Tennessee House Bill HB2768

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/24
• Refer: 2/5/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 3, Part 5; Title 58; Title 64, Chapter 3; Title 68 and Title 69, relative to weather-related information.

Impact

The implementation of HB2768 is expected to significantly improve access to critical environmental data that can aid in disaster preparedness and response. By requiring the department to utilize existing resources and collaborate with other government agencies and citizen scientists, the bill promotes a more coordinated approach to environmental monitoring. This data could be invaluable for local governments, disaster response teams, and researchers in devising strategies to mitigate the impacts of floods and landslides on communities.

Summary

House Bill 2768 aims to enhance the collection and dissemination of weather-related information specifically concerning the occurrences of floods and landslides in Tennessee. The legislation mandates that by January 1, 2025, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation will compile and publicly publish data related to the geographic locations, duration, and severity of such disasters. This act is a response to the increasing frequency of severe weather events and the need for better preparedness and response mechanisms within the state.

Contention

While the bill is primarily framed as a public safety measure, it may face scrutiny regarding the costs associated with compiling the data and the potential impacts on state resources. Moreover, discussions around the accuracy and reliability of the data provided could arise, particularly concerning the involvement of citizen scientists. Stakeholders may present varying opinions on how best to balance the need for comprehensive data collection with the practicalities of funding and implementation.

Last_action

The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2024, indicating a proactive stance from the legislature to address environmental concerns before the peak of the severe weather seasons.