Bill > HB0950

This bill establishes a new Urban Green Space Development Fund to provide grants for acquiring green spaces in urban areas, which are defined as geographic areas designated by the U.S. Census Bureau. The fund will allow the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation to offer grants to local government entities and private nonprofit organizations specifically for purchasing land or protective interests in green spaces, including community gardens. Private nonprofit organizations seeking grants must provide matching funds from non-state sources, and these matching funds can include cash or the value of donated land. Eligible costs for grant funding include land acquisition, improvements, and associated expenses like appraisals and environmental reports. Grant recipients must commit to preserving the land as green space, and any private nonprofit acquiring land must grant a perpetual easement to the local government restricting future development. Additionally, the bill authorizes the technical secretary of the air pollution control board to establish a program that encourages community-led projects aimed at improving air quality. The bill specifies that no funds can be obligated or expended unless specifically appropriated, and it will take effect on January 1, 2026, with rules being promulgated immediately upon becoming law.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0950&ga=114