Tennessee Senate Bill SB2651

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/2/26

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 68-211-816, relative to noncompliance.

Impact

This bill outlines a systematic approach to dealing with noncompliance, which includes imposing graduated sanctions that escalate based on the length of noncompliance. Upon the first instance of noncompliance, a warning letter will be issued, and if the situation does not improve within thirty days, regions could become ineligible for financial aid from the solid waste management fund. Notably, if noncompliance continues for more than sixty days, a civil penalty of up to $5,000 per day can be levied, which emphasizes the necessity for timely compliance with state regulations.

Summary

Senate Bill 2651 (SB2651) seeks to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 68-211-816, focusing on the regulations around noncompliance in managing solid waste within county and municipal regions. The bill establishes clear criteria for determining when a solid waste region is considered noncompliant, which includes failures to submit plans, gaining approval from the commissioner, or adhering to the already approved plans. By reinforcing such provisions, SB2651 intends to ensure a more effective management of solid waste across Tennessee.

Contention

While SB2651 aims to strengthen waste management protocols, it may face contention from local officials who might view the sanctions as punitive. There may be concerns on how the bill could unintentionally burden municipalities that struggle with funding and resources necessary for compliance. Additionally, there may be discussions regarding the appropriateness of the state's response to local issues related to solid waste management, as some local governments may argue for more flexibility in managing their waste systems according to specific community needs.