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Bill > HB0197
TN HB0197
TN HB0197AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 13; Title 39; Title 54; Title 55 and Title 71, relative to the collection, storage, claiming, and disposal of personal property used for camping.
summary
Introduced
01/16/2025
01/16/2025
In Committee
04/07/2025
04/07/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
05/13/2025
05/13/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
05/13/2025
05/13/2025
Introduced Session
114th General Assembly
Bill Summary
As enacted, requires the department to develop and implement a policy regarding the removal of personal property used for camping from the shoulder, berm, or right-of-way of highways under its jurisdiction or under a bridge or overpass under its jurisdiction; prohibits the department from commencing initial clean-up activities, vegetation removal, or site securing activities until the municipal or county government whose geographic boundaries include the camping removal site has ensured that no persons are occupying the site. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 13; Title 39; Title 54; Title 55 and Title 71.
AI Summary
This bill requires the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) to develop a comprehensive policy for removing personal property used for camping from state highways, bridges, overpasses, and underpasses. The policy must be created through partnerships with local governments, law enforcement, homeless service providers, and other agencies. Specifically, when removing a camping site, TDOT must provide at least 10 days' notice before removal, conduct site assessments, and work with local governments to provide outreach and housing resources to individuals experiencing homelessness. Local governments are responsible for ensuring the site is vacant, connecting homeless individuals to housing services, and assisting with removal operations. If a local government fails to cooperate or sign a memorandum of understanding within 60 days, TDOT must notify state legislative committee chairs and local representatives. The bill aims to create a structured, compassionate approach to addressing unauthorized camping on state transportation infrastructure while providing support for vulnerable populations. The policy includes provisions for site clean-up, potential vegetation removal, securing sites, and handling hazardous materials, with the ultimate goal of maintaining public safety and helping homeless individuals find alternative housing.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs, Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Comp. became Pub. Ch. 310 (on 05/13/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0197&ga=114 |
| BillText | https://publications.tnsosfiles.com/acts/114/pub/pc0310.pdf |
| Amendment 5-0 to HB0197 | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Amend/HA0429.pdf |
| Amendment 4-0 to HB0197 | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Amend/HA0428.pdf |
| Amendment 3-0 to HB0197 | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Amend/HA0427.pdf |
| Amendment 2-0 to HB0197 | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Amend/HA0426.pdf |
| Amendment 1-0 to HB0197 | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Amend/HA0160.pdf |
| Fiscal Memo for HA0160 (4391) | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Fiscal/FM0271.pdf |
| Fiscal Note - HB0197 | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Fiscal/HB0197.pdf |
| BillText | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Bill/HB0197.pdf |
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