TN HB0894

Reconstitutes the Board of Ground Water Management effective July 1, 2025, reducing it to 5 members: the Commissioner of Environment and Conservation, the Director of Water Resources (both ex officio non-voting), and 3 licensed water well drillers/pump installers representing each grand division of the state

Establishes staggered appointments with the Speaker of the House appointing the western division member (1-year initial term), the Governor appointing the middle division member (2-year initial term), and the Speaker of the Senate appointing the eastern division member (3-year initial term)

Requires the 3 industry members to have at least 5 consecutive years of active well drilling experience and limits them to no more than 2 consecutive terms; creates 3 alternate members to fill vacancies or substitute when appointed members cannot attend meetings

Expands board duties to include reviewing license applications and administering licensure tests, reviewing all complaints and violations with recommendations for remedies, and reviewing and approving continuing education classes and programs

Passed April 22, 2025 and approved by Governor Bill Lee on May 21, 2025, with an effective date of July 1, 2025