story in yesterday’s issue of TBA Today reported that the Nashville Metro Council voted unanimously this week to appoint former Metro Councilmember Anthony Davis to the state House seat held by Democratic Rep. Bill Beck, who died earlier this month. Davis will serve in an interim capacity until a special general election is held in September. He will face three other Democrats in a special primary election on Aug. 3. The winner of that race will advance to the general election on Sept. 12. One Republican has picked up papers to run in the general election. The Nashville Post has more on the story.

Make plans now to attend the TBA’s 2023 Administrative Law Forum on Dec. 8 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. CST. Thanks to Jonathan Fly, administrative judge for the Tennessee Department of Human Services, for producing this program. Watch for program topics and speakers coming soon.

The Tennessee Supreme Court today issued an order adopting a new Court of Appeals Rule 17. The rule deals with the signing of notices of appeal, applications for permission to appeal, applications for extraordinary appeal, petitions for recusal appeal, briefs, motions, representations to the court, and sanctions. The amendment takes effect immediately.