Senate Bill 1879, also known as House Bill 1963, aims to enhance the availability of weather-related information in Tennessee by mandating the Department of Environment and Conservation to compile and publish data on floods and landslides occurring within the state. The bill requires the department to utilize existing resources to gather relevant data from various sources, including other government agencies, media outlets, and citizen scientists. The published data must include details such as the geographic location, duration, and severity of these weather events, and it must be presented in a map format for better accessibility and understanding.
The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2024, emphasizing the importance of public welfare in the dissemination of this critical information. This initiative is expected to improve awareness and preparedness for weather-related disasters in Tennessee, ultimately contributing to the safety and well-being of its residents.