Tennessee Senate Bill SB1193

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/25
• Chaptered: 5/8/25
• Passed: 5/8/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 8; Title 9; Title 10; Title 13 and Title 67, relative to local government.

Impact

The amendments proposed by SB1193 would formally replace terms like 'in perpetuity' with a more definitive timeline, establishing a requirement of at least thirty years on certain regulations. This change is expected to create a clearer framework for local governments to follow, reducing ambiguity and enhancing compliance across jurisdictions. The overarching aim is to make local government operations more predictable for both citizens and officials, allowing for a more structured approach in handling municipal affairs.

Summary

Senate Bill 1193 aims to amend various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated concerning local governmental regulations. The bill includes significant changes, particularly regarding land use decisions, building permits, and other municipal regulations. By specifying terms and conditions related to local governance, SB1193 seeks to ensure that municipalities adhere to consistent state guidelines while potentially streamlining processes that have previously been mired in local interpretation.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB1193 appears to be mixed, with significant support expressed among members of the Senate State & Local Government Committee as indicated by a unanimous voting record of 9-0 in favor of the bill. Proponents suggest that such legislative changes are necessary for greater regulatory clarity and efficiency in local governance. However, some critiques exist, raising concerns about the potential overreach of state authority into local matters and the implications this may have for localized decision-making.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the specifics of the amendments, particularly the transformation of longstanding regulatory language, which some argue could undermine local governance autonomy. Critics may fear that restricting the timeframes of certain regulations could lead to hasty decision-making by local officials under unclear guidelines. Thus, the bill reflects a broader debate about the balance between state oversight and local control within Tennessee's governance structure.