reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 69 - WATERS, WATERWAYS, DRAINS AND LEVEES (§§ 69-1-101 — 69-11-127) › Chapter 5 - DRAINAGE AND LEVEE DISTRICTS (§§ 69-5-101 — 69-5-1303) › Part 8 - LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS (§§ 69-5-801 — 69-5-836) › Section 69-5-810 - Special maintenance fund

(a)
(1)
At any time after the main improvement or improvements in any district have been completed, it shall be made to appear to the county legislative body, by the petition of the board of directors of the district, supported by satisfactory proof, that a special fund is needed for the purpose of maintaining the improvement, or for the purpose of keeping the same effective to give full efficiency to the original purpose for which the district was created, the county legislative body shall have the power to make and collect a special assessment, for the purpose named. The amount, so assessed and collected, shall not be, in any one (1) year, in excess of one dollar ($1.00) per acre on all the lands within the district. Such assessment shall be based upon the apportionment of benefits, as made by the commissioners, and shall be collected at the same time, and in the same manner, as is provided for the collection of assessments in drainage or drainage and levee districts.
(2)
The board of directors of the district may petition the county legislative bodies of the counties within a district to make and collect a special assessment. The amount so assessed shall not be, in any one (1) year, in excess of three dollars ($3.00) per acre on all the lands within the district. This petition of the board of directors shall not be effective until it is endorsed and approved by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of each of the county legislative bodies of the counties within a district. The assessment and collection shall otherwise be as provided by law.
(b)
Such assessment shall be a lien upon the respective tracts of land upon which it is assessed, but inferior to the lien of the general assessment for the payment of bonds, interest, and administration charges. The lien shall be enforced in the same manner as provided for the enforcement of such liens in drainage, or drainage and levee districts.
(c)
The amounts so collected shall be a fund to be used for the purposes named, and shall be paid out for such purposes, on the order or warrant of the county mayor. Before any such payment is made, all accounts or claims for work done for the purposes named shall be approved by the board of directors of the district, by resolution or motion, spread of record on the minutes of the board, and a copy of the minutes presented to the county legislative body, and approved by the county legislative body, and spread of record of that body on the drainage record. The payments in all respects shall be made as now provided by law for the paying out of drainage funds for main improvements.
Acts 1915, ch. 63, §7; Shan., §§ 3871a154-3871a156; Code 1932, §§ 4389-4391; Acts 1953, ch. 24, § 1; 1976, ch. 701, §1; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 7, 36; Acts 1981, ch. 134, §1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§70-1312--70-1314; Acts 2003 , ch. 90, § 2; T.C.A. § 69-6-810.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 69 - WATERS, WATERWAYS, DRAINS AND LEVEES (§§ 69-1-101 — 69-11-127) › Chapter 5 - DRAINAGE AND LEVEE DISTRICTS (§§ 69-5-101 — 69-5-1303) › Part 8 - LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS (§§ 69-5-801 — 69-5-836) › Section 69-5-811 - Unenforceable assessments

Where any assessments made and levied under this chapter cannot, for any reason, be enforced, and part of the work has been done, the county court shall proceed as to any or all lands benefited by the improvement in the same manner as if the appraisement and apportionment of benefits had never been made, in which event any payments already made shall be duly credited to those who have paid them.
Acts 1909, ch. 185, § 17; Shan., § 3871a76; Code 1932, § 4304; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 70-1315; T.C.A. § 69-6-811.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 69 - WATERS, WATERWAYS, DRAINS AND LEVEES (§§ 69-1-101 — 69-11-127) › Chapter 5 - DRAINAGE AND LEVEE DISTRICTS (§§ 69-5-101 — 69-5-1303) › Part 8 - LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS (§§ 69-5-801 — 69-5-836) › Section 69-5-812 - Correction of failure to bring landowner before court or to report land

After a district is ordered established, if it is found that any parcel of land within its limits has been overlooked, or is not reported for assessment, or it is found that any owner or encumbrancer of any parcel of land has not been properly brought before the court, such mistake or order may be corrected. The county court shall order such parcel of land listed for assessment, and cause the owner thereof, and encumbrancer, if any, to be properly brought before the court by process or publication, and also any other owner or encumbrancer not already before the court. As to any such lands, or parties, the matter shall be proceeded with as if proceeded against in the beginning, and so as to enforce proper and proportional assessments. As to all other parties already before the court, the validity of the proceedings shall not be affected because some of the lands had been overlooked and some of the owners or encumbrances not brought before the court before the district was ordered established.
Acts 1913 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 25, § 8; Shan., § 3871a77; Code 1932, §4305; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 70-1316; T.C.A. § 69-6-812.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 69 - WATERS, WATERWAYS, DRAINS AND LEVEES (§§ 69-1-101 — 69-11-127) › Chapter 5 - DRAINAGE AND LEVEE DISTRICTS (§§ 69-5-101 — 69-5-1303) › Part 8 - LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS (§§ 69-5-801 — 69-5-836) › Section 69-5-813 - Drainage assessment book - Due date of assessments

The assessments provided to be collected for the purposes provided in this part shall be entered upon a book to be provided by the county clerk, at the expense of the county, for this purpose, in a similar manner to that in which taxes are entered upon the tax books, such books showing the tracts of lands, amounts of assessments, and such book, when so made out, shall be furnished to the county trustee for collection of assessments so levied. Such book shall be called the "drainage assessment book," and shall be made out by the county clerk of the county in which the particular assessment is levied, and the book may be made out but once, if practicable, for the entire assessment for the particular improvement project; but if not practicable, then a new drainage assessment book may be made out for a shorter period, or for each year, and furnished the county trustee. The assessments levied under this part shall become due and payable and delinquent at the same time state and county taxes become due and delinquent, and such assessments shall bear interest at the legal rate after they become delinquent.
Acts 1909, ch. 185, § 32; Shan., § 3871a122; Code 1932, §4351; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 22, 36; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 70-1317; T.C.A. § 69-6-813.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 69 - WATERS, WATERWAYS, DRAINS AND LEVEES (§§ 69-1-101 — 69-11-127) › Chapter 5 - DRAINAGE AND LEVEE DISTRICTS (§§ 69-5-101 — 69-5-1303) › Part 8 - LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS (§§ 69-5-801 — 69-5-836) › Section 69-5-814 - Vendee to report sale of tract - Collections made accordingly

