Tenn. Code § 4-1-422

Current through Acts 2023-2024, ch. 1069
Section 4-1-422 - Protection of private property rights in implementation of United Nations policies
(a) As used in this section, "political subdivision" means a local governmental entity, including, but not limited to, a municipality, metropolitan government, county, utility district, school district, public building authority, and development district created and existing pursuant to the laws of this state, or any instrumentality of government created by any one (1) or more of the named local governmental entities.
(b) This state and its political subdivisions shall not adopt or implement policy recommendations that deliberately or inadvertently infringe or restrict private property rights without due process, as may be required by policy recommendations originating in, or traceable to, the United Nations or a subsidiary entity of the United Nations, including, but not limited to:
(1) "Agenda 21," adopted by the United Nations in 1992 at its Conference on Environment and Development;
(2) The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, introduced at a United Nations Summit in 2015;
(3) The United Nations' proposal to reach net zero emissions by 2050; or
(4) Another international law or ancillary plan of action that contravenes the constitution of the United States or the constitution of this state.
(c) Since the United Nations has accredited and enlisted numerous non-governmental and intergovernmental organizations to assist in the implementation of its policies relative to Agenda 21, The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, net zero goals for 2050, and its related plans and initiatives, this state and its political subdivisions shall not enter into an agreement, expend any sum of money, or provide financial aid to those non-governmental and intergovernmental organizations as described in or promoted by such plans and initiatives.
(d) As part of a political subdivision's annual audit, the executive of the political subdivision or the governing body of the political subdivision shall present a written attestation to the comptroller of the treasury certifying that the political subdivision has not sought or received a grant in intentional pursuit of a policy described under subsection (b).
(e)
(1) An individual who believes that a political subdivision has violated subsection (b) or (c) may bring a private cause of action in a court of competent jurisdiction.
(2) A court shall award court costs and fees, including reasonable attorneys' fees, to the prevailing party in an action brought pursuant to this subsection (e). In addition, the court may award the following remedies to a plaintiff who prevails in an action brought pursuant to this subsection (e):
(A) Actual damages; and
(B) Punitive damages.

T.C.A. § 4-1-422

Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 877,s 1, eff. 7/1/2024.
Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 479, s 1, eff. 5/17/2023.