Tennessee Senate Bill SB1397

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/23
• Engrossed: 4/9/24
• Enrolled: 4/24/24
• Passed: 5/6/24
• Chaptered: 5/13/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 64, Chapter 1, Part 6, relative to the Tennessee Duck River development agency.

Impact

One of the bill's key impacts is the formal establishment of a technical advisory committee for the Duck River development agency. This committee will play a critical role in overseeing and approving water supply programs and projects, requiring a weighted voting mechanism to ensure representation from various water systems. As a result, the bill aims to enhance collaboration among stakeholders while ensuring adequate funding and resources for water management initiatives.

Summary

Senate Bill 1397 is primarily focused on amending the Tennessee Code Annotated as it pertains to the Tennessee Duck River development agency. The bill establishes mechanisms for setting a per thousand-gallon membership fee to be charged to water systems that withdraw finished water from the upper Duck River watershed. This fee is designed to fund the agency's operating costs as well as regional water supply programs, emphasizing the importance of sustainable management of this vital resource.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB1397 appears positive, with unanimous support indicated by the voting history—an overwhelming 95 votes in favor and none against during its third consideration highlights a collaborative effort to improve water resource management in Tennessee. This indicates a strong bipartisan agreement on the necessity of safeguarding water supplies in the face of potential challenges.

Contention

While the bill has garnered significant support, some contention may arise from the details surrounding the membership fee structure and the authority of the technical advisory committee. Opposition could stem from concerns regarding equitable fee assessments for varying water system sizes, as well as how the decisions made by the committee may disproportionately affect smaller municipalities. These discussions around equity in water resource management will likely continue as stakeholders implement the provisions set forth by SB1397.