Tennessee House Bill HB2129

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 8; Title 11; Title 13; Title 20; Title 28; Title 39; Title 49; Title 54; Title 55; Title 59; Title 62; Title 64; Title 65; Title 66; Title 67; Title 68 and Title 69, relative to waste management.

Impact

The proposed amendments are expected to impact the existing statutes by simplifying the process for public access to key information on waste management. By requiring annual reports to be published online, it sets a standard for accessibility to important environmental data related to waste management operations. This could lead to greater accountability for state agencies and create an informed public ready to engage with waste management issues.

Summary

House Bill 2129 aims to amend various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated related to waste management. Specifically, the bill proposes updates to reporting requirements by mandating that the relevant department publish its annual report on its website, thereby increasing transparency regarding waste management practices in the state. This legislative change is part of an effort to enhance public awareness and oversight concerning how waste is managed across Tennessee.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB2129 appears to be generally positive, as it aligns with efforts to promote environmental accountability and transparency. Legislators and environmental advocates have expressed support for the bill, viewing it as a necessary step toward a more open governmental approach in environmental management. However, there may be some concerns about the effectiveness of the reporting and whether it sufficiently addresses the broader challenges of waste management in the state.

Contention

While there has not been widespread public contention reported regarding HB2129, underlying issues may arise concerning the resources of the department tasked with compiling and distributing these reports. Critics might raise concerns about the adequacy of funding or staffing necessary to effectively implement this new requirement. Therefore, while the bill promotes transparency, it could also highlight the need for additional support and resources to fulfill these newly mandated responsibilities.