Senate Bill 281 amends various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated to provide specific exemptions for farming activities from regulation by the Department of Environment and Conservation. The bill introduces a new provision stating that the department shall not regulate farming activities related to topsoil, rock removal, or pond construction if these activities occur on properties that are less than three acres in size and have a greenbelt classification under the Agricultural, Forest and Open Space Land Act of 1976.

This legislation aims to reduce regulatory burdens on small-scale farming operations, thereby promoting agricultural activities in designated areas. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, ensuring that the changes are implemented in a timely manner to benefit farmers within the specified criteria.