Bill > HB0016

This bill establishes a new student pedestrian protection grant program administered by the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) designed to improve sidewalk infrastructure around public schools. The program will create a separate fund within the state's general fund that can receive legislative appropriations, gifts, and donations. Grants will be awarded competitively to local governments, with recipients required to provide a matching contribution, which may partially include in-kind project work. The commissioner of transportation will determine the annual budget and establish selection criteria for awarding grants. Local governments receiving funds must submit quarterly progress reports and a final report detailing fund expenditures. Additionally, TDOT must prepare an annual report to the General Assembly documenting the funds received and distributed. Any unspent funds will carry forward from year to year and cannot revert to the general fund. The commissioner is authorized to create administrative rules to implement the program, and the act will take effect immediately upon becoming law. The primary goal is to enhance pedestrian safety for students by supporting local infrastructure improvements around schools.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0016&ga=114