Bill > HB0543

This bill introduces three key provisions related to sewerage systems in Tennessee. First, it prevents cities or towns that have operated a sewerage system outside their corporate boundaries for 25 years or more from discontinuing that service, as long as the system maintains sufficient capacity, which will be determined by a hearing before the Tennessee board of utility regulation. Second, it similarly prohibits utility districts from ceasing sewerage services in unincorporated county territories after 25 years of operation, again subject to capacity determination by the utility regulation board. Third, the bill requires utility systems to provide wastewater service connections to property owners when an existing gravity sewer line is located on their property and they request connection, with a formal complaint process established if the utility system refuses. If a city, town, metropolitan government, or county's legislative body fails to act on a connection appeal within 60 days, the property owner can directly submit a complaint to the Tennessee board of utility regulation. Throughout these provisions, the bill explicitly states that these new requirements do not impact existing or future water or wastewater service contractual arrangements. The legislation aims to ensure continued sewerage service and provide property owners with a clear path to obtaining wastewater connections.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0543&ga=114