Tennessee Senate Bill SB1457

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/25
• Chaptered: 6/4/25
• Passed: 6/4/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Chapter 568 of the Private Acts of 1939; as amended by Chapter 107 of the Private Acts of 1981; Chapter 129 of the Private Acts of 2006; Chapter 66 of the Private Acts of 2014; and any other acts amendatory thereto, relative to the City of Portland.

Summary

SB1457 is a private act amendment affecting the City of Portland, Tennessee. The bill amends the city’s private charter law, specifically Chapter 568 of the Private Acts of 1939 and later amendments, by deleting Article XII and substituting new language that repeals Article IX as of the 2025 amendment. In practical terms, it updates and reorganizes provisions in Portland’s local governing act rather than creating a statewide policy change. The bill is structured as a local-option measure: it does not take effect unless approved by a two-thirds vote of the Portland legislative body, with the result certified to the secretary of state. It becomes effective immediately only for the purpose of that local approval process, while all other effects depend on local adoption. The act was passed by the General Assembly and signed by the governor, indicating it cleared the state legislative process and was enacted subject to the city’s approval requirement.

Impact

This bill changes the private acts governing the City of Portland by repealing and replacing a section of its charter-related legislation. Its legal impact is limited to Portland and does not alter general Tennessee law or statewide statutes. The affected parties are the City of Portland’s governing body and residents, because the city must approve the amendment before it becomes operative for local governance purposes.

Sentiment

The available voting history suggests strong support and little controversy at the state level. The bill passed the House floor unanimously on a motion to adopt, 33-0, and there are no committee transcripts indicating opposition or debate. The overall sentiment appears favorable, with the measure treated as a routine local charter update.

Contention

There is no recorded substantive contention in the provided materials. The only notable issue is procedural: the amendment requires a two-thirds vote of Portland’s legislative body before it takes effect locally. That local approval requirement is the main point where disagreement could arise, but no opposition from legislators or committee members is documented in the available record.