AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 12 and Title 68, relative to storm drain safety.
Summary
SB2479 requires 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 inside. The bill sets a threshold for presumed coverage at openings larger than 12 inches in diameter or width, and also covers 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 a state agency, municipality, metropolitan government, or county government. It directs the Department of Environment and Conservation, or the relevant department, to adopt rules for implementation, including approved specifications and inspection protocols. A companion provision in the public works contracting statutes requires contracts for stormwater infrastructure to include compliance with the new safety standard, and authorizes withholding payment and seeking corrective action if a contractor fails to install the required safety covers.
Impact
The bill would add a new storm drain safety requirement to Tennessee Code Annotated Title 68 and tie compliance to public works contracting rules in Title 12. It would create a statewide standard for certain newly installed storm drains and culverts beginning July 1, 2026, affecting state, county, municipal, and metropolitan public infrastructure projects. Contractors and public entities involved in stormwater work would need to incorporate the new safety specifications into project design, bidding, and contract enforcement, and the department would need to promulgate implementing rules.
Sentiment
No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate or formal support/opposition in the available record. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears to be a public safety-focused infrastructure bill aimed at preventing child entrapment or drowning hazards in storm drains and culverts. The structure of the bill suggests a practical, regulatory approach rather than a controversial policy change.
Contention
The main potential points of contention are likely to be cost, engineering feasibility, and implementation burden. Public agencies and contractors may be concerned about added construction expenses, retrofitting standards for certain projects, and the need for rulemaking and inspections. Another possible issue is the bill’s threshold language—especially the 12-inch standard and the broader “accessible” risk test—which may require interpretation and could raise questions about when a cover or grate is mandatory. No specific opposing or supporting viewpoints were recorded in the provided materials.