Tennessee House Bill HB0444

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/25
• Refer: 2/5/25
• Refer: 2/19/25
• Refer: 2/26/25
• Refer: 3/5/25
• Refer: 3/11/25
• Chaptered: 4/8/25
• Passed: 4/8/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 13, Chapter 20; Title 13, Chapter 21 and Title 29, Chapter 17, relative to housing authorities.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would significantly amend several sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated to provide stronger protections for property owners against potential overreach by housing authorities. By focusing on property-by-property assessments, the bill facilitates a fairer determination of what constitutes blight while allowing housing authorities to still address true cases of urban decline. Additionally, it increases due process by granting property owners a reasonable timeframe to rectify any cited violations before facing eminent domain actions.

Summary

House Bill 0444, also known as the Tennessee Property Rights Protection Act, seeks to revise the regulations surrounding the use of eminent domain by housing authorities in Tennessee. The bill aims to redefine what constitutes 'blighted property', ensuring that only properties with enforceable housing or building code violations affecting safety and public welfare may be subjected to acquisition. It eliminates the broad definition of 'blighted areas' that previously risked well-kept properties being seized without proper justification, thereby enhancing property rights for owners.

Sentiment

Initial discussions around HB 0444 exhibit a generally positive sentiment from proponents who value enhanced property rights and clearer guidelines for eminent domain usage. Advocates believe the bill is a vital step towards safeguarding private properties against unjust governmental acquisition. Conversely, some critics express concern about the implications for urban renewal efforts, arguing it may hinder necessary redevelopment projects aimed at blight remediation if too restrictive.

Contention

A primary point of contention surrounding HB 0444 stems from the balance between protecting property owners' rights and enabling effective urban development. Opponents worry that tighter definitions may lead to delays in addressing genuine blight and could impede housing authorities' abilities to rehabilitate deteriorating areas. Additionally, there are concerns that the bill may inadvertently restrict community development efforts that rely on the quick acquisition of properties that do not meet the updated standard of blight.