Bill > HB0220

This bill amends the Tennessee Code to expand the service area of the West Tennessee River Basin Authority by adding Perry, Stewart, Houston, and Humphreys counties to its existing jurisdiction. The bill modifies several sections of the existing law to broaden the authority's geographic scope and operational parameters. Specifically, it changes the description of the authority's service area from specific river basins to a more general "authority service area" and adds the four new counties to the list of counties where the authority can operate. However, for the newly added counties (Perry, Stewart, Houston, and Humphreys), the authority's role is limited to providing technical assistance, engineering services, and project management support, rather than full operational capabilities. The bill also updates provisions related to funding, allowing county governments the option (but not the requirement) to impose taxes to support the authority's programs. The changes aim to provide more flexible watershed management and regional development support across a wider area of West Tennessee, while maintaining some restrictions on the authority's activities in the newly included counties.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0220&ga=114