Tenn. Code Ann. § 9-9-103

There is hereby appropriated to the state funding board on a direct and continuing basis a sum sufficient for payment of debt service (principal, interest and premium, if any) on outstanding bonds and other debt obligations (including notes), amounts due on contracts or agreements authorized under this chapter, and necessary related expenses. The state funding board is authorized to make debt service payments on outstanding bonds and other debt obligations (including notes), and make payments due under contracts and agreements authorized under this chapter, and necessary related expenses, as provided in this section from any funds held in the state treasury not otherwise legally restricted, independent of an appropriation bill as contemplated by chapter 4, part 51 of this title.