Tennessee House Bill HB1603

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/13/23
• Refer: 1/10/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 64, Chapter 1, Part 11, relative to the West Tennessee River Basin Authority.

Impact

The amendments sought by HB1603 will undoubtedly affect the governance and operational scope of the West Tennessee River Basin Authority, ensuring that the agency can encompass a wider range of activities and responsibilities as it pertains to environmental management in the region. By broadening the definition of the service area, the bill aims to facilitate improved management of water resources, thereby aligning the agency's efforts with contemporary environmental concerns and public expectations.

Summary

House Bill 1603 is aimed at amending specific provisions in the Tennessee Code Annotated, particularly those that pertain to the West Tennessee River Basin Authority. The bill proposes amendments to clarify the agency's service area, which encompasses a range of counties in West Tennessee, and modifies the wording in several sections to reflect a broader focus on 'education, outreach, and science' regarding river basin management.

Contention

While the summary does not reveal significant points of contention stemming from discussions or debates around HB1603, such a bill could elicit varying responses based on local stakeholders' interests in river basin management and environmental protection. Cities and counties directly affected by changes to jurisdiction and agency authority may raise concerns regarding their local governance autonomy and the specific impacts of the West Tennessee River Basin Authority's expanded role.

Notable_points

This bill reinforces the state's commitment to improving the oversight and management of its river basins by clarifying roles and responsibilities. The shift in focus towards a more educational and scientific approach suggests a proactive strategy to address environmental issues, although the detailed discussions surrounding it may reveal deeper community concerns about local governance and state authority.