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HB 65

Municipal Government - As enacted, authorizes a city incorporated under a city manager-commission charter to contract with a private entity for the development, construction, management, or operation of an indoor or outdoor sports facility under terms acceptable to the city if certain conditions are met. - Amends TCA Title 6.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Gino Bulso

Tennessee cities with manager-commission charters can now contract with private entities to develop, construct, manage, or operate sports facilities under city-approved terms.

Pub. Ch. 279
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Bill Summary · HB 65

Legislative bill overview

HB 65 permits Tennessee cities operating under a city manager-commission charter to contract with private entities for the development, construction, management, or operation of sports facilities. The bill establishes a framework allowing these municipalities to pursue public-private partnerships for sports infrastructure while maintaining city oversight through approval of contract terms.

Why is this important

This legislation expands municipalities' toolkits for funding and managing sports facilities without direct public expenditure, potentially enabling cities to develop amenities that might otherwise be financially infeasible. However, it shifts operational control and profit potential to private entities, raising questions about public access, pricing, and long-term community benefit versus private returns.

Potential points of contention

  • Public access and affordability: Private operators may prioritize profitability over community access, potentially pricing local residents out of facilities or limiting non-revenue-generating public uses
  • Long-term financial obligations: Cities may face hidden costs or unfavorable renegotiations after initial contracts expire, particularly if revenue projections prove optimistic
  • Accountability and transparency: Private management reduces direct public control over facility operations, maintenance standards, and decision-making, potentially limiting citizen input on how community assets operate

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

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