Bill > HB0220

This bill expands the service area of the West Tennessee River Basin Authority to include Perry, Stewart, Houston, and Humphreys counties, and clarifies that the authority's activities will now encompass the entire "authority service area" rather than specific river basins like the Hatchie, Loosahatchie, Obion, and Forked Deer. While the authority's general functions are broadened, for Perry, Stewart, Houston, and Humphreys counties, its role will be limited to providing technical assistance, engineering services, and project management support. The bill also empowers county governments within the authority's service area to impose taxes on real property to fund programs that benefit from the authority's work, though this is not mandatory. Additionally, the bill specifies that all counties within the expanded service area can choose to participate in the authority's programs, with a specific exception for the limited services provided to Perry, Stewart, Houston, and Humphreys counties.