Statewide Tax Law Change Proposed By Hamilton County Passes State Legislature
Legislation requested by Hamilton County officials to correct a flaw in Tennessee’s current tax law, which allowed a city to forgive county tax dollars, passed both chambers of the Tennessee General Assembly this week.
Senator Watson sponsored legislation—Senate Bill 1398 and House Bill 890—ensuring local governments have a voice in decisions affecting their tax base. The reform requires proper notice and creates a clear process for approval or disapproval of Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreements by the local legislative body—or allows the agreement to proceed if the county mayor raises no objection—when expected tax revenues would be reduced.