TN SB0717

Grants the Tennessee Public Utility Commission exclusive authority to approve acquisitions or changes in control of natural gas utilities regulated by the commission, overriding any conflicting municipal charters, ordinances, regulations, or franchise agreements

Requires the commission to find that transfers of natural gas utility assets or control are in the public interest before approval, including the assignment of franchise rights

Commission orders issued on or after October 1, 2025, finding a transfer to be in the public interest will automatically effect the transfer of franchise rights from one regulated franchisee to another

Successor entities acquiring natural gas utility assets inherit all terms and conditions of existing natural gas service franchises

Takes effect immediately upon becoming law; passed February 9, 2026 and approved February 17, 2026