Bill > HB0803

This bill, primarily focused on utilities and wastewater systems, makes several key changes to Tennessee law. It extends the timeframe for appealing orders or civil penalties related to water and wastewater operator certifications from 60 to 65 days. It also establishes new rules for the approval and expiration of engineering plans for sewage works and decentralized wastewater systems, generally requiring construction to begin within 12 months of approval, with potential extensions up to 60 months, and mandates that construction for decentralized systems be completed within 60 months of initial approval. Furthermore, the bill introduces a process for developers of subdivisions to propose new wastewater treatment works, requiring the local utility to either agree to own and operate the system within 30 days or formally refuse, notifying the Tennessee board of utility regulation. It also outlines performance bond requirements for these treatment works during their initial operation and transfer of ownership, and prohibits the issuance or modification of permits for decentralized wastewater systems if the applicant is not in substantial compliance with existing orders.