When voluntary sales of any property located within any drainage district have been made, it shall be the duty of the vendee of the sales to report the sales to the trustee who shall make the change in the drainage assessment book, and thereafter make the collection or assessments accordingly.
Acts 1921, ch. 144, § 1; Shan. Supp., § 3871a51b8; mod. Code 1932, §4276; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 70-1318; T.C.A. § 69-6-814.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 69 - WATERS, WATERWAYS, DRAINS AND LEVEES (§§ 69-1-101 — 69-11-127) › Chapter 5 - DRAINAGE AND LEVEE DISTRICTS (§§ 69-5-101 — 69-5-1303) › Part 8 - LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS (§§ 69-5-801 — 69-5-836) › Section 69-5-815 - Sale of part of tract

When voluntary sales of a part of any tract so assessed shall be made, it shall be the duty of the vendor to file a petition in the county court of the county in which the cause was instituted, establishing the drainage district against the purchaser, setting out the facts, and the court shall determine what part of the assessment shall be borne by the tract so conveyed and what part by the tract or parcel retained by the vendor, which decree shall be entered on the drainage record book, and certified by the clerk of the county, to the trustee, whose duty it is to collect the assessments, and the trustee shall make the change in the drainage assessment book and thereafter collect the assessments accordingly, and the cost of filing the petition and conducting the proceeding shall be borne equally by the vendor and vendee of such part of land.
Acts 1921, ch. 144, § 1; Shan. Supp., § 3871a51b9; Code 1932, §4277; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 22, 36; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 70-1319; T.C.A. § 69-6-815.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 69 - WATERS, WATERWAYS, DRAINS AND LEVEES (§§ 69-1-101 — 69-11-127) › Chapter 5 - DRAINAGE AND LEVEE DISTRICTS (§§ 69-5-101 — 69-5-1303) › Part 8 - LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS (§§ 69-5-801 — 69-5-836) › Section 69-5-816 - Sale for collection of assessments certified to clerk and trustee

If any tract of land is sold, as provided, for the collection of the assessment, the clerk of the court having cognizance of such cause shall certify to the clerk of the county, where the suit establishing the drainage district was instituted, a copy of the decree, and the decree shall be entered on the drainage record book in the office, and filed with the papers in the cause; and the county clerk shall certify this decree to the trustee charged with the collection of the assessments, who shall enter the change of owner and other changes shown in the decree, on the drainage assessment book, and thereafter collect the assessments accordingly.
Acts 1921, ch. 144, § 1; Shan. Supp., § 3871a51b10; Code 1932, §4278; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 22, 36; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 70-1320; T.C.A. § 69-6-816.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 69 - WATERS, WATERWAYS, DRAINS AND LEVEES (§§ 69-1-101 — 69-11-127) › Chapter 5 - DRAINAGE AND LEVEE DISTRICTS (§§ 69-5-101 — 69-5-1303) › Part 8 - LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS (§§ 69-5-801 — 69-5-836) › Section 69-5-817 - Trustee to collect assessments - Notice to delinquents - Penalty

It is the duty of the trustee to collect the assessments along with other taxes upon the lands, which shall be credited to the account of the drainage district; and it is the duty of the county trustee, within ten (10) days after any drainage tax is delinquent, to give written notice to the party to whom the tract or tracts on which taxes are delinquent is assessed that the tax is delinquent, and that a penalty of ten percent (10%) will accrue on the delinquency as provided in this part. No additional amount shall be taxed against the party assessed to cover any attorney's fees in case of suit brought necessary to collect the taxes; the attorney's fees shall be paid out of the penalty, and shall not in any case exceed the penalty.
Acts 1909, ch. 185, § 32a, as added by Acts 1923, ch. 73, § 2; Shan. Supp., § 3871a122b1; Code 1932, § 4352; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 70-1321; T.C.A. § 69-6-817.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 69 - WATERS, WATERWAYS, DRAINS AND LEVEES (§§ 69-1-101 — 69-11-127) › Chapter 5 - DRAINAGE AND LEVEE DISTRICTS (§§ 69-5-101 — 69-5-1303) › Part 8 - LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS (§§ 69-5-801 — 69-5-836) › Section 69-5-818 - Date assessments become delinquent - Penalty and interest

The assessment levied under this chapter shall become due and payable, and shall be delinquent at the same time as state and county taxes become due and delinquent. On November 15 after such assessments become delinquent, a penalty of ten percent (10%) of the amount of such assessments shall accrue on the delinquency, and in addition such assessments shall bear interest at the legal rate from the date they are delinquent until paid, to pay the cost of collecting them so as to hold the district harmless.
Acts 1909, ch. 185, § 32a, as added by Acts 1923, ch. 73, § 2; 1925, ch. 93, §1; Shan. Supp., § 3871a122b2; Code 1932, § 4353; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 70-1322; T.C.A. § 69-6-818.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 69 - WATERS, WATERWAYS, DRAINS AND LEVEES (§§ 69-1-101 — 69-11-127) › Chapter 5 - DRAINAGE AND LEVEE DISTRICTS (§§ 69-5-101 — 69-5-1303) › Part 8 - LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS (§§ 69-5-801 — 69-5-836) › Section 69-5-819 - Assessments become liens on lands

