Tennessee House Bill HB1310

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/25
• Refer: 2/12/25
• Refer: 3/12/25
• Refer: 3/25/25
• Refer: 3/31/25
• Refer: 4/9/25
• Refer: 4/14/25
• Chaptered: 5/13/25
• Passed: 5/13/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 53-8-103; Title 68, Chapter 110; Title 68, Chapter 111; Title 68, Chapter 14 and Title 68, Chapter 15, relative to health.

Impact

The adjustments made by HB 1310 could have significant implications for local food service establishments, including child care centers and farmers markets. By altering permit fees and inspection frequencies, the legislation seeks to standardize health regulations across the state. Additionally, this could lead to increased funding for regulatory bodies responsible for overseeing food safety, as the increased fees may provide additional revenue to support inspection efforts. However, this shift may also place a heavier financial burden on smaller establishments that operate on thin margins.

Summary

House Bill 1310 aims to amend various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated related to health and food service regulations. Specifically, the bill seeks to increase the minimum and maximum fees for food service permits, shifting the minimum fee from ten dollars to fifty dollars and the maximum from fifty dollars to one hundred dollars. The bill also changes the frequency of required inspections for certain facilities, moving from monthly and bi-annual checks to quarterly and annual inspections, respectively. These changes are intended to align state regulations with federal guidelines and improve efficiency within the regulatory framework.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 1310 appears to be mixed. Supporters argue that the changes will enhance food safety compliance by ensuring more thorough inspections, while critics express concerns that the increased fees might deter small business owners. Advocacy groups for small businesses have raised alarms about the potential adverse impact on operations, particularly for those already struggling with high costs. The debate illustrates a broader conflict between regulatory oversight and the economic challenges faced by smaller food service entities.

Contention

A notable point of contention regarding HB 1310 is the balance between enhancing public health through stricter regulations and the economic implications for food service operators. Opponents of the bill suggest that the proposed fee increases and inspection frequency changes could lead to some businesses closing their doors, particularly those that cannot afford the new costs. Proponents counter that these adjustments are necessary for maintaining food safety standards and that short-term financial impacts must be considered against the long-term benefits of preventing foodborne illnesses.