Tennessee Senate Bill SB2843

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 3, Part 20 and Title 66, Chapter 2, relative to the "Agricultural and Critical Infrastructure Protection Act."

Impact

If enacted, SB2843 will significantly alter the landscape of business interactions within Tennessee, especially for agricultural and critical infrastructure industries. This act aims to secure these vital areas from foreign influences that may exploit state resources, thus enhancing the state's ability to protect its infrastructure from potential cyber threats and control by foreign adversaries. The amendment to Tennessee Code will likely lead to a more thorough vetting process of companies engaging in these sectors, affecting those interested in entering the state's market.

Summary

Senate Bill 2843, known as the Agricultural and Critical Infrastructure Protection Act, aims to amend existing Tennessee laws by introducing restrictions on agreements made concerning agricultural land and critical infrastructure. The bill specifically prohibits individuals and business entities from entering into agreements with citizens and companies from designated countries deemed threats by the Tennessee Governor, such as China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia. This legislation responds to growing concerns regarding national security, particularly in relation to foreign investment and control over essential resources.

Contention

The bill has sparked debate among legislators and stakeholders about the implications for international trade and business relations. Advocates argue that such protections are necessary to safeguard state assets and ensure national security, while critics express concerns that overly stringent regulations could hinder economic development and discourage foreign investments, which may impact businesses that rely on international partnerships. Additionally, the bill raises questions about how 'designated countries' are determined and the criteria for those classifications, potentially leading to public disputes regarding diplomatic relations.