SB 207 creates a new "farmland preservation fund" within Tennessee's state budget to support the long-term protection of agricultural and forested land. The fund provides grants to help farmers and foresters place permanent conservation easements on their property - legal agreements that prevent development while allowing farming or forestry activities. These grants can be awarded directly to landowners or to qualified nonprofit organizations (like 501(c)(3) groups) that hold the easements, with requirements including proof of the easement agreement and ongoing agricultural use. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture will manage the fund, and unspent money will carry forward annually instead of reverting to the general budget.
HB 636 amends Tennessee law to raise the minimum capital cost requirement for infrastructure development districts from $500,000 to $1,000,000. This change directly affects developers and local governments creating such districts, requiring projects to meet the higher $1 million threshold. The bill modifies specific sections of Tennessee Code (Titles 7, 9, 12, 13, 66, 67, and 68) to reflect this updated cost standard. It does not create new programs or funding but adjusts an existing eligibility requirement for infrastructure districts. The bill became law as Public Chapter 357 on May 13, 2025.
SB 26 amends Tennessee law to raise the minimum required capital cost for infrastructure development districts from $500,000 to $1,000,000. This change directly affects developers and local governments creating such districts by requiring larger initial investment commitments. The bill modifies Tennessee Code Annotated Section 7-84-711(a) to reflect this increased threshold. It became effective May 5, 2025, after being signed by the Governor.
SB 1098 allows counties in Tennessee with populations over 325,000 (per 2020 census) to temporarily pause new apartment complex development (25+ units) through a two-thirds vote by their county legislature. The moratorium lasts one year but can be extended annually with another two-thirds vote, applying to all property including within municipal boundaries. It excludes existing approved projects (vested rights) and does not apply to counties with metropolitan government. This bill directly affects large-county governments, developers seeking to build multi-family housing, and residents in those areas.
HB 930 allows counties participating in Tennessee's homebuyers' revolving loan program to end their involvement if they've lent more than their initial capitalization. Specifically, counties can terminate by notifying the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) and retain all funds in the loan pool, including the original capitalization and interest earned from repayments. This amendment to Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 13, Chapter 23, directly affects participating counties managing these loan funds. The change takes effect July 1, 2025, and provides counties with greater flexibility to manage their financial obligations under the program.
HB 1161 allows counties with over 325,000 residents (based on 2020 census) to temporarily pause new apartment complex development (25+ units) within their borders, including areas inside cities, by passing a two-thirds vote resolution. The moratorium lasts one year but can be extended annually with another two-thirds vote. It does not apply to counties with metro governments or projects with existing development rights. This bill directly affects county governments and developers planning multi-family housing in qualifying large-county areas.
