(NASHVILLE) — During the 2017 legislative session, members of the House Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee — led by Chairman Curtis Halford (R-Dyer) — fought to support rural economic development and growth in cities and towns throughout the state. The panel advanced 27 legislative initiatives that were signed into law by Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam.
These initiatives save Southeast Tennessee’s tourism industry, support small food businesses, increase agricultural production, and remove government red tape and regulations. Some of the legislation includes:
- House Bill 74: Saves the treasured Ocoee River.
- House Bill 299: Supports Tennessee’s small food businesses.
- House Bill 312: Protects personal information of Tennessee tourists.
- House Bill 438: Establishes Tennessee’s Energy Policy Council.
- House Bill 702: Generates licensing exemptions for members of the agricultural industry.
- House Bill 1164: Authorizes production of registered domestic varieties of industrial hemp.
“I am grateful to my colleagues for their service on the House Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee and for supporting the economic growth and development of our rural Tennessee communities in 2017,” said Chairman Halford. “We have made tremendous progress building strong economic foundations in these cities and towns that will continue our state’s overall economic momentum. When rural Tennessee thrives, our entire state benefits.”
Additionally, the efforts of the committee did not go unnoticed by House leadership, especially House Speaker Beth Harwell (R-Nashville).
“I want to personally thank the hardworking members of the House Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee for ensuring that our rural Tennessee communities continue to play an important role in the economic success of our state,” said Speaker Harwell. “Their efforts during the 2017 legislative session will have a tremendous impact on Tennessee now and in future years.”
Curtis Halford serves as Chairman of the House Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee. He lives in Dyer and represents House District 79, which includes all of Gibson and the majority of Carroll Counties. He can be reached by email at [email protected] or by calling (615) 741-7478.
