[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6415404,"mediaKeyId","2333445-1de07146e3a3361187f24e79a669c7dd","parentId",2333445,"title","Five commercial airports brief House Transportation Committee on growth, state funding and economic impact","audioSeconds",250,"startMs",3600000,"endMs",3850000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2333445-1de07146e3a3361187f24e79a669c7dd&start=3600&end=3850","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2333445-1de07146e3a3361187f24e79a669c7dd/thumbnail_3600000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6415404/Tennessee/Five-commercial-airports-brief-House-Transportation-Committee-on-growth-state-funding-and-economic-impact","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6415404-e51e3fbd58f6da940fed0d4d40bca002/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142638&Signature=gXIGSr3Ek2hpUXvF8fTqlf2bl5K7As7JAhGJwzaaJpgeJJ-ysrxf3RavKUtSV-G5au8n7OvRB1gHwFwby~7Zk32WgqhdBGjkOKQySIt8NO7AfgL8bQbzkSKCx0z3bb4Nb3L8aic2LFKtsmQ4I0nOEwRI2izi34r~w6GU1q4jv5NBbadxZZnKdqWRnqVmpEM-M84AdYR9NWJuwBxJQtWoOtd4-EbWS37qzzHjuX726-fLgVK2VPjqJDd5-~6eh72zDBiHPv0IVYKFNBWY2ldo0upV3L9RDwsYshHuDBrGlK3iGqwYwAWLsh8Do461OuujklAGVX0XLa3cn5YlWOR7uA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","TN State Legislature","date","2025-02-18T00:00:00Z","article","CEOs from Tennessee’s five commercial service airports briefed the House Transportation Committee on Feb. 18, 2025, outlining capital plans, recent passenger growth, and the economic return from state investment.

Speakers representing Memphis International, Nashville International, McGhee Tyson (Knoxville), Chattanooga Metropolitan and Tri-Cities described a five-year capital planning process coordinated with state officials and asked for continued state support to leverage bond financing. The group said total state support to the five airports was steadily rising and noted the current state participation this year of approximately $109,000,000; presenters said a long-term goal is to reach $125,000,000 in state participation to sustain projects and leverage additional borrowing.

Economic and passenger figures presented to the committee included: Memphis International reported about 5,000,000 passengers with roughly 2% year-over-year growth; Tri-Cities reported roughly 500,000 passengers and about 12% growth in 2024; Nashville reported 25,200,000 passengers and multi-year growth averages in the high single digits to double digits over the past decade; Knoxville reported exceeding 3,300,000 passengers with consecutive record years (2023 growth about 14%, 2024 growth about 18%, January 2025 up 20%); and Chattanooga reported more than 1,100,000 passengers in 2024 and January 2025 up about 20% year over year. Presenters said the five commercial airports together generate about $24 billion in economic impact to Tennessee and produce roughly $868 million in state tax revenue.

Airport leaders said state funding is an efficient investment because modest state contributions can be leveraged to access bond markets and larger capital programs; presenters gave the example of using a $40 million state commitment to underwrite a $360 million project. Committee members asked about safety, equipment age, parking revenues and workforce needs. Airport