Tennessee House Bill HB1758

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/11/24
• Refer: 1/29/24
• Chaptered: 3/19/24
• Passed: 3/19/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 29 and Title 59, Chapter 10, relative to the Interstate Mining Compact.

Impact

One of the significant impacts of HB1758 is the introduction of a specific termination date for the Interstate Mining Compact and newly created governmental entities, set for June 30, 2032. This change signals a shift in how mining activities will be regulated in Tennessee, potentially leading to the reassessment of the relevance and necessity of agencies that were established to oversee mining operations. The bill provides a pathway for such entities to be continued or reestablished if needed, ensuring that the state retains the ability to manage mining effectively while also potentially reducing bureaucratic redundancy.

Summary

House Bill 1758 aims to amend specific provisions within the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically addressing governance related to the Interstate Mining Compact. The primary focus of this bill is to restructure certain governmental entities related to mining activities, establishing a clear termination timeline for these agencies. By modifying Title 4, Chapter 29 and Title 59, Chapter 10, HB1758 seeks to simplify and clarify the governance framework concerning state mining operations and the associated regulatory environment.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment regarding HB1758 appears to be neutral to positive. Supporters of the bill may view the initiative as a progressive step towards contemporaryizing regulatory frameworks in the mining sector, while also addressing outdated governance structures that may no longer align with Tennessee's current or future mining needs. There appears to be a recognition that consolidation and clarification of government roles can lead to more effective regulatory practices.

Contention

Notably, the bill may generate discussions related to the implications of terminating governmental entities associated with the mining sector. Stakeholders may express concerns about the possible loss of oversight or regulatory vigor that could occur if agencies overseeing critical mining activities are re-evaluated or eliminated. By establishing a preset termination date for governmental entities, the bill invites further scrutiny regarding the balance between oversight and operational efficiency within the mining sector.