House Bill 297 amends various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated related to the Agricultural, Forest, and Open Space Land Act of 1976. The bill introduces new legal language that clarifies the ownership status of agricultural and forest land owned by two individuals. Specifically, it states that if such property is held under the titles of tenancy by the entireties or joint tenancy, it will be considered to have unchanged ownership upon the death or divorce of one owner, provided that the other owner retains the property through a right of survivorship.

The amendments apply to Sections 67-5-1005(a)(1), 67-5-1006(a)(1), and 67-5-1007(b)(1) of the Tennessee Code Annotated, ensuring consistent treatment of ownership for both agricultural and forest land in these circumstances. The bill is set to take effect upon becoming law, emphasizing the importance of maintaining property rights in the event of significant life changes for co-owners.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 67-5-1005(a)(1), 67-5-1005, 67-5-1006(a)(1), 67-5-1006, 67-5-1007(b)(1), 67-5-1007