The assessments provided for, when made and levied, shall be and become valid liens upon such lands so assessed as state and county taxes are liens upon lands.
Acts 1909, ch. 185, § 33; Shan., § 3871a123; Code 1932, § 4354; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 70-1323; T.C.A. § 69-6-819.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 69 - WATERS, WATERWAYS, DRAINS AND LEVEES (§§ 69-1-101 — 69-11-127) › Chapter 5 - DRAINAGE AND LEVEE DISTRICTS (§§ 69-5-101 — 69-5-1303) › Part 8 - LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS (§§ 69-5-801 — 69-5-836) › Section 69-5-820 - Suits in chancery for collection of assessments - Exceptions

When assessments have been due and delinquent for sixty (60) days, bills may be filed in the chancery court or circuit court of the county, in which the lands lie, upon which such assessments are due and delinquent, for the collection thereof out of such lands by a sale thereof in all cases, except in cases where the assessment is made against a railroad company or a public highway, as provided in §
69-5-313
.
Acts 1909, ch. 185, § 33; Shan., § 3871a124; Code 1932, § 4355; Acts 1965, ch. 144, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 70-1324; T.C.A. § 69-6-820.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 69 - WATERS, WATERWAYS, DRAINS AND LEVEES (§§ 69-1-101 — 69-11-127) › Chapter 5 - DRAINAGE AND LEVEE DISTRICTS (§§ 69-5-101 — 69-5-1303) › Part 8 - LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS (§§ 69-5-801 — 69-5-836) › Section 69-5-821 - Bills in name of county against owners of all assessed lands

Bills in chancery shall be filed in the name of the county in which the lands are situated for the use of the improvement district for the benefit of which the assessments were made, and against the owners, if known, and, if unknown, against them as such; and the owners of all lands upon which such assessments are delinquent may be made defendants to the same bill as parties to the bill.
Acts 1909, ch. 185, § 33; Shan., § 3871a125; Code 1932, § 4356; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 70-1325; T.C.A. § 69-6-821.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 69 - WATERS, WATERWAYS, DRAINS AND LEVEES (§§ 69-1-101 — 69-11-127) › Chapter 5 - DRAINAGE AND LEVEE DISTRICTS (§§ 69-5-101 — 69-5-1303) › Part 8 - LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS (§§ 69-5-801 — 69-5-836) › Section 69-5-822 - Delinquent list is prima facie evidence

When it is desired by the board of directors, or other interested party entitled to sue, to file such bill, the county trustee, upon request, shall make out a statement or list, showing all the lands upon which such assessments are so delinquent, and the names of the owners thereof, as appear upon the drainage assessment book or showing any tract or tracts assessed to unknown owners, if such is the case, and certify as trustee to the correctness of such statement or list as it appears upon the book, and in such chancery suit the certified statement or list shall be prima facie proof of the facts so certified to and that such assessments are delinquent, and sufficient proof to authorize a decree of sale in the absence of rebutting proof of the facts shown by the certified statement.
Acts 1909, ch. 185, § 33; Shan., § 3871a126; Code 1932, § 4357; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 70-1326; T.C.A. § 69-6-822.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 69 - WATERS, WATERWAYS, DRAINS AND LEVEES (§§ 69-1-101 — 69-11-127) › Chapter 5 - DRAINAGE AND LEVEE DISTRICTS (§§ 69-5-101 — 69-5-1303) › Part 8 - LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS (§§ 69-5-801 — 69-5-836) › Section 69-5-823 - Chancery procedure - Hearing as to one or more defendants

Suits in chancery shall be proceeded with as other suits are in the chancery court, except that the court may hear the case as to any one (1) or more of the defendants, whether ready to be heard as to other defendants or not, and so proceed to sale and final decree as to any one (1) or more of the defendants, though the case is not disposed of as to other defendants.
Acts 1909, ch. 185, § 33; Shan., § 3871a127; Code 1932, § 4358; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 70-1327; T.C.A. § 69-6-823.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 69 - WATERS, WATERWAYS, DRAINS AND LEVEES (§§ 69-1-101 — 69-11-127) › Chapter 5 - DRAINAGE AND LEVEE DISTRICTS (§§ 69-5-101 — 69-5-1303) › Part 8 - LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS (§§ 69-5-801 — 69-5-836) › Section 69-5-824 - Tax assessment of tracts partly outside district limits

All tax assessors, in assessing for public taxes any tract of land lying partly within the limits of a drainage district or drainage and levee district and partly outside of the limits of such district, shall assess that part of the tract lying within the limits of such district as one (1) independent tract, and that part of any such tract lying outside of the limits of such district as an independent tract, to the end that it may be definitely known what is the amount of the state and county taxes, and any special school district taxes, assessed against the part of the land within the limits of such district.
Acts 1927, ch. 74, § 1; mod. Code 1932, § 4359; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 70-1328; T.C.A. § 69-6-824.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 69 - WATERS, WATERWAYS, DRAINS AND LEVEES (§§ 69-1-101 — 69-11-127) › Chapter 5 - DRAINAGE AND LEVEE DISTRICTS (§§ 69-5-101 — 69-5-1303) › Part 8 - LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS (§§ 69-5-801 — 69-5-836) › Section 69-5-825 - Taxes to be reported and first paid out of proceeds of sales

When a sale is ordered in a suit pursuant to the preceding sections, and is made and reported, the clerk and master shall report what public taxes are a lien upon any tract so sold in favor of the state, county, or any municipality, and the court shall see that this is done. Any such taxes, if the sale is confirmed, shall be paid out of the proceeds of such sale before such delinquent assessments are paid.
Acts 1909, ch. 185, § 33; Shan., § 3871a128; Code 1932, § 4360; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 70-1329; T.C.A. § 69-6-825.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 69 - WATERS, WATERWAYS, DRAINS AND LEVEES (§§ 69-1-101 — 69-11-127) › Chapter 5 - DRAINAGE AND LEVEE DISTRICTS (§§ 69-5-101 — 69-5-1303) › Part 8 - LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS (§§ 69-5-801 — 69-5-836) › Section 69-5-826 - Vestiture of title subject to other assessments - Writ of possession

