Tennessee House Bill HB0807

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 7; Title 11; Title 67; Title 68; Title 69 and Title 70, relative to the department of environment and conservation.

Impact

The modifications proposed by HB0807 will impact state laws concerning environmental management. By changing the reporting period to focus on the first six months of the fiscal year, the bill may facilitate earlier analyses and decision-making by state officials. Such timely data reporting is vital for assessing the status of environmental factors and making informed legislative actions. The adjustments may lead to improved oversight of conservation practices and initiatives, fostering a more proactive approach to environmental stewardship in Tennessee.

Summary

House Bill 0807 is designed to amend various titles within the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically targeting the operations and reporting requirements of the Department of Environment and Conservation. The bill seeks to revise the deadlines for the submission of reports, moving the previous deadline of February 1 to January 15. This change aims to enhance the efficiency of reporting processes related to environmental data within the state's framework.

Contention

While the amendments seem straightforward, potential points of contention may arise around the practicality of implementing earlier reporting timelines. Stakeholders such as conservation organizations, state agencies, and local governments might express concerns about the feasibility of gathering adequate data before the new January 15 deadline. These discussions could center on whether the proposed timeline allows sufficient time for accurate data collection and reporting, particularly in light of varying departmental capacities and resource allocation.

Additional_points

Moreover, HB0807 might set a precedent for future legislative adjustments concerning reporting requirements across other state departments, which could galvanize discussions on efficiency versus practicality in environmental governance. The bill represents an effort to streamline processes but will likely require careful consideration from lawmakers as they assess the broader implications of such changes.