AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 12 and Title 68, relative to storm drain safety.
Summary
HB2132 would require newly installed storm drains and culverts in Tennessee to include a safety cover or grate when the opening is large enough that a child could reasonably fall into or become trapped in the structure. The bill sets a presumptive threshold for coverage at openings exceeding 12 inches in diameter or width, while also capturing other accessible openings that pose a risk of bodily entry by a child. It further requires the covers or grates to be durable, secured against removal, and designed to prevent accidental entry while still allowing drainage.
The bill applies to public infrastructure projects funded or approved by state, municipal, metropolitan, or county governments, and directs the Department to adopt rules for implementation, including approved specifications and inspection protocols. It also amends public works contracting law so that contracts for stormwater infrastructure must require compliance with the new safety standard, and it authorizes withholding payment and seeking corrective action if a contractor fails to install the required safety covers. The act would take effect July 1, 2026.
Impact
HB2132 would add a new safety requirement to Tennessee’s stormwater infrastructure laws by creating Tennessee Code Annotated § 68-221-109 and linking compliance to public works contracting rules in Title 12. It would affect state and local governments, public works contractors, and entities involved in the design, approval, installation, and inspection of storm drains and culverts on publicly funded projects. The bill would likely increase construction and compliance obligations for new infrastructure projects and give contracting parties a statutory basis to enforce installation of safety covers or grates.
Sentiment
No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate or partisan division in the available record. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears to be a public safety proposal aimed at preventing child entrapment or drowning hazards in stormwater structures. The absence of recorded opposition or amendments in the provided materials suggests the bill was presented as a straightforward safety and infrastructure compliance measure.
Contention
The main potential points of contention are likely to be the cost and feasibility of retrofitting design standards into public works projects, the breadth of the 12-inch threshold, and the discretion given to determine when an opening is otherwise accessible and risky enough to require a cover. Contractors and local governments may be concerned about added installation, inspection, and maintenance costs, while supporters would likely emphasize child safety and uniform standards for publicly funded stormwater projects. The bill also gives the Department rulemaking authority, which could become a point of concern if stakeholders disagree over technical specifications or enforcement protocols.