Senate Bill 281, sponsored by Watson, proposes an amendment to the Tennessee Code Annotated concerning agricultural regulations. The bill introduces a new section in Title 4, Chapter 3, Part 5, which stipulates that the Department of Environment and Conservation will not regulate farming activities related to topsoil, rock removal, or pond construction if these activities occur on properties smaller than three acres and classified as greenbelt under the Agricultural, Forest and Open Space Land Act of 1976.

The bill aims to reduce regulatory oversight for small-scale farming operations, thereby potentially easing the burden on farmers engaging in these activities. If enacted, the provisions of this bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, emphasizing the importance of supporting agricultural practices while maintaining environmental considerations.