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HB 199

Environment and Conservation, Department of - As enacted, requires an agreement or contract entered into between the commissioner and a county health department for the department to implement subsurface sewage disposal requirements to include authority for the commissioner to issue a variance in certain circumstances. - Amends TCA Title 68, Chapter 221, Part 4.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Requires state-county agreements for sewage regulations and grants commissioner variance authority for subsurface disposal systems in Tennessee.

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 208
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Bill Summary · HB 199

Legislative bill overview

HB 199 requires formal agreements between Tennessee's Department of Environment and Conservation and county health departments when implementing subsurface sewage disposal regulations. The bill grants the commissioner authority to issue variances from standard requirements under specified circumstances.

Why is this important

Subsurface sewage systems (septic systems) are critical for public health and environmental protection in rural and underserved areas. This bill clarifies the regulatory framework and decision-making authority, potentially streamlining the variance process for property owners while maintaining environmental standards.

Potential points of contention

  • Variance standards ambiguity: The bill references "certain circumstances" for variances without explicitly defining them, potentially creating inconsistent application across counties
  • Local vs. state authority balance: Formalizing agreements may shift power dynamics between county health departments and state regulators, affecting local decision-making autonomy
  • Environmental protection vs. property rights: Variance authority could be viewed as either protecting property owners from overly restrictive rules or as weakening environmental safeguards depending on implementation

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

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