House Bill 1809 amends various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated concerning the unlawful disposal of waste. The bill reclassifies certain offenses related to waste disposal, specifically increasing the penalty from a Class C misdemeanor to a Class B misdemeanor for individuals who commit these offenses while engaged in the business of removing accumulated wastes from subsurface sewage disposal systems. This change is reflected in amendments to Sections 39-17-102(d), 68-221-413(a), and 68-221-713(f)(1), where the new legal language specifies the conditions under which the higher penalty applies.

The bill aims to enhance accountability and deter unlawful waste disposal practices, particularly for those operating within the sewage removal industry. The new provisions clarify that violations of specific rules and regulations regarding sewage disposal will incur more severe penalties if committed by licensed professionals in the field. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, ensuring that the public welfare is prioritized in the enforcement of these regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 39-17-102(d), 39-17-102, 68-221-413(a), 68-221-413, 68-221-713(f)(1), 68-221-713