Tennessee Senate Bill SB0787

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/4/25
• Failed: 3/18/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 68, Chapter 121, relative to private elevators.

Summary

SB0787 amends Tennessee law governing private residence elevators. The bill requires the chief elevator inspector to perform a final acceptance inspection after the installation, modification, or alteration of a private residence elevator and before the elevator may be placed in service. It also requires the homeowner to register the elevator with the Department of Commerce and Insurance on a department-provided form after the inspection is completed. In addition, the bill directs the chief elevator inspector to create and maintain a database of private residence elevators. The measure is set to take effect July 1, 2025, and would add a new layer of state oversight for elevators located in private homes, particularly at the point of installation and ongoing recordkeeping.

Impact

The bill would amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 68, Chapter 121, by adding a new registration and inspection requirement specifically for private residence elevators. It would expand the duties of the chief elevator inspector and create a formal state database of these elevators, affecting homeowners, elevator installers, and the Department of Commerce and Insurance. The practical effect is to increase regulatory oversight and documentation for private home elevator systems before they enter service.

Sentiment

The available voting history suggests the bill faced resistance in committee and did not advance, failing 4-4 in the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee. Because there are no transcript excerpts, the record does not show detailed debate, but the close vote indicates the proposal drew mixed views rather than broad consensus. The committee outcome suggests at least some members were unconvinced about the need for the added inspection and registration requirements.

Contention

The main point of contention appears to be whether private residence elevators should be subject to mandatory state final inspections and registration before use. Supporters likely viewed the bill as a safety and oversight measure, while opponents may have been concerned about added regulatory burden, cost, or government involvement in private homes. The tied committee vote indicates disagreement over balancing homeowner autonomy against public safety and administrative tracking.