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Bill > SB0717
TN SB0717
TN SB0717AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 65; Title 68 and Title 69, relative to utility infrastructure.
summary
Introduced
02/03/2025
02/03/2025
In Committee
Crossed Over
02/05/2026
02/05/2026
Passed
02/17/2026
02/17/2026
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
03/16/2026
03/16/2026
Introduced Session
114th General Assembly
Bill Summary
As enacted, clarifies that prior to the acquisition of assets of a natural gas utility regulated by the Tennessee public utility commission by a new owner or any other change in control of such assets, the commission has exclusive authority to approve the acquisition or change in control, including the assignment of franchise rights, upon a finding by the commission that such transfers of assets or control is in the public interest. - Amends TCA Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 65; Title 68 and Title 69.
AI Summary
This bill clarifies that before a natural gas utility regulated by the Tennessee Public Utility Commission (the "commission") can have its assets acquired by a new owner or undergo any other change in control, the commission must exclusively approve such a transaction. This approval process includes the transfer of franchise rights, which are essentially the rights granted by a local government to a utility to operate within its jurisdiction. The commission will only grant approval if it determines that the transfer of assets or control is in the public interest, meaning it benefits the community. This provision overrides any conflicting municipal rules or agreements and, for approvals issued on or after October 1, 2025, the commission's order will automatically effect the transfer of franchise rights to the new owner, who will then be bound by the same terms and conditions as the original utility.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Effective date(s) 02/17/2026 (on 03/16/2026)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0717&ga=114 |
| BillText | https://publications.tnsosfiles.com/acts/114/pub/pc0532.pdf |
| Fiscal Memo for SA0462 (10429) | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Fiscal/FM1401.pdf |
| Amendment 1-0 to SB0717 | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Amend/SA0462.pdf |
| Fiscal Note - SB0717 | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Fiscal/SB0717.pdf |
| BillText | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Bill/SB0717.pdf |
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