Senate Bill 2022, also known as House Bill 2383, amends various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated related to utility relocation projects. The bill updates the definition of "utility" to include modern infrastructure such as broadband and fiber-optic services, aligning it with existing Department of Transportation policy. It establishes a statutory minimum reimbursement cap of $2,500,000 for utility relocation projects, while allowing the Commissioner to authorize higher amounts based on specific factors, including project scale and impacts on ratepayers. The bill aims to ensure financial prudence and equitable treatment of utilities without imposing additional costs on the state.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the obligations of utilities regarding relocation and outlines the reimbursement process, including the establishment of rules and regulations for cost reimbursement. It emphasizes that the reimbursement amount for projects exceeding the cap must be no less than $2,500,000, while also considering various factors that may affect the costs. The legislation is designed to protect utility service providers and their customers from undue financial burdens while promoting the state's commitment to modern infrastructure investment. The act will take effect upon becoming law for rule promulgation purposes, with full implementation starting on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 54-5-802, 54-5-803, 54-5-804, 54-5-806, 54-5-854, 54-5-854(d)