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SB 767

Economic and Community Development, Dept. of - As introduced, requires that a broadband ready community’s ordinance or policy for reviewing applications must contain a provision that all applications related to the project be either approved or denied within 30 calendar days, rather than 30 business days, after the applications are submitted. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 7; Title 13; Title 65 and Title 67.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Paul Bailey

Tennessee bill accelerates broadband permit decisions from 30 business days to 30 calendar days, prioritizing speed over municipal review capacity.

Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Commerce and Labor Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 767

Legislative bill overview

SB 767 accelerates the permitting timeline for broadband infrastructure projects in Tennessee "broadband ready communities" by changing the application review deadline from 30 business days to 30 calendar days. This means communities must approve or deny broadband-related applications in approximately 6 fewer calendar days, including weekends and holidays. The bill modifies multiple sections of Tennessee code governing economic development and land use procedures.

Why is this important

Faster permitting can reduce deployment timelines and costs for broadband expansion, potentially accelerating internet access to underserved areas. However, this creates tighter administrative deadlines for local governments to conduct technical review, environmental assessment, and public notice procedures that typically require 4-6 weeks of business-day processing. The change could particularly impact smaller municipalities with limited staffing.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation feasibility: Local governments may lack sufficient staff to complete technical, engineering, and compliance reviews within 30 calendar days, potentially leading to automatic approvals by deadline rather than thorough evaluation
  • Public participation: Compressed timelines reduce opportunity for community input and notice periods that many consider essential for infrastructure decisions affecting neighborhoods
  • Selective application: The bill only applies to designated "broadband ready communities," creating a two-tiered system where some municipalities face stricter timelines than others without clear criteria for designation

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

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