Tennessee House Bill HB2867

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/24
• Refer: 2/5/24
• Failed: 3/12/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 4-1-412; Title 64, Chapter 1, Part 8 and Section 70-1-302, relative to the Carroll County watershed.

Impact

The legislation also institutes a requirement for the Tennessee wildlife resources agency to present an annual budget to the finance and ways and means committees of both legislative chambers. This budget will detail both the income and expenditures associated with the lake's administration, ensuring that financial management is transparent and subject to legislative scrutiny. By mandating the budget presentation by February 1 of each year, the bill introduces a structured timeline for budget oversight, potentially enhancing accountability within state budgetary practices related to natural resource management.

Summary

House Bill 2867 seeks to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated to address specific regulations concerning the Carroll County watershed, notably the management of the Carroll County 1,000 Acre Lake, which was previously known as Lake Halford. The bill aims to designate the Tennessee wildlife resources agency as the principal authority for the administration of this body of water, establishing a clear line of oversight regarding the lake's resources. This includes the responsibility for ensuring the lake is managed in accordance with the stipulated provisions of state law.

Contention

While the bill primarily focuses on the administrative aspects of the lake's management, there may be points of contention regarding how this new oversight structure will impact local governance and community usage of the lake. Some stakeholders may express concerns about the shift of authority to a state agency, fearing it could limit local input or control over the management of a significant natural resource. Additionally, discussions may arise about the implications of budgetary constraints and the prioritized use of the lake's resources, raising questions about environmental stewardship, recreational access, and local economic impacts.