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Bill > HB1509
TN HB1509
TN HB1509AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 68, Chapter 221 and Title 69, relative to drinking water.
summary
Introduced
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
In Committee
01/14/2026
01/14/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
114th General Assembly
Bill Summary
As introduced, prohibits the department of environment and conservation from prohibiting a utility that provides drinking water from pumping or otherwise withdrawing water from natural waters for purposes of providing drinking water, including as a prerequisite to renewal of the utility's permit, unless the prohibition is required to comply with federal law. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 68, Chapter 221 and Title 69.
AI Summary
This bill, effective July 1, 2026, aims to prevent the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation from stopping a "utility"—defined as an entity providing public drinking water services, often owned by local governments or regulated by the state board of utility regulation—from drawing water from natural sources for drinking water purposes, even when renewing their permits. The only exception is if such a prohibition is strictly required by federal law, such as the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Water Pollution Control Act, or the Endangered Species Act, and not merely recommended. If the department does impose a prohibition based on federal law, it must provide the utility with written notice explaining the specific federal law that necessitates the action. Utilities that believe the department has wrongly prohibited water withdrawal can file a complaint with the board.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Placed on s/c cal Agriculture & Natural Resources Subcommittee for 3/11/2026 (on 03/04/2026)
bill text
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB1509&ga=114 |
| Fiscal Note - HB1509 | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Fiscal/HB1509.pdf |
| BillText | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Bill/HB1509.pdf |
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