Bill > HB0541

This bill introduces significant changes to Tennessee's wetland regulation by establishing new procedures and standards for identifying, classifying, and altering wetlands. The legislation creates three categories of isolated wetlands (low-quality, moderate-quality, and high-quality) and provides specific rules for their alteration. Under the bill, low-quality and moderate-quality isolated wetlands under certain acreage limits can be altered with minimal restrictions and without requiring compensatory mitigation, while artificial isolated wetlands can be altered without notice or approval. The bill requires the Division of Water Resources to submit annual reports on wetland permit applications and mitigation mechanisms, and allows property developers to request wetland determinations by submitting inventory reports prepared by third-party professionals. Developers can appeal the commissioner's wetland determinations, and the bill limits the state's ability to regulate wetlands beyond federal standards. Importantly, isolated and artificial isolated wetlands will not be considered when determining project cumulative impacts, and the state's wetland resource assessment tool must undergo a public comment period. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025, and aims to streamline wetland regulation and development processes in Tennessee.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0541&ga=114