Bill > SB1595

This bill makes several changes to Tennessee laws concerning utility regulation, primarily focusing on the procedures for utility consolidation and the continuing education requirements for members of utility governing bodies. It clarifies the process for utility districts to consolidate with other utility districts, municipalities, counties, or utility authorities, outlining requirements for agreements, public hearings, and the orders issued by county mayors. The bill also establishes new rules for continuing education for members of utility governing bodies, requiring a minimum number of hours of training every three years on topics like board governance and financial oversight, with provisions for extensions and penalties for non-compliance. Additionally, it modifies rules regarding the financial distress designation for utility systems, the board's authority to order mergers or consolidations of ailing utility systems, and the process for utility systems to make internal loans. Finally, it allows for certain nonprofit property owners' associations to be incorporated as utility districts under specific conditions.