House Bill 1259 amends various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated related to water regulations. Notably, it changes the timeframe for certain actions from "five (5) days" to "seven (7) days" in Section 69-3-104(d). Additionally, it introduces a new definition for "galvanized requiring replacement" in Section 7-35-401(b), which refers to galvanized service lines associated with lead service lines that must be replaced according to federal drinking water regulations.

The bill also modifies existing provisions regarding private projects in Section 7-35-401(c)(1)(B)(iii) by clarifying that the renewal or replacement of private water lines and sewage lines may not be considered a project for a private purpose if deemed necessary by public entities to address health issues related to lead service lines or excessive infiltration. Furthermore, it allows municipalities and other public entities to maintain or construct individual lines for these purposes with the property owner's consent, as outlined in the new subdivision added to Section 7-35-401(c). The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 69-3-104(d), 69-3-104
Amended with SA0616 -- 03/09/2026: 69-3-104(d), 69-3-104, 7-35-401(b), 7-35-401, 7-35-401(c)(1)(B)(iii), 7-35-401(c)