HB1509

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

Introduced·1/12/26

Amends Tennessee Code to regulate water withdrawal by utilities for drinking water, including federal compliance requirements.

This bill amends Tennessee Code to establish conditions under which the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation can prohibit a utility from withdrawing water for drinking purposes. The department may prohibit such actions if required by federal law, including the Safe Drinking Water Act. The department must provide written notice to the utility if it prohibits water withdrawal, detailing the basis for the action. Utilities can appeal such prohibitions to the Tennessee Board of Utility Regulation. The act takes effect July 1, 2026.

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  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Current
In committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

0
1
R
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

History

Mar 11

House

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

Mar 4

House

Action Def. in s/c Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee to 3/11/2026

Mar 4

House

Placed on s/c cal Agriculture & Natural Resources Subcommittee for 3/11/2026