A bill that would allow horse processing plant development in Tennessee advanced yesterday when members of the state's House Finance Subcommittee passed it by a slim 7-6 margin. The measure now moves on for full Finance, Ways and Means and Budget Committee consideration.

HB 1428 directs the Tennessee Department of Agriculture to establish licensing, inspection, operational regulations, and fees for horse processing plants in that state. The bill also insulates prospective plant developers from permit and licensing challenges and awards attorney and court fees to plaintiffs in cases courts deem harassing or without merit.

The Tennessee bill mirrors a measure (HB 418) that became law in Montana last year, said sponsor Rep. Frank Niceley.

A companion bill, SB 1898, remains in a state Senate committee