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TN HB1509

Bill

Status

Introduced

1/12/2026

Primary Sponsor

Todd Warner

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

114th General Assembly

AI Summary

  • Prohibits the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation from restricting public water utilities from withdrawing water from natural sources for drinking water purposes, including as a condition for permit renewal

  • Allows the department to prohibit water withdrawals only when required by federal law, specifically the Safe Drinking Water Act, Clean Water Act, or Endangered Species Act—federal recommendations alone are insufficient

  • Requires the department to provide written notice citing the specific federal law if it does prohibit a utility's water withdrawal

  • Grants utilities the right to file a complaint with the board if the department improperly restricts their water withdrawals

  • Takes effect July 1, 2026, and applies to actions taken on or after that date

Legislative Description

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 68, Chapter 221 and Title 69, relative to drinking water.

Water

Last Action

Taken off notice for cal in s/c Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee of Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee

3/11/2026

Committee Referrals

Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee2/25/2026
Agriculture and Natural Resources1/14/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available