Tennessee Senate Bill SB0495

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/29/25
• Chaptered: 4/28/25
• Passed: 4/28/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 6, relative to powers of a city incorporated under a general law city manager-commission charter.

Impact

The primary impact of SB 0495 is the empowerment of city governments to engage in contractual agreements that can lead to the establishment and management of sports facilities. This is significant as it allows municipalities to collaborate with the private sector, potentially leading to improved local amenities and increased tourism. However, cities looking to utilize these powers must meet a financial criterion, specifically holding a AAA bond rating at the time the bill takes effect, ensuring that only financially stable cities can take advantage of these new provisions.

Summary

Senate Bill 0495 seeks to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically concerning the powers of cities that operate under a general law city manager-commission charter. The bill grants these cities the authority to enter into contracts with private entities for the development, construction, management, or operation of both indoor and outdoor sports facilities. This expanded power is aimed at enhancing the ability of local governments to engage in partnerships that could stimulate economic growth and development in their communities.

Sentiment

General sentiment around SB 0495 appears to be mixed but leans towards positive among proponents who view the bill as a proactive step towards economic development. Supporters argue that the bill will facilitate essential infrastructure projects that reflect community needs and enhance local economies. Conversely, there may be concerns regarding the reliance on private entities for public assets, as some community advocates worry about losing control over local projects and the potential financial risks for taxpayers if partnerships do not yield expected results.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the stipulation that only cities with a certain bond rating can engage in these contracts, which may exclude smaller or less financially secure municipalities from benefiting from the provisions of the bill. Critics may argue that this exclusive criterion could widen the gap between stronger and weaker municipalities, further solidifying economic disparities. Furthermore, there is an ongoing debate about the priorities set by city managers in selecting private partners and the transparency of such contracts.