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HB 2655

Unicoi County - Subject to local approval, aligns the county's mineral severance tax with the tax amounts prescribed under state law. - Amends Chapter 213 of the Private Acts of 1982.

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

HB 2655 allows Unicoi County to align its mineral severance tax with state law rates, subject to local voter approval, modifying the county's 1982 tax authority.

Signed by Governor.
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Bill Summary · HB 2655

Legislative bill overview

HB 2655 allows Unicoi County to adopt mineral severance tax rates that match those established under Tennessee state law, subject to local voter approval. The bill modifies the county's existing tax framework from its 1982 private act authorization to align with current state-prescribed tax amounts.

Why is this important

Mineral severance taxes are a revenue source for counties when minerals are extracted from local lands. Aligning local rates with state law ensures consistency across jurisdictions and allows Unicoi County to potentially increase revenue if state rates exceed their current local rates, which could fund county services without raising other taxes.

Potential points of contention

  • Revenue impact uncertainty: Without knowing the specific difference between current local rates and state-prescribed rates, it's unclear whether this represents a tax increase or decrease for mining operators and mineral owners
  • Local control vs. state standardization: The bill ties local tax authority to state law, which may limit Unicoi County's future flexibility to set independent rates based on local economic conditions
  • Voter approval requirement: The referendum requirement adds implementation time and creates uncertainty about whether the measure will actually be adopted, even if the legislature approves it

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

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