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HJR 74

Constitutional Amendments - Proposes adding a provision establishing the right to clean air, pure water, and the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic, and esthetic values of the state's environment. -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Justin Jones

Adds a Tennessee constitutional right to clean air, pure water, and environmental preservation, with the state as trustee to conserve resources for present and future generations.

Assigned to s/c Agriculture & Natural Resources Subcommittee
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Bill Summary · HJR 74

Summary: House Joint Resolution 74 (HJR 74) – Right to Clean Air, Pure Water, and Environmental Preservation

Overview

HJR 74 is a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment to Tennessee’s Article I. The measure would add a new provision recognizing a right to clean air, pure water, and the preservation of the environment’s natural, scenic, historic, and esthetic values. It also declares that Tennessee’s public natural resources are the common property of all the people, including future generations, and that the State acts as trustee to conserve and maintain these resources for the benefit of all people. If approved by the General Assembly, the proposal would be submitted to voters for ratification.

What the bill would do (Key provisions)

  • Add a new section to Article I of the Tennessee Constitution:
    • “The people have a right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic, and esthetic values of the environment.”
    • “Tennessee's public natural resources are the common property of all the people, including generations yet to come.”
    • “As trustee of these resources, the State shall conserve and maintain them for the benefit of all the people.”
  • Direct publication of the proposed amendment on the official websites of the Secretary of State and the General Assembly, in accordance with Article XI, Section 3 of the Tennessee Constitution.
  • Require the Clerk of the House to deliver a copy of the resolution to the Secretary of State.

Who/what is affected

  • Constitutionally establishes environmental rights and the state’s stewardship role, potentially influencing future policy decisions, regulatory actions, and legal challenges related to air quality, water quality, and environmental conservation.
  • Applies broadly to Tennessee’s environmental resources and implies a framework for balancing future generations’ interests in resource preservation.

Fiscal impact

  • A Fiscal Note from the Fiscal Review Committee indicates a NOT SIGNIFICANT fiscal impact.
  • Publication and related administrative actions are expected to incur no significant additional state expenditures.

Status and procedural timeline

  • Introduced: November 12, 2024.
  • Sponsor: House member Jones (J).
  • Initial referrals and committee actions:
    • February 3–5, 2025: Introductory referral to Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee; subcommittee assignment noted.
    • March 6, 2025: Read first time; referred to a subcommittee (noted variations include a subcommittee related to Property Tax Appraisals in some listings).
  • Current status: Assigned to the Agriculture & Natural Resources Subcommittee (as indicated in the bill’s action log). The flow includes publication requirements and potential referral to the next General Assembly if not considered in the current session.

Next steps

  • If the subcommittee advances the bill, it would proceed through committee hearings, floor debates, and votes in both chambers.
  • If passed by both chambers, the amendment would be placed on the statewide ballot for ratification in a future election, per constitutional procedures.
  • Public publication on official state websites will continue as part of the process.

Note

The bill text explicitly names the right and trustee-like responsibilities, aligning Tennessee constitutional law with environmental rights advocacy while preserving the usual constitutional amendment process.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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