Tennessee Senate Bill SB1879

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 3, Part 5; Title 58; Title 64, Chapter 3; Title 68 and Title 69, relative to weather-related information.

Impact

If enacted, SB1879 will amend several sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated, making significant improvements to how weather-related events are monitored and reported. The legislation will create a structured map that outlines the geographical locations, duration, and severity of floods and landslides, thus providing critical insights into these natural occurrences. Such data could be pivotal for disaster preparedness and response strategies within affected communities.

Summary

Senate Bill 1879, a legislative proposal in Tennessee, aims to enhance the availability of weather-related information by mandating the Department of Environment and Conservation to compile and publish data pertinent to floods and landslides in the state. This initiative intends to utilize existing state resources for gathering information from various sources including other government agencies and citizen scientists. The bill emphasizes the need for transparency and public access to crucial environmental data, facilitating informed decision-making among residents and policymakers.

Contention

While the bill is largely seen as a positive step towards enhancing environmental transparency, there are potential points of contention surrounding the implementation and data accuracy. Critics may raise concerns about the resources required to maintain this new data compilation initiative and the responsibility of the state to provide accurate and timely information. Additionally, some stakeholders may argue that private entities or local governments might be better suited to manage this data, advocating for a more decentralized approach to environmental reporting.