Tennessee House Bill HB0209

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 8; Title 54; Title 55; Title 65 and Title 67, relative to transportation.

Summary

HB0209 makes a narrow, administrative change to Tennessee transportation law. It authorizes the commissioner and the department to take reasonable measures to publicize the availability of certain existing options described in two transportation-related code sections, so that potential participants are more likely to learn about them. The bill does not create a new program or change eligibility standards; it simply adds express authority for outreach and promotion. The measure amends Tennessee Code Annotated sections in Title 55, which governs motor vehicles and transportation. Specifically, it adds language to Section 55-21-304 and Section 55-50-307 allowing the relevant state transportation officials to publicize participation options. The bill takes effect immediately upon becoming law, reflecting a desire for prompt implementation of the outreach authority.

Impact

The bill has a limited but direct impact on state law by expanding the administrative powers of the transportation commissioner and department to conduct public awareness efforts. It does not alter substantive rights, fees, licensing standards, or program eligibility, but it may increase participation in the referenced transportation options by improving notice to the public. The affected statutes are Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 55-21-304 and 55-50-307, both within the transportation code.

Sentiment

Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes in the provided materials, the overall sentiment appears neutral to supportive. The legislation is framed as a practical administrative update with no apparent fiscal or policy controversy in the available record. Its immediate effective date suggests it was treated as a straightforward housekeeping measure.

Contention

No specific points of contention are documented in the provided transcripts or voting history. If any concerns were raised, they are not reflected in the materials supplied here. The bill’s limited scope—authorizing publicity for existing options rather than changing the underlying programs—likely reduces the potential for disagreement among lawmakers or stakeholders.