Environment

SB 527 exempts pesticide manufacturers and sellers from civil lawsuits related to labeling, provided the pesticide was registered with both Tennessee's commissioner of agriculture and the EPA under federal law (FIFRA) and bore an EPA-approved label at the time of sale. The bill specifically removes liability for product safety claims tied to labeling, as long as the pesticide met all federal and state registration requirements. It does not apply if the pesticide was manufactured or sold in violation of Tennessee law or FIFRA. This change directly affects pesticide companies and could influence how product liability cases are handled in Tennessee courts.

SB 283 would remove a renewal fee requirement for septic system installers in Tennessee. Specifically, it amends state law to prevent the department from requiring installers in good standing to pay a fee when renewing their license, while maintaining the initial fee needed to obtain the license. This change directly affects current and future licensed septic system installers who must renew their credentials. The bill is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025.

SB 281 exempts small-scale farming activities on properties under three acres with greenbelt classification from regulation by Tennessee's Department of Environment and Conservation. Specifically, it prohibits oversight of topsoil handling, rock removal, or pond construction on such properties. This exemption applies only to land classified as agricultural under Tennessee's 1976 greenbelt program (TCA Title 67). The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and amends multiple environmental and agricultural code sections to implement this change.