Tennessee Senate Bill SB2033

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 67, Chapter 4, Part 29, relative to the County Powers Relief Act.

Impact

The likely impact of SB2033 is significant, as it reinforces the limits on the authority of local governments in Tennessee to impose additional financial burdens on residents through impact fees on residential development. By prohibiting new ordinances in this area, the bill aims to provide clarity and predictability for property developers and prospective homebuyers. However, this limitation may reduce the flexibility of local governments to address specific needs pertaining to their respective communities, particularly in funding public infrastructure tied to residential growth.

Summary

Senate Bill 2033 is designed to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically targeting Chapter 4, Part 29, which pertains to the County Powers Relief Act. The bill seeks to clarify and restrict the current powers of counties concerning impact fees on residential developments and local real estate transfer taxes. Specifically, it disallows counties from enacting any new impact fees or local real estate transfer taxes post June 20, 2006, while allowing existing laws to remain in effect if they were established via a private act prior to this date. The proposed amendments aim to ensure uniformity and protect homeowners from unexpected fees imposed by local jurisdictions.

Contention

The bill does raise notable points of contention among stakeholders. Detractors, including some local officials and community advocacy groups, argue that restricting local governments from levying impact fees could hinder their ability to fund essential services and infrastructure necessary to accommodate population growth. Proponents of the bill contend that a standardized approach is beneficial, reducing financial uncertainty for developers and residents. The balance between local autonomy and state regulation will likely be a central theme in discussions surrounding the bill.