House Bill 613 amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 69-3-108(g), by adding a new requirement for the division of water resources within the Department of Environment and Conservation. Starting July 1, 2025, and annually thereafter, the division must report specific information to key state officials, including the governor and the comptroller of the treasury. The report will detail the number of permit applications filed and the mechanisms of compensatory mitigation for permits that require such provisions. This includes information on in-lieu fee programs and mitigation banking, specifying the sponsors, the number of credits sold, and the financial details related to those credits.

The bill aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the permitting process related to water resources and compensatory mitigation efforts. By mandating these reports, the legislation seeks to provide a clearer understanding of how mitigation is being handled and the financial implications of these activities, thereby supporting better management of water resources in Tennessee. The act will take effect upon becoming law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 69-3-108(g), 69-3-108