Tennessee House Bill HB1346

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/23
• Refer: 2/2/23
• Refer: 3/21/23
• Refer: 4/5/23
• Refer: 4/18/23
• Chaptered: 5/24/23
• Passed: 5/24/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 66 and Title 68, relative to private property rights.

Impact

Should HB 1346 be enacted, it would create significant restrictions on how local governments can engage with international policy initiatives. It effectively limits their ability to adopt practices that relate to sustainable development or interventions for environmental goals proposed by the UN. Proponents assert that this bill serves to protect private property rights against overreach from international governance bodies, thereby maintaining local autonomy. Conversely, the implications could further entrench state control over local government policy-making regarding environmentally relevant initiatives.

Summary

House Bill 1346 aims to amend sections of the Tennessee Code relating to private property rights by prohibiting the state and its political subdivisions from adopting or implementing policies that could infringe upon these rights without due process. The legislation specifically targets policy recommendations that have origins or affiliations with the United Nations, such as Agenda 21, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and proposals for achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The bill is designed to ensure that any future policies do not conflict with either the U.S. Constitution or the state constitution.

Sentiment

The discussion surrounding HB 1346 reveals a polarizing sentiment. Supporters, predominantly within certain conservative factions, advocate for the bill as a safeguard against what they perceive as the encroachment of global governance on local and state sovereignty. They argue that it reaffirms the rights of property owners and prevents governmental bodies from making decisions influenced by foreign entities. Meanwhile, critics express concern that it might hinder meaningful local action on climate change and sustainable development, limiting the tools available to local governments to address critical environmental challenges.

Contention

A notable point of contention within discussions surrounding HB 1346 centers on the balance of power between state and local governments. Opponents fear that by disallowing local policies aligned with international sustainability goals, the bill may restrict community-driven initiatives that are tailored to local needs. There is also apprehension regarding the bill's broader implications in terms of curtailing governmental efforts to combat pressing environmental issues, potentially affecting public health outcomes and the resilience of communities against climate impact.