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SB 1138

Sewage - As enacted, prohibits a municipal sewer system or utility district that has operated a sewerage system outside of the corporate boundaries of the city or town for 25 years or more from ceasing operation of the sewerage system outside the corporate boundaries so long as the sewerage system maintains sufficient capacity; requires a utility system that provides wastewater service to provide a connection to the owner of real property for wastewater service when the utility system meets certain requirements. - Amends TCA Title 7, Chapter 35; Title 7, Chapter 82 and Title 68, Chapter 221.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Brent Taylor

Tennessee law now prohibits sewer utilities from ending service to long-served areas and requires them to connect properties when capacity allows.

Pub. Ch. 461
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Bill Summary · SB 1138

Legislative bill overview

SB 1138 prevents municipal sewer systems and utility districts from discontinuing wastewater service to areas outside city/town boundaries if they've operated there for 25+ years and have adequate capacity. It also requires utility systems to provide wastewater connections to property owners when certain conditions are met.

Why is this important

This legislation affects property owners in rural or suburban areas who depend on municipal sewer systems, protecting their access to essential wastewater infrastructure and preventing sudden service disruptions. It also creates obligations for utility companies that could impact their operational flexibility and finances.

Potential points of contention

  • Utility system burden: Mandating connections and service maintenance could increase costs for utilities, potentially raising rates for all customers or forcing expansion into unprofitable areas
  • Infrastructure maintenance responsibility: Requiring 25+ year-old systems to continue operating may obligate utilities to maintain aging infrastructure that could be expensive or inefficient
  • Defining "sufficient capacity": The bill's lack of clear definition for what constitutes adequate system capacity could lead to disputes and litigation between utilities and property owners

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

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