Upon confirmation of a sale of land by the chancery court, it shall divest title out of the owner and vest it in the purchaser; provided, that the owner of the land shall continue in possession, and shall be entitled to the rents and profits thereof until the expiration of two (2) years from the date of confirmation, at the expiration of which two (2) years, and not before, the clerk and master may, on application, issue to the purchaser a writ of possession for the land. Where title is so vested in a purchaser or a purchaser's heirs or assigns, the land shall be subject to any other assessments not yet due or unpaid, that may have been fixed or levied upon it at the time of such confirmation of sale, for the benefit of the improvement district on account of which such sale has been made.
Acts 1909, ch. 185, § 33; Shan., § 3871a129; Acts 1929, ch. 73, § 1; Code 1932, § 4361; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 70-1330; T.C.A. § 69-6-826.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 69 - WATERS, WATERWAYS, DRAINS AND LEVEES (§§ 69-1-101 — 69-11-127) › Chapter 5 - DRAINAGE AND LEVEE DISTRICTS (§§ 69-5-101 — 69-5-1303) › Part 8 - LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS (§§ 69-5-801 — 69-5-836) › Section 69-5-827 - Sales for cash subject to redemption - Time and terms of redemption - Title and possession

When any sale pursuant to the preceding sections has been made by decree of the chancery court, it shall be made for cash, and the owners of lands so sold shall have two (2) years from the date of the confirmation of such sale in which to redeem the same by paying to the clerk and master of such court making the sale the amount paid by the purchaser of the land, with legal interest on the amount paid, to the date of redemption, and also a further sum equal to ten percent (10%) of the amount so paid by the purchaser for the land; provided, that if the owner elects to, and does, within twelve (12) months after such confirmation of sale, pay into the hands of the clerk and master one fifth (1/5) of the amount paid by the purchaser for the land together with one fifth (1/5) of the penalty of ten percent (10%) and interest as above provided, and thereafter pays one fifth (1/5) of such amounts annually, the owner's equity of redemption shall not expire until five (5) years from the date of the confirmation of sale, and no writ of possession shall issue as long as the payments are being made, and the owner shall enjoy the rents and profits. If the amount of the purchase price of the land, together with the penalty of ten percent (10%) and interest at the legal rate, be paid within five (5) years in the manner above provided, the decree of confirmation shall be of no effect, and the title to the land shall be divested out of the purchaser and vested in the owner and the owner's heirs and assigns; provided, that the original owner shall have possession for agricultural, and all other purposes, except the removal of timber, during the time allowed for redemption; and provided further, that all decrees of confirmation entered after April 9, 1929, regardless of when the sale has been had or may be had, shall be made subject to these rights of redemption and of possession, and shall recite the same in the decree. But any purchaser at a sale made previous to April 9, 1929, may, on application to the court, be released from the bid.
Acts 1909, ch. 185, § 33; Shan., § 3871a130; Acts 1929, ch. 73, § 1; mod. Code 1932, § 4362; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 70-1331; T.C.A. § 69-6-827.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 69 - WATERS, WATERWAYS, DRAINS AND LEVEES (§§ 69-1-101 — 69-11-127) › Chapter 5 - DRAINAGE AND LEVEE DISTRICTS (§§ 69-5-101 — 69-5-1303) › Part 8 - LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS (§§ 69-5-801 — 69-5-836) › Section 69-5-828 - Attorney's fee fixed and charged on land

In proceedings in chancery court pursuant to this part, the attorney or solicitor employed and attending to the suit shall be allowed as a fee ten percent (10%) of the amount found due as an assessment or assessments on each tract of land decreed sold, which fee shall be charged up in the decree as part of the judgment for which the land is to be sold.
Acts 1909, ch. 185, § 33; Shan., § 3871a131; Code 1932, § 4363; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 70-1332; T.C.A. § 69-6-828.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 69 - WATERS, WATERWAYS, DRAINS AND LEVEES (§§ 69-1-101 — 69-11-127) › Chapter 5 - DRAINAGE AND LEVEE DISTRICTS (§§ 69-5-101 — 69-5-1303) › Part 8 - LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS (§§ 69-5-801 — 69-5-836) › Section 69-5-829 - Decree upon redemption - Writ of possession

When such lands are redeemed, and this fact is made satisfactorily to appear to the chancery court, the court shall enter a decree in the cause, adjudging the land so redeemed and declaring it to be the property of the owner so redeeming, or of the owner's heirs or assigns, if redeemed by the owner's heirs or assigns; and if necessary may award a writ of possession to put the person so redeeming in possession of the land.
Acts 1909, ch. 185, § 33; Shan., § 3871a132; Code 1932, § 4364; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 70-1333; T.C.A. § 69-6-829.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 69 - WATERS, WATERWAYS, DRAINS AND LEVEES (§§ 69-1-101 — 69-11-127) › Chapter 5 - DRAINAGE AND LEVEE DISTRICTS (§§ 69-5-101 — 69-5-1303) › Part 8 - LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS (§§ 69-5-801 — 69-5-836) › Section 69-5-830 - Redemption after restoration of competency

