Bill > HB1645

This bill allows the legislative body of Tipton County to establish a specialized division within the county's general sessions court, to be known as the Environmental Court, provided it receives local approval. This Environmental Court would be empowered to hear cases involving alleged violations of county ordinances related to health, housing, fire safety, land subdivision, building codes, or zoning regulations. The judge of this court would have the authority to issue injunctions, which are court orders to either do or stop doing something, to compel defendants to correct violations at their own expense, and to appoint a master, a person appointed by the court to assist in legal proceedings, to help with cases. Furthermore, the Environmental Court would also have jurisdiction over violations of similar ordinances enacted by municipalities within Tipton County. The bill also outlines penalties for contempt of court, specifically for willfully failing to obey an order to correct a violation, which could include a fine of up to fifty dollars and/or imprisonment for up to ten days for each offense. The act includes a severability clause, meaning if any part of it is found invalid, the rest will still stand, and it specifies that the bill will only take effect if approved by a two-thirds vote of the Tipton County legislative body.

Government Affairs

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB1645&ga=114