Tennessee House Bill HB1850

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/24
• Refer: 1/24/24
• Refer: 3/20/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 13 and Title 43, relative to the regulation of food production.

Impact

The bill creates a significant shift in local governance and zoning laws, placing limitations on the authority of counties and municipalities to impose stricter regulations on food production activities. By ensuring that residents can grow food and keep small animals without undue restrictions, the bill encourages urban farming and promotes self-sufficiency among homeowners. However, it also requires local governments to balance these rights with public health and safety concerns.

Summary

House Bill 1850 aims to amend various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically regarding the regulation of food production and personal agriculture in residential areas. The bill explicitly prohibits counties and municipalities from passing regulations that could ban activities such as the growing of fruits and vegetables or the keeping of small livestock, including up to six chickens or rabbits, on single-family residential lots. It emphasizes the right of individuals to engage in these activities as part of personal use of their property, contributing to the local food movement and sustainability efforts.

Contention

Notable points of contention around HB 1850 involve debates over local versus state control in matters of residential regulations. Advocates for the bill argue that it empowers citizens and supports individual rights, while opponents worry that it undermines the ability of local governments to enforce necessary health, safety, and aesthetic standards. This discrepancy highlights the ongoing struggle between promoting agricultural practices in urban settings and maintaining the integrity of residential communities.