Tennessee House Bill HB2628

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/24
• Refer: 2/21/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 5, relative to the authority of county governments.

Impact

If enacted, HB2628 would significantly impact local regulations surrounding solid waste management. The amendment would affirm an individual's right to manage their own household waste, potentially reducing the need for stringent county-level regulations in this area. This change could lead to an increase in local autonomy concerning waste management practices, as it would explicitly allow householders to take responsibility for their waste, emphasizing individual rights over county-level restrictions.

Summary

House Bill 2628 aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Title 5, which addresses the authority of county governments regarding solid waste disposal. The primary focus of the bill is to clarify the rights of individual householders when it comes to disposing of solid waste on their own land. The legislation states that individuals are not prohibited from disposing of their household waste on their own property, provided that such disposal does not create a public nuisance or pose a hazard to public health.

Contention

The introduction of this bill may result in discussions about environmental concerns and public health implications. On one hand, supporters may argue that this empowers residents and reduces government overreach in personal property matters. However, opponents might raise concerns that allowing individuals to dispose of waste freely on their own property could lead to improper disposal practices that threaten public health and create environmental hazards. Therefore, there is a notable tension between individual rights and community health responsibilities reflected in the bill's provisions.