Infants and persons adjudicated incompetent have the further period of one (1) year after the restoration of competency in which to redeem their lands sold under §§
69-5-819
- 69-5-829 and other sections of this chapter, under like terms as to amounts to be paid, in redemption, as provided in this part.
Acts 1909, ch. 185, § 33; Shan., § 3871a133; Code 1932, § 4365; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 70-1334; T.C.A. §69-6-830; Acts 2011 , ch. 47, § 94.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 69 - WATERS, WATERWAYS, DRAINS AND LEVEES (§§ 69-1-101 — 69-11-127) › Chapter 5 - DRAINAGE AND LEVEE DISTRICTS (§§ 69-5-101 — 69-5-1303) › Part 8 - LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS (§§ 69-5-801 — 69-5-836) › Section 69-5-831 - Proceedings in accordance with chancery procedure

All proceedings referred to in part 4 of this chapter and authorized to correct errors, or to prorate assessments, when parts of any tract of land have been sold at voluntary sale as provided in §
69-5-815
, or when any of the lands encumbered with such assessments have been sold, for the collection of the assessments, as the result of the proceedings authorized by this part, whether in the county court or the chancery court, shall be conducted according to the rules of chancery proceedings.
Acts 1921, ch. 144, § 1; Shan. Supp., § 3871a51b11; mod. Code 1932, §4279; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 70-1335; T.C.A. § 69-6-831.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 69 - WATERS, WATERWAYS, DRAINS AND LEVEES (§§ 69-1-101 — 69-11-127) › Chapter 5 - DRAINAGE AND LEVEE DISTRICTS (§§ 69-5-101 — 69-5-1303) › Part 8 - LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS (§§ 69-5-801 — 69-5-836) › Section 69-5-832 - Assessments collectible out of assessed lands only

The assessments shall, if not paid by the owners of the land assessed, be collected only out of the land so assessed for improvement purposes, and shall not be collected, by distress warrant or otherwise, out of any other property, real or personal, of the owners of the land so assessed.
Acts 1909, ch. 185, § 34; Shan., § 3871a135; Code 1932, § 4367; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 70-1336; T.C.A. § 69-6-832.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 69 - WATERS, WATERWAYS, DRAINS AND LEVEES (§§ 69-1-101 — 69-11-127) › Chapter 5 - DRAINAGE AND LEVEE DISTRICTS (§§ 69-5-101 — 69-5-1303) › Part 8 - LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS (§§ 69-5-801 — 69-5-836) › Section 69-5-833 - Excessive assessments of acreage - Correction

When it appears that any tract of land within any drainage district has been assessed with fifteen percent (15%) or more excess acreage, the owner of any such tract of land may by bill filed against the district and directors have the mistake corrected and the assessment changed, and the chancery court shall in the decree correcting the mistake determine whether it is necessary for the district to levy a special assessment to meet the deficiency caused by the correction of the mistake. If a special assessment is needed, the chancery court shall determine its amount, and the directors are authorized to, and shall, as soon as any such cause is determined, proceed to levy such special assessment, and it shall be spread upon the tax books and collected as other assessments.
Acts 1909, ch. 185, § 33a, as added by Acts 1923, ch. 73, § 1; Shan. Supp., § 3871a133b1; mod. Code 1932, § 4368; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 70-1337; T.C.A. § 69-6-833.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 69 - WATERS, WATERWAYS, DRAINS AND LEVEES (§§ 69-1-101 — 69-11-127) › Chapter 5 - DRAINAGE AND LEVEE DISTRICTS (§§ 69-5-101 — 69-5-1303) › Part 8 - LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS (§§ 69-5-801 — 69-5-836) › Section 69-5-834 - Fiscal agent - Purchase by district of lands sold for delinquency

To assist in the keeping of the tax books, the collection of taxes, the remitting of funds to pay maturing bonds and coupons, and to be of such other service in the general management of the affairs of the district as may be determined, the board of drainage directors has authority to appoint a fiscal agent of such district. Any drainage district may purchase any lands sold within the district to pay the delinquent assessment on the lands, if the board of directors deems it advisable to do so, and the board of directors may sell such land so bought and make a good deed to the land.
Acts 1909, ch. 185, § 40a, as added by Acts 1923, ch. 73, § 4; Shan. Supp., § 3871a159b1; Code 1932, § 4395; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 70-1338; T.C.A. § 69-6-834.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 69 - WATERS, WATERWAYS, DRAINS AND LEVEES (§§ 69-1-101 — 69-11-127) › Chapter 5 - DRAINAGE AND LEVEE DISTRICTS (§§ 69-5-101 — 69-5-1303) › Part 8 - LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS (§§ 69-5-801 — 69-5-836) › Section 69-5-835 - County trustee's compensation

For collecting and paying out the assessments under this chapter, the county trustee shall receive as compensation two percent (2%) on all amounts paid out by the trustee, and for any certified statements furnished by the trustee, the same fees per one hundred (100) words as are allowed clerks of courts for certified copies of records.
Acts 1909, ch. 185, § 36; 1913 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 25, § 12; Shan., § 3871a139; Code 1932, § 4374; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 70-1339; T.C.A. § 69-6-835.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 69 - WATERS, WATERWAYS, DRAINS AND LEVEES (§§ 69-1-101 — 69-11-127) › Chapter 5 - DRAINAGE AND LEVEE DISTRICTS (§§ 69-5-101 — 69-5-1303) › Part 8 - LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS (§§ 69-5-801 — 69-5-836) › Section 69-5-836 - Bond of county trustee

The bonds of the county trustee binding the trustee to account for state and county taxes shall be liable for assessments collected under this chapter.
Acts 1913 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 25, § 10; Shan., § 3871a114; Code 1932, §4342; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 70-1340; T.C.A. § 69-6-836.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 69 - WATERS, WATERWAYS, DRAINS AND LEVEES (§§ 69-1-101 — 69-11-127) › Chapter 5 - DRAINAGE AND LEVEE DISTRICTS (§§ 69-5-101 — 69-5-1303) › Part 9 - BOND ISSUES AND WARRANTS (§§ 69-5-901 — 69-5-931) › Section 69-5-901 - County may issue and sell drainage bonds

