AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 5; Title 6; Title 7 and Title 13, relative to zoning.
Impact
If enacted, HB 0293 will significantly impact local zoning laws by preventing any new construction of specified facilities within flood-prone areas. Additionally, it stipulates that any existing facilities previously licensed in such areas cannot be re-licensed for the same purposes once vacated or repurposed. The requirement that functional components of any facility expansions must be constructed above the flood plain level further implies that emergency preparedness and overall safety will be prioritized in municipal planning. Local governments will need to reassess their zoning ordinances to comply with these new standards, which could alter future development plans.
Summary
House Bill 0293, introduced by Representative Clemmons, proposes amendments to the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically targeting regulations concerning zoning. The essence of this bill is to establish restrictions on the construction and licensing of facilities such as correctional institutions, hospitals, and nursing homes within designated one hundred-year flood plains. This bill seeks to enhance public safety by ensuring that critical public facilities are not located in areas susceptible to flooding, thereby protecting both the institutions and the communities they serve.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HB 0293 appears to be supportive among various public safety advocates and community organizations that emphasize the need to mitigate flood risks in urban planning. The legislation is seen as a proactive approach to address potential disasters and to enhance the resilience of key safety facilities. However, there might be resistance from stakeholders interested in development, who could see this bill as overly restrictive and an encroachment on local decision-making authority regarding zoning and land use. Still, the overarching sentiment highlights a collective desire for effective disaster management.
Contention
Debates may arise over the implications of this bill regarding local autonomy. While many could endorse the bill's intentions to safeguard public safety, others may critique it as an unwarranted limitation on local zoning powers, potentially stifling growth and development in municipalities that might benefit from such facilities. Additionally, opponents might argue that the bill could lead to significant limitations on how local governments manage land use, particularly in areas where flood risks have been historically low but may change due to various environmental factors.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 33; Title 49; Title 53; Title 55; Title 56; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to healthcare professions.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2; Title 4; Title 8; Title 12; Title 13; Title 33; Title 34; Title 37; Title 40; Title 41; Title 45; Title 49; Title 52; Title 55; Title 56; Title 63; Title 67; Title 68; Title 71 and Chapter 1100 of the Public Acts of 2010, relative to the Tennessee Disability and Aging Act of 2024.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2; Title 4; Title 8; Title 12; Title 13; Title 33; Title 34; Title 37; Title 40; Title 41; Title 45; Title 49; Title 52; Title 55; Title 56; Title 63; Title 67; Title 68; Title 71 and Chapter 1100 of the Public Acts of 2010, relative to the Tennessee Disability and Aging Act of 2024.