Senate Bill 700, also known as the "Healthy Soil Act," aims to enhance soil health in Tennessee by establishing a comprehensive framework for promoting and supporting sustainable land management practices. The bill introduces a new part to the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically within Title 43, Chapter 14, which includes definitions for key terms such as "healthy soil," "technical assistance," and "supported method." The act creates a "healthy soil program" within the Department of Agriculture, which will administer various initiatives, including a healthy soil assessment and education program, a grant program, and collaboration with technical assistance providers to foster soil health stewardship.

Additionally, the bill establishes a Healthy Soil Advisory Group to provide recommendations on preventative measures and training to combat environmental degradation and address climate change impacts on soil management. The funding for these initiatives will come from appropriations by the General Assembly and other grants, with a focus on promoting local economic growth and prioritizing in-state resources. The act will take effect upon becoming law for rulemaking purposes, while other provisions will be effective starting July 1, 2025.