Tennessee Senate Bill SB2090

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/29/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 8; Title 12; Title 13; Title 29; Title 54; Title 62 and Title 64, relative to right-of-way acquisition.

Impact

The adjustments proposed in SB2090 are significant as they may alter procedural timelines for state and local authorities involved in acquiring right-of-way for construction projects. By increasing the timeframe, the bill could provide entities with additional time to finalize agreements or handle negotiations, potentially reducing rushed decisions that can lead to disputes or delays. This could ultimately result in smoother project implementations across Tennessee, particularly in areas where right-of-way acquisition is a contentious issue.

Summary

Senate Bill 2090, introduced by Senator Johnson, aims to amend several titles within the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically focusing on regulations related to right-of-way acquisition. The bill modifies existing language in Section 54-14-106, changing the time frame from 'three days' to 'four days' for certain acquisition processes. This adjustment may streamline proceedings related to the acquisition of right-of-way which is often critical for transportation projects and public infrastructure improvements.

Contention

One potential point of contention surrounding SB2090 is the balance it seeks to strike between expediting public works projects and protecting the rights of landowners affected by such acquisitions. While longer timeframes for negotiations may benefit project planners, they could also be viewed as diminishing the urgency required to complete critical infrastructure initiatives. Stakeholders in the transportation sector may advocate for these changes in response to growing demands for improved infrastructure, while landowners might express concerns over possible delays in acquisition processes affecting their properties.