Bill > SB0743

This bill amends Tennessee's Water and Wastewater Operator Certification Act to establish more rigorous standards for certification examinations and restrict the board's ability to outsource key responsibilities. Specifically, the bill requires that examinations for water and wastewater operators demonstrate an applicant's skills, knowledge, and judgment for their specific classification, and mandates that all applicants receive the same exam. The bill stipulates that to receive certification, applicants must correctly answer 70% of the total exam questions and 70% of state regulatory questions, with the latter comprising at least 10% of the total exam. Importantly, the bill prohibits the certification board from delegating its authority to determine operator competency or prepare, conduct, or grade examinations to any third-party, ensuring that these critical functions remain under direct board supervision. The bill also explicitly prevents the board from collecting demographic data about applicants such as age, race, sex, or cultural background. The legislation takes effect immediately upon becoming law and will apply to any contracts or agreements entered into, amended, or renewed from that point forward, with a severability clause ensuring that if any part of the act is found invalid, the remainder can still be enforced.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0743&ga=114