Tennessee House Bill HB0111

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/23
• Refer: 1/20/23
• Refer: 2/7/23
• Refer: 2/22/23
• Refer: 3/1/23
• Refer: 3/7/23
• Chaptered: 4/18/23
• Passed: 4/18/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 68, Chapter 211, Part 8, relative to solid waste.

Impact

The proposed changes in HB 0111 have significant implications on environmental law compliance within Tennessee. By revising the population thresholds that pertain to solid waste regulations, the bill seeks to ensure that policies remain relevant to the populations they serve. This aligns state regulations with the latest census but also raises the potential for administrative adjustments for local governments tasked with implementing these regulations. Compliance with these updated standards is anticipated to streamline waste management processes and improve environmental outcomes across communities.

Summary

House Bill 0111 aims to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Title 68, Chapter 211, Part 8, which addresses issues regarding solid waste management. The amendment proposes to update the population criteria for certain provisions within the solid waste regulations, incorporating the latest census data. This adjustment is designed to enhance legal clarity and ensure that environmental regulations are accurately reflecting current demographic information, which can play a crucial role in solid waste management policies.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 0111 appears to be supportive, particularly from environmental advocacy groups and local governments who recognize the need for updated regulatory frameworks. However, there may be concerns regarding the practical implications of these amendments—such as the administrative burden that updated compliance requirements could impose on smaller counties or municipalities with limited resources. Overall, the discourse seems to reflect a cautious optimism regarding improved solid waste regulations, underpinned by a shared goal of environmental stewardship.

Contention

Notable points of contention primarily revolve around the administrative impacts of the new population thresholds. Some legislators and local officials have expressed concerns that revising the regulations based on the new census data may lead to increased complexity and could disproportionately affect smaller communities. The balance between maintaining effective waste management systems and imposing regulatory burdens is central to the debate, highlighting the need for careful consideration of local capacities in meeting new regulatory demands.