If the county legislative body determines that the estimated cost of reclamation and improvement of the district of land or levee or drainage district is greater than should be levied in a single year upon the lands benefited, it may fix the amount that shall be levied and collected each year, and may issue drainage bonds of the county, bearing interest payable semiannually, and may devote such bonds at par, with accrued interest, to the payment of the expenses and work as it progresses, or may sell the bonds at not less than par, with accrued interest, and devote the proceeds to such payment, and if, in the sale of the bonds, a premium is received, such premium shall be credited to the drainage fund. If the cost of such work exceeds the estimate, a new apportionment of the assessment may be made and levied and other bonds issued and sold in like manner, but in no case shall the bonds run longer than twenty (20) years.
Acts 1909, ch. 185, § 27; Shan., § 3871a107; Acts 1919, ch. 145, § 1; Code 1932, § 4335; Acts 1980, ch. 601, § 24; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §70-1401; T.C.A. § 69-6-901.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 69 - WATERS, WATERWAYS, DRAINS AND LEVEES (§§ 69-1-101 — 69-11-127) › Chapter 5 - DRAINAGE AND LEVEE DISTRICTS (§§ 69-5-101 — 69-5-1303) › Part 9 - BOND ISSUES AND WARRANTS (§§ 69-5-901 — 69-5-931) › Section 69-5-902 - Payment of assessments before issuance of bonds

Any property owner may pay the full amount of the benefit assessed against that person's property before the bonds are issued and receive a receipt in full for that amount. Such payment shall be made to the county trustee; it is the duty of the county clerk to certify to the trustee the amount of any such assessment when requested to do so, and the trustee shall enter the amount upon the assessment lists in the trustee's hands in a separate place provided for the assessment, and shall furnish the clerk with duplicate receipts given for all assessments so paid in full, one (1) of which the clerk shall deliver to the county mayor. The trustee shall also give a receipt to the property owner so paying in full.
Acts 1909, ch. 185, § 27; Shan., § 3871a108; Code 1932, §4336; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 16, 36; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §70-1402; Acts 2003 , ch. 90, § 2; T.C.A. § 69-6-902.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 69 - WATERS, WATERWAYS, DRAINS AND LEVEES (§§ 69-1-101 — 69-11-127) › Chapter 5 - DRAINAGE AND LEVEE DISTRICTS (§§ 69-5-101 — 69-5-1303) › Part 9 - BOND ISSUES AND WARRANTS (§§ 69-5-901 — 69-5-931) › Section 69-5-903 - Terms of bonds - Signing - District to be indicated

The terms and times of payment of the bonds so issued shall be fixed by the board of directors of the improvement district, and such bonds shall be signed by the county mayor and countersigned by the clerk of the county, each of the officers signing officially, and shall be verified either by the county seal or seal of the county clerk. Such bonds shall be issued for the benefit of the district numbered on the bonds, and each district shall be numbered by the county court and recorded by the county clerk in the drainage record, the record showing specifically the lands embraced in that district and upon which the assessment has not been previously paid in full.
Acts 1909, ch. 185, § 27; Shan., § 3871a109; Code 1932, §4337; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 16, 22, 36; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §70-1403; Acts 2003 , ch. 90, § 2; T.C.A. § 69-6-903.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 69 - WATERS, WATERWAYS, DRAINS AND LEVEES (§§ 69-1-101 — 69-11-127) › Chapter 5 - DRAINAGE AND LEVEE DISTRICTS (§§ 69-5-101 — 69-5-1303) › Part 9 - BOND ISSUES AND WARRANTS (§§ 69-5-901 — 69-5-931) › Section 69-5-904 - Bonds a charge on land in district only

Each bond shall show expressly upon its face that it is to be paid only by assessments levied and collected on the lands within the district so designated and numbered, and for the benefit of which district such bond is issued. No assessment shall be levied or collected for the payment of such bond or bonds, or the interest on the bond or bonds, on any property, real or personal, outside the district so numbered, designated, and benefited.
Acts 1909, ch. 185, § 27; Shan., § 3871a110; Code 1932, § 4338; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 70-1404; T.C.A. § 69-6-904.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 69 - WATERS, WATERWAYS, DRAINS AND LEVEES (§§ 69-1-101 — 69-11-127) › Chapter 5 - DRAINAGE AND LEVEE DISTRICTS (§§ 69-5-101 — 69-5-1303) › Part 9 - BOND ISSUES AND WARRANTS (§§ 69-5-901 — 69-5-931) › Section 69-5-905 - Denominations of bonds

The bonds shall be in denominations of not less than fifty dollars ($50.00).
Acts 1909, ch. 185, § 27; Shan., § 3871a111; Code 1932, § 4339; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 70-1405; T.C.A. § 69-6-905.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 69 - WATERS, WATERWAYS, DRAINS AND LEVEES (§§ 69-1-101 — 69-11-127) › Chapter 5 - DRAINAGE AND LEVEE DISTRICTS (§§ 69-5-101 — 69-5-1303) › Part 9 - BOND ISSUES AND WARRANTS (§§ 69-5-901 — 69-5-931) › Section 69-5-906 - Multi-county districts - Issuance and payment of bonds

When a district lies in more than one (1) county, the county court of each county shall so determine whether bonds shall be issued to meet the expenses, of the improvement so far as the lands of the district lie in that county; and, if so issued, the bonds shall be signed by the county mayor of such county, and countersigned by the county clerk, and verified by the county seal or seal of the county clerk, and shall be payable only out of the assessments levied for such improvement on the lands in such county, as provided by this part when such district is wholly in one (1) county.
Acts 1909, ch. 185, § 27; Shan., § 3871a112; Code 1932, §4340; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 16, 22, 36; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §70-1406; Acts 2003 , ch. 90, § 2; T.C.A. § 69-6-906.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 69 - WATERS, WATERWAYS, DRAINS AND LEVEES (§§ 69-1-101 — 69-11-127) › Chapter 5 - DRAINAGE AND LEVEE DISTRICTS (§§ 69-5-101 — 69-5-1303) › Part 9 - BOND ISSUES AND WARRANTS (§§ 69-5-901 — 69-5-931) › Section 69-5-907 - Payment in installments - Bond to secure installments

