Tennessee House Bill HB0444

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/23
• Refer: 2/1/23
• Refer: 3/1/23
• Refer: 3/8/23
• Chaptered: 4/18/23
• Passed: 4/18/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 57, relative to alcoholic beverages.

Impact

The implications of HB 0444 are significant as they may expand or restrict the ability of certain municipalities to regulate alcoholic beverages. By focusing on the census data for population size and requiring police department infrastructure, the bill aims to ensure responsible governance in the distribution and management of alcoholic sales. This could lead to a re-evaluation of alcohol distribution policies in smaller cities that may not have previously been classified as municipalities under the older definitions, thus reshaping the landscape of alcohol regulation in Tennessee.

Summary

House Bill 0444 seeks to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated specifically concerning alcoholic beverages. The bill introduces changes to the definition of 'municipality' regarding alcohol licensing and distribution. Under the new provisions, a municipality is defined as either an incorporated town or city with a population of 700 or more based on the 2010 census or with a population between 570 and 699, provided they have a full-time police department, as confirmed by a local census authorized by the municipality itself. This update aims to clarify the eligibility criteria for municipalities in relation to alcohol regulation, potentially impacting various cities in the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 0444 appears to be neutral to positive among those who see the need for clarification in alcohol regulation responsibilities among municipalities. Supporters may argue that it provides clear guidelines that streamline the licensing process for local governments, thereby promoting responsible alcohol management. Conversely, there may be concern from individuals or groups worried about the implications of such restrictions, particularly in smaller towns that might struggle with the logistical requirements imposed by the new definitions.

Contention

Notable points of contention arise from the metrics used to define 'municipality' and the requirements regarding a full-time police department. Critics may argue that these measures could disenfranchise towns that do not meet the population threshold or lack a full-time police presence yet might still be suitable for regulating alcohol sales. Furthermore, the requirement for a local census could result in administrative challenges for smaller municipalities, raising objections about the feasibility and fairness of such stipulations.