TennesseeSB 0480114th General Assembly (2025-2026)SenateWALLET

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 13, Chapter 20; Title 13, Chapter 21 and Title 29, Chapter 17, relative to housing authorities.

Sponsored By: Janice Bowling (Republican)

Became Law

Housing

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

Tighter eminent domain rules for homeowners

A housing authority can use eminent domain for redevelopment only in two cases. It can take property that is legally blighted or property needed for public use. If an agency moves to take your property under these plans, you can ask a court to decide if the taking is to fix blight and resell. These rules narrow forced takings and add a clear court check.

Blight now judged property by property

The law defines “blighted property” based on each building’s condition, not the whole neighborhood. A local inspector must cite safety‑related code violations in key systems like the roof, foundation, fire egress, utilities, or walls and floors. The owner must get two cure notices, and the problems must still be unresolved. Land used mainly for farming is excluded. The law also replaces “blighted areas” with “blighted property,” so each parcel is judged on its own.

Negotiated sales and above-market offers

Housing authorities can buy property through a voluntary sale instead of using eminent domain. For property that is not blighted, they may pay more than fair market value. In renewal or redevelopment areas, an authority can hire a third‑party negotiator at its own expense to help reach a deal.

Cities keep renewal and financing tools

Housing authorities and local agencies can still propose urban renewal or redevelopment areas, but the local governing body must approve them. Cities can set up tax increment financing (TIF) zones inside or outside those areas. Cities and housing authorities can also apply for grants to help pay for renewal or redevelopment plans.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Janice Bowling
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Jessie Seal
Republican • Senate
John Stevens
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 119 • No: 12

House vote • 3/20/2025

FLOOR VOTE: REGULAR CALENDAR PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 3/20/2025

Yes: 81 • No: 11

Senate vote • 3/6/2025

FLOOR VOTE: Third Consideration 3/6/2025

Yes: 30 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/25/2025

SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE

Yes: 8 • No: 1

Actions Timeline

Pub. Ch. 114
4/8/2025
Effective date(s) 04/03/2025
4/8/2025
Signed by Governor.
4/3/2025Senate
Transmitted to Governor for action.
3/25/2025Senate
Signed by Senate Speaker
3/24/2025Senate
Signed by H. Speaker
3/24/2025House
Subst. for comp. HB.
3/20/2025House
Passed H., Ayes 81, Nays 11, PNV 0
3/20/2025House
Enrolled and ready for signatures
3/20/2025Senate
Rcvd. from S., held on H. desk.
3/10/2025House
Passed Senate, Ayes 30, Nays 0
3/6/2025Senate
Sponsor(s) Added.
3/6/2025Senate
Engrossed; ready for transmission to House
3/6/2025Senate
Placed on Senate Regular Calendar for 3/6/2025
3/4/2025Senate
Sponsor(s) Added.
2/25/2025Senate
Recommended for passage, refer to Senate Calendar Committee
2/25/2025Senate
Placed on Senate Judiciary Committee calendar for 2/25/2025
2/19/2025Senate
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Judiciary Committee
2/12/2025Senate
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
2/10/2025Senate
Filed for introduction
1/29/2025Senate

Bill Text

Enrolled / Public Chapter
PDF
Fiscal Note
PDF
Introduced
PDF

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