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Committee supports measure letting military reps sit as nonvoting members on local planning boards
Summary
SB 13 would give local planning and zoning bodies the option to invite a military installation representative to serve as an ex officio, nonvoting member so installations can raise national-security or compatibility concerns before votes; the committee gave the bill favorable expression.
Senator Matt Deneen presented SB 13 to the Senate Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection, saying the measure would allow, but not require, a representative from a military installation to serve as an ex officio (nonvoting) member of local planning and zoning committees.
Deneen said the change is intended to surface potential national-security or compatibility concerns early in local planning discussions rather than after votes are taken. "They don't have a vote. They don't have any veto power, but it puts them in a position to be able to voice those national security concerns," Deneen said, describing the proposal as a way to protect military installations and clarify compatible uses near posts.
Committee members with districts adjoining installations praised the bill. One senator who represents areas next to Fort Campbell said the measure would help honor an existing working relationship and protect farmland and operations near the post. Another member described the bill as "common sense" and framed it as a national-security issue when adversarial actors acquire nearby land.
The committee recorded roll-call votes that were announced as favorable; the transcript records multiple 'Aye' votes (Boswell, Clemons, Nunn, Reid, Richardson, Smith, Tichenor, Dean) and no recorded nays in the hearing. The chair indicated the motion passed with favorable expression.
SB 13 now advances from committee for further consideration.
