Tennessee Senate Bill SB1845

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 64, Chapter 1, Part 11, relative to the West Tennessee River Basin Authority.

Summary

Senate Bill 1845 proposes amendments to the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically targeting operations related to the West Tennessee River Basin Authority. This bill amends provisions regarding the authority's jurisdiction, specifying the 'agency service area' and updating details regarding the river basins under its auspices. It redefines certain geographic mentions in law, replacing outdated terminologies and ensuring clarity on the affected counties including Lauderdale, Lake, Dyer, and several others. The bill aims to streamline the authority's legislative language and make it more relevant to current governance practices. The most significant change includes the amendment allowing the authority to receive funds from county governments for various purposes including planning, acquisition, and maintenance of facilities. This grants county governments the option to impose taxes on real property within the agency's service area, specifically targeting properties that benefit from the authority's improvements. The changes could potentially increase financial support for environmental and infrastructural projects while also placing a tax option back into local governance hands. There has been some contention around the bill, primarily focusing on how it might impact local control and taxation powers. Critics are concerned that allowing counties to impose such taxes could lead to inequalities, with some areas potentially shouldering a heavier tax burden than others based on the local authority's decisions. Supporters argue that the bill is necessary for ensuring that the West Tennessee River Basin Authority can effectively manage environmental needs and support local projects. Overall, SB1845 seeks to modernize and enhance the operational framework of the West Tennessee River Basin Authority, which is critical for managing local resources and responding to community needs. As the legislative session progresses, it will be important to monitor discussions surrounding the potential impacts on local governance and environmental management.