House Bill 950 aims to enhance environmental protection in Tennessee by establishing the Urban Green Space Development Fund, which will be managed by the Department of Environment and Conservation. This fund will provide grants to local government entities and private nonprofit organizations for the acquisition of green spaces in urban areas. The bill defines "green space" and outlines the requirements for grant applications, including the necessity for matching funds from nonstate sources. Additionally, it mandates that any land acquired through these grants must have a perpetual easement restricting its use to green space purposes.

The bill also introduces a new subdivision to incentivize community-led projects aimed at improving air quality. It clarifies that the act does not appropriate funds unless specifically allocated by the general appropriations act and sets the effective date for rule promulgation upon becoming law, while other provisions will take effect on January 1, 2026. Overall, the legislation seeks to promote the preservation of urban green spaces and enhance community involvement in environmental initiatives.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 68-201-107