Bill > HB0375

This bill requires county, municipal, and metropolitan government departments, agencies, or officials to maintain detailed documentation for any development-related fees exceeding $250, including the justification and cost basis for such fees. The documentation must be created one time for each existing, new, or modified fee and does not need to be reproduced for each individual fee assessment. These documents will be considered public records, available for inspection under Tennessee's public records law, and subject to annual audits by the state comptroller. The bill defines "cost basis" as the rationale for a fee's amount, specifically how it reasonably relates to government costs, and "development" as construction, building, or infrastructure improvements that enable new structures. The bill specifically exempts utility connection costs, which will be documented according to a different section of Tennessee code. The provisions will take effect on July 1, 2026, and apply equally to counties, municipalities, and metropolitan governments, aiming to increase transparency in local government fee structures and ensure that fees are reasonably and justifiably set.

Government Affairs

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0375&ga=114