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TennesseeHB 1500114th General Assembly (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

AN ACT to create the Humphreys County Water Authority.

Sponsored By: Jay D. Reedy (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Humphreys County

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 6 mixed.

Water and sewer rates must cover costs

The Authority sets and collects customer rates, fees, deposits, tap or connection charges, and penalties. The board must keep the systems self‑supporting. Revenues must cover operations, maintenance, debt and reserves, and future extensions and improvements. The board can change rates whenever needed. If the Authority serves your area, your monthly bill or one‑time charges can change.

Exclusive service areas and system transfers

If the Authority acquires a city’s or utility district’s system, it becomes the only provider inside those boundaries, including as city limits expand. The board can also set exclusive service areas in the county by resolution. Humphreys County and the cities can sell, lease, donate, or transfer their systems to the Authority by resolution. They can also approve joint debt or guarantees under law. These changes can shift who bills you and how projects are funded.

Project bonds with limited taxpayer risk

The Authority issues revenue bonds and short‑term notes to buy, build, or improve systems. Bonds can run up to 40 years. It can refund old debt to manage costs. Debt is paid only from system revenues and pledged assets unless a county or city separately approves a guarantee or joint obligation. The Authority and its bonds are tax‑exempt, which can lower borrowing costs but does not create new taxes.

Eminent domain for water projects

The Authority can condemn land, easements, and rights‑of‑way needed for water and sewer projects. It must follow Tennessee eminent domain procedures. Its use cannot interfere with a prior public use when that rule applies. If your property lies in a project path, it can be taken with compensation under law.

Humphreys County water authority created

This law creates the Humphreys County Water Authority as a public body. It can plan, build, run, and finance water and sewer systems for the region. The Authority cannot levy taxes. It takes effect for full operations only if two‑thirds of the county legislative body approves and certifies the vote.

Board and manager run the Authority

A five‑member board governs the Authority with city and county appointments and staggered terms. Members must live in Humphreys County and cannot work for a local water or sewer utility. The board holds public meetings and elects officers yearly. Members can receive up to $150 per meeting for up to 12 meetings, plus expense reimbursement. The board may hire a general manager to run daily operations and hire staff, with board approval for key roles.

Oversight, audits, and wind-down rules

The Public Utility Commission no longer regulates the Authority’s rates or management. The Tennessee Board of Utility Regulation handles applicable matters, and environmental rules still apply. The board must adopt an annual budget and get an annual audit filed with local officials. If the Authority ends and all debts are paid, remaining assets go to the county, cities, and participating governments as required. The law adds to, not replaces, other local powers.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jay D. Reedy

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 160 • No: 2

Senate vote • 3/30/2026

FLOOR VOTE: Motion to Adopt 3/30/2026

Yes: 33 • No: 0

House vote • 3/16/2026

FLOOR VOTE: CONSENT CALENDAR PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 3/16/2026

Yes: 94 • No: 0

House vote • 3/12/2026

HOUSE CALENDAR & RULES COMMITTEE

Yes: 0 • No: 2

House vote • 3/4/2026

HOUSE STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE

Yes: 21 • No: 0

House vote • 2/9/2026

HOUSE PRIVATE ACTS COMMITTEE

Yes: 12 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor.

    4/16/2026

  2. Transmitted to Governor for his action.

    4/7/2026House

  3. Signed by H. Speaker

    4/6/2026House

  4. Signed by Senate Speaker

    4/6/2026Senate

  5. Enrolled; ready for sig. of H. Speaker.

    4/1/2026House

  6. Senate substituted House Bill for companion Senate Bill.

    3/30/2026Senate

  7. Passed Senate, Ayes 33, Nays 0

    3/30/2026Senate

  8. Received from House, Passed on First Consideration

    3/19/2026Senate

  9. Engrossed; ready for transmission to Sen.

    3/17/2026House

  10. Passed H., Ayes 94, Nays 0, PNV 0

    3/16/2026House

  11. H. Placed on Consent Calendar for 3/16/2026

    3/12/2026House

  12. Placed on cal. Calendar & Rules Committee for 3/12/2026

    3/11/2026House

  13. Rec. for pass; ref to Calendar & Rules Committee

    3/4/2026House

  14. Placed on cal. State & Local Government Committee for 3/4/2026

    2/25/2026House

  15. Rec. for pass; ref to State & Local Government Committee

    2/9/2026House

  16. Placed on cal. Private Acts Committee for 2/9/2026

    2/4/2026House

  17. Meeting Canceled

    1/22/2026House

  18. Placed on cal. Private Acts Committee for 1/26/2026

    1/21/2026House

  19. P2C, ref. to Private Acts Committee - State & Local Government Committee

    1/14/2026House

  20. Intro., P1C.

    1/13/2026House

  21. Filed for introduction

    1/12/2026House

Bill Text

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