Tenn. Code Ann. § 67-6-405: Personnel, supplies, and expenses

(a) The commissioner, with the approval of the governor, is authorized to employ all necessary assistance to administer this chapter properly, and is also authorized to purchase all necessary supplies and equipment, and to incur any other necessary expenses that may be required for this purpose, in order to put the chapter fully and completely into effect.

(b) All necessary expenses of employees to administer this chapter shall be paid in the manner provided by law applicable to expenses of other state officials and employees.