Rep. Kelly Keisling (R-Dist. 38-Byrdstown) has filed legislation that would require county or local chief legislative bodies to greenlight development projects without public comment so long as the zoning regulations or maps were previously available for public comment or review.
The bill, HB0183/SB0137, is in direct contradiction to Tennessee’s Sunshine Law, specifically the Open Meetings Act which, “requires governing bodies to provide a period for public comment at every meeting where there is an actionable item on the agenda.”
The text of the bill specifically states that public comment is restricted “notwithstanding”[i.e. despite] the Sunshine Law, and gives the governing body permission to decide if the proposed development is in compliance with zoning laws or maps so long as those documents were at one point publicly available.
Senator Richard Briggs (R-Dist. 7- Knoxville) is sponsoring the legislation in the Tennessee Senate, and according to the General Assembly’s website, has already passed in both the House and Senate upon first consideration.
Briggs has been criticized for his waffling and misleading stance on abortion and his sponsorship of bills advocating for censorship.
Keisling has filed several other pieces of legislation this session, including a 5% tax on the sale of lottery tickets and a bill that would require proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration, both raising questions about potential underlying intentions and effectiveness.
Overall, this legislation appears to directly contradict and override current laws which protect citizen voices and rights.
It appears it is intended to squash constituent input regarding local processes and developments, especially as development and zoning issues have become an even more mainstream issue after the devastation of Hurricane Helene recently raised significant controversy over eminent domain rights.
Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
Tennessee Bill Allows Approval For Development Projects Without Public Input
Tennessee Bill Allows Approval For Development Projects Without Public Input
Image Credit: Tennessee General Assembly & Canva
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
Rep. Kelly Keisling (R-Dist. 38-Byrdstown) has filed legislation that would require county or local chief legislative bodies to greenlight development projects without public comment so long as the zoning regulations or maps were previously available for public comment or review.
The bill, HB0183/SB0137, is in direct contradiction to Tennessee’s Sunshine Law, specifically the Open Meetings Act which, “requires governing bodies to provide a period for public comment at every meeting where there is an actionable item on the agenda.”
The text of the bill specifically states that public comment is restricted “notwithstanding” [i.e. despite] the Sunshine Law, and gives the governing body permission to decide if the proposed development is in compliance with zoning laws or maps so long as those documents were at one point publicly available.
Senator Richard Briggs (R-Dist. 7- Knoxville) is sponsoring the legislation in the Tennessee Senate, and according to the General Assembly’s website, has already passed in both the House and Senate upon first consideration.
Briggs has been criticized for his waffling and misleading stance on abortion and his sponsorship of bills advocating for censorship.
Keisling has filed several other pieces of legislation this session, including a 5% tax on the sale of lottery tickets and a bill that would require proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration, both raising questions about potential underlying intentions and effectiveness.
Overall, this legislation appears to directly contradict and override current laws which protect citizen voices and rights.
It appears it is intended to squash constituent input regarding local processes and developments, especially as development and zoning issues have become an even more mainstream issue after the devastation of Hurricane Helene recently raised significant controversy over eminent domain rights.
Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.