Tennessee Senate Bill SB0283

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 68, Chapter 221, relative to subsurface sewage disposal systems.

Summary

SB0283 amends Tennessee law governing subsurface sewage disposal systems by prohibiting the Department of Environment and Conservation from requiring a renewal fee for a septic system installer license, so long as the installer is in good standing with the department. The bill applies notwithstanding any contrary provision in the statute or in department rules, and it would take effect July 1, 2025. In practical terms, the measure removes a cost associated with maintaining licensure for qualified septic system installers. It does not change the underlying licensing framework or the requirement that installers remain in good standing, but it does eliminate the renewal fee as a condition of license renewal for that category of licensee.

Impact

The bill would amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 68-221-409, by adding a new subsection that limits the department’s authority to charge renewal fees for septic system installer licenses. This directly affects the Department of Environment and Conservation’s licensing administration and reduces recurring costs for installers who meet the good-standing requirement. It may also require the department to adjust its rules and fee collection practices to conform to the new statutory prohibition.

Sentiment

No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate or opposition in the available materials. Based on the text alone, the bill appears narrowly targeted and administrative in nature, suggesting a likely practical rather than ideological focus. The absence of recorded controversy indicates the measure may have been viewed as a modest regulatory relief bill for licensed installers.

Contention

The main point of potential contention is the loss of a renewal-fee revenue stream for the department and whether eliminating the fee could affect program administration or oversight. Any opposition would likely come from state administrators concerned about funding or from those who prefer to preserve agency discretion over licensing fees. Support would likely come from septic system installers and related industry stakeholders who would benefit from reduced licensing costs.