House Bill 1837, also known as the "Tennessee Private Property Vesting Rights of 2026," amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 29, Chapter 16, to establish new rights for property owners regarding land use regulations. The bill stipulates that if a public entity enacts or applies a land use regulation that reduces the existing rights of a property owner—such as the ability to use, divide, sell, or possess their property—resulting in a decrease in fair market value, the property owner is entitled to just compensation. The bill outlines the process for claiming this compensation, including a three-year statute of limitations for filing a claim and provisions for attorney fees if compensation is not paid within a specified timeframe.

The bill also specifies exemptions to the compensation requirement, including regulations aimed at public health and safety, those enacted prior to property acquisition, and those addressing public nuisances. Additionally, it allows public entities to modify or waive land use regulations in lieu of compensation, ensuring that such modifications run with the land. The definitions of key terms such as "family member," "land use regulation," and "public entity" are also provided to clarify the scope of the bill. Overall, this legislation aims to protect property owners' rights while balancing the need for land use regulations.