In the sale of drainage bonds, the directors of the district, if in their judgment it is expedient, may contract with the purchasers of the bonds that the payment for the bonds may be made in such installments as may be agreed upon between them and the purchasers of the bonds; provided, that the payments of the installments agreed upon, as they mature, are amply secured by safe and solvent bond, made in double the amount of the entire deferred installments, payable to the state of Tennessee, for the use and benefit of the district and those entitled, and conditioned for the faithful payment of the installments, such bond to be approved by the unanimous vote of the board of directors of the district before the bond is accepted. The bond and a copy of the resolution of the board of directors approving them shall, on the order of the county court, be spread of record on the drainage record book, and the approval of the board of directors noted on the bond by the secretary of the board writing the word "approval" and signing "board of directors" by the secretary as secretary, or other equivalent words.
Acts 1913 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 25, § 10; Shan., § 3871a113; Code 1932, §4341; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 70-1407; T.C.A. § 69-6-907.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 69 - WATERS, WATERWAYS, DRAINS AND LEVEES (§§ 69-1-101 — 69-11-127) › Chapter 5 - DRAINAGE AND LEVEE DISTRICTS (§§ 69-5-101 — 69-5-1303) › Part 9 - BOND ISSUES AND WARRANTS (§§ 69-5-901 — 69-5-931) › Section 69-5-908 - Bond of county trustee

Whenever bonds of such districts are issued and sold under this chapter, or long-time warrants, as provided for by §
69-5-909
, are issued and sold, then the county trustee, before receiving such money, shall give bond, to be approved as the trustee's other bonds are approved in double the amount of the money to go into the trustee's hands from the sale of such bonds, or warrants, payable to the state, and conditioned that the trustee faithfully account for all such money; and if the trustee fails to execute such bond, it shall be a misdemeanor in office, for which the trustee may be removed from office; and such bond shall be recorded in the drainage record book, and the original filed with and preserved by the county clerk.
Acts 1913 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 25, § 10; Shan., § 3871a114; Code 1932, §4342; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 70-1408; T.C.A. § 69-6-908.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 69 - WATERS, WATERWAYS, DRAINS AND LEVEES (§§ 69-1-101 — 69-11-127) › Chapter 5 - DRAINAGE AND LEVEE DISTRICTS (§§ 69-5-101 — 69-5-1303) › Part 9 - BOND ISSUES AND WARRANTS (§§ 69-5-901 — 69-5-931) › Section 69-5-909 - Warrants issued instead of bonds

If the board of directors of any improvement district deems best, instead of issuing bonds, it may direct that warrants shall be issued or drawn on such district, or on the county trustee, by the county mayor, to be paid out of the funds of such district only, and at such times as the assessments may be due, or as may be deemed best, the time of the maturity of assessments as fixed being considered, such warrants to be issued or drawn for all lawful demands on such district, and to bear interest at not more than six percent (6%) per annum.
Acts 1909, ch. 185, § 28; Shan., § 3871a115; Code 1932, §4343; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 16, 36; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §70-1409; Acts 2003 , ch. 90, § 2; T.C.A. § 69-6-909.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 69 - WATERS, WATERWAYS, DRAINS AND LEVEES (§§ 69-1-101 — 69-11-127) › Chapter 5 - DRAINAGE AND LEVEE DISTRICTS (§§ 69-5-101 — 69-5-1303) › Part 9 - BOND ISSUES AND WARRANTS (§§ 69-5-901 — 69-5-931) › Section 69-5-910 - Surplus funds from sale of bonds or warrants

When, in the making of any improvement in a district, bonds or warrants of such districts are sold for the purpose of providing funds for such improvement, any money is left from the proceeds of the sale after the improvement has been paid for, then in such cases the board of directors of such drainage district or drainage and levee district, with the approval of the county court of the county having jurisdiction of the cause, has the power to dispose of such surplus money by using such surplus funds for improving, if needed, the main improvement of the district, or for opening, making or improving such lateral drains or ditches in the district as may be deemed best, or such surplus funds and money may be used in paying all or in part any assessment made on the lands of the district and not yet collected, in which event such particular assessment, or part thereof, need not be collected. Alternately, such surplus of funds may be used in purchasing and retiring any of the bonds or warrants issued; provided, that they can be bought at not above par with any accrued interest on the bonds or warrants. The board of directors with the approval of the county court has the power to dispose of such surplus funds in any of the methods above set out that they and the court may deem best for such district, the court to concur, by its order or decree, in such disposition.
Acts 1917, ch. 26, §1; Shan., § 3871a1151/2; Code 1932, § 4344; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 70-1410; T.C.A. § 69-6-910.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 69 - WATERS, WATERWAYS, DRAINS AND LEVEES (§§ 69-1-101 — 69-11-127) › Chapter 5 - DRAINAGE AND LEVEE DISTRICTS (§§ 69-5-101 — 69-5-1303) › Part 9 - BOND ISSUES AND WARRANTS (§§ 69-5-901 — 69-5-931) › Section 69-5-911 - Prepayment of deferred installments

