Bill > HB0894

This bill modifies the composition and duties of Tennessee's Board of Ground Water Management, restructuring its membership and expanding its responsibilities. Specifically, the board will now consist of five members: two ex officio non-voting members (the Commissioner of Environment and Conservation and the Director of Water Resources) and three voting members who are licensed water well drillers and pump installers, representing Tennessee's western, middle, and eastern grand divisions. These three members will be appointed by different state officials (the House Speaker, Governor, and Senate Speaker) and will serve staggered initial terms, with subsequent terms lasting three years. The bill limits board members to serving no more than two consecutive terms and requires appointed members to have been actively engaged in well drilling in Tennessee for at least five consecutive years prior to appointment. Additionally, the bill expands the board's responsibilities to include reviewing complaints and violations, making recommendations to the commissioner, reviewing continuing education classes, and recommending remedies for license-related issues. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2025, and existing board members can be reappointed under the new guidelines.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0894&ga=114