Bill > HB0795

This bill establishes new regulations for development contracts between local governments and developers or contractors in Tennessee, focusing on streamlining the development review process and limiting local governments' ability to impose additional requirements. The bill defines key terms like "development property," "nonessential infrastructure," and "local government," and sets specific guidelines for contract management. Local governments must now consolidate all change requests for development applications into a single document and complete the review process within 30 business days. They are prohibited from requiring developers to fund or develop nonessential infrastructure unless explicitly agreed upon in the original contract. If a local government issues more than two written reports of deficiencies during an application review, they must refund 50% of the total fees paid by the applicant. The bill also mandates that local governments release required bonds within 30 days of an independent inspection confirming project completion. These provisions aim to reduce bureaucratic obstacles and provide more predictability for developers, with the law set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and apply to new, renewed, or amended contracts from that date forward. The bill does not modify existing contract, zoning, permitting, or administrative laws, but instead adds new protections for developers in their interactions with local governments.