Any landowner owning land, upon which there now exists special assessments levied by any drainage district organized under the laws of this state, has the option, upon any date upon which the landowner pays such special assessments, to pay all or any part of the unmatured amount assessed against the tract or tracts of land owned by the landowner; provided, that no rebate or reduction shall be made for unearned interest upon such assessments.
Acts 1933, ch. 132, § 1; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 4292.1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 70-1411; T.C.A. § 69-6-911.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 69 - WATERS, WATERWAYS, DRAINS AND LEVEES (§§ 69-1-101 — 69-11-127) › Chapter 5 - DRAINAGE AND LEVEE DISTRICTS (§§ 69-5-101 — 69-5-1303) › Part 9 - BOND ISSUES AND WARRANTS (§§ 69-5-901 — 69-5-931) › Section 69-5-912 - Payment of assessments with bonds or coupons

The bonds and/or interest coupons of the drainage district levying the assessment may be lawfully tendered to the trustee of the county in which the land lies by the person desiring to make such payments, and it is the duty of such trustee, to whom tender is made, to receive such bonds or coupons, or both, regardless of the date of maturity of such bonds or coupons, or both; to receive such bonds or coupons, or both, without deduction for maintenance, at par or face value, excluding interest upon past due coupons. Such payment, when so made, shall be as valid and complete a payment as though payment of such assessments had been made in cash. The trustee to whom payment is made may, at the trustee's option, require the commissions due and owing to the trustee by virtue of the trustee's collection of such assessments to be paid in cash instead of by bonds; but, where collection is made by a county trustee, other than by the trustee of the county where the district originates, then only one (1) trustee's fee can be collected and that fee must be paid to the trustee collecting the assessment. In cases where the coupons or bonds, or both, tendered by such person desiring to pay such taxes shall exceed in amount the assessments against such tract of land that the landowner is desirous of paying, the county trustee shall take into possession all of the coupons or bonds, or both, so tendered and, after computing the difference between the balance upon all such coupons or bonds, or both, and the assessment that it is proposed to pay, shall issue to the party paying such assessment a transferable credit memorandum, which credit memorandum may be used by such landowner or such landowner's assigns, in payment of any other drainage assessment due to the district in which payment is made.
Acts 1933, ch. 132, § 2; C. Supp. 1950, § 4292.2; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 70-1412; T.C.A. § 69-6-912.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 69 - WATERS, WATERWAYS, DRAINS AND LEVEES (§§ 69-1-101 — 69-11-127) › Chapter 5 - DRAINAGE AND LEVEE DISTRICTS (§§ 69-5-101 — 69-5-1303) › Part 9 - BOND ISSUES AND WARRANTS (§§ 69-5-901 — 69-5-931) › Section 69-5-913 - Cancellation of bonds given to pay assessments - Interest coupons - Suits to collect taxes

(a)
Upon receipt of such coupons or bonds, or both, it is the duty of the county trustee to cancel them as now provided by law and to provide a record of such cancellation. If bonds tendered for payment contain interest coupons falling due beyond the date of maturity of the assessments that it is proposed to pay, then and in that event the county trustee shall not be required to receive such interest coupons in payment of these taxes. This does not apply, however, where both the assessment and coupons are past due; in this case, any past due coupons can be used to pay any or all assessments regardless of their due date.
(b)
Sections
69-5-911
- 69-5-914 do not apply where suits have been brought to collect taxes that are delinquent unless and until the costs and attorney's fees, if any, are paid into court or any other office where the case or cases are pending; such collection made with coupons or bonds, or both, must in turn be accepted by the county trustee in full settlement of the tax paid.
Acts 1933, ch. 132, § 3; C. Supp. 1950, § 4292.3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 70-1413; T.C.A. § 69-6-913.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 69 - WATERS, WATERWAYS, DRAINS AND LEVEES (§§ 69-1-101 — 69-11-127) › Chapter 5 - DRAINAGE AND LEVEE DISTRICTS (§§ 69-5-101 — 69-5-1303) › Part 9 - BOND ISSUES AND WARRANTS (§§ 69-5-901 — 69-5-931) › Section 69-5-914 - Multi-county districts - Payment by bond or coupon

Where a drainage district is situated in more than one (1) county, it is the duty of the trustee of any county in which such district lies to accept coupons or bonds, or both, issued by such district in settlement of assessments levied against lands embraced in that portion of the district located in the trustee's county. It is lawful for any coupons or bonds, or both, so accepted in payment of assessments to be used by the trustee of any county in making a full settlement with the trustee of the county in which the district originated, such accounting in coupons or bonds, or both, to be considered and handled in all respects as a cash transaction.
Acts 1933, ch. 132, § 4; C. Supp. 1950, § 4292.4; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 70-1414; T.C.A. § 69-6-914.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 69 - WATERS, WATERWAYS, DRAINS AND LEVEES (§§ 69-1-101 — 69-11-127) › Chapter 5 - DRAINAGE AND LEVEE DISTRICTS (§§ 69-5-101 — 69-5-1303) › Part 9 - BOND ISSUES AND WARRANTS (§§ 69-5-901 — 69-5-931) › Section 69-5-915 - Single county districts - Monthly settlements by trustees

The county trustee of any county in which a drainage district has been organized under the laws of this state shall make monthly settlement with the county mayor of the county in which the district was organized, showing the drainage assessments collected during the month, giving date collected, tract number, name of owner, for what years assessments are paid, amount of assessments, interest and penalty, amount paid in cash, amount paid in bonds, coupons, or credit memorandums, and amount of credit memorandums issued during the month and still outstanding and to whom issued. The settlement shall also show what bonds, coupons or credit memorandums were received during the month in settlement of assessments and the date same were cancelled by the trustee. The settlement shall be filed with the county mayor as provided in this section, together with all cancelled bonds, coupons and credit memorandums, taking the county mayor's receipt for the settlement and, when approved by the county mayor, shall be copied on the drainage record book in the county clerk's office.
Acts 1935, ch. 159, § 1; C. Supp. 1950, § 4292.5 (Williams, § 4244.1); impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 16, 22, 36; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §70-1415; Acts 2003 , ch. 90, § 2; T.C.A. § 69-6-915.