House Bill 2355, also known as Senate Bill 2532, amends various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated related to the unlawful disposal of waste. The bill establishes that offenses under these sections are generally classified as Class C misdemeanors, but escalates the classification to Class B misdemeanors for individuals engaged in the business of removing accumulated wastes from subsurface sewage disposal systems when committing such offenses. The bill outlines specific penalties for repeat offenders, including permit suspensions and revocations by the commissioner of environment and conservation, with increasing severity for subsequent violations.

The amendments specifically replace existing language in Tennessee Code Annotated, Sections 39-17-102(d), 68-221-413(a), and 68-221-713(f)(1), detailing the classification of offenses and the consequences for those who violate the laws while operating in the waste removal business. The new provisions mandate that upon conviction, the court must notify the commissioner, who will then enforce permit suspensions or revocations based on the number of violations. This act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and will apply to any violations occurring on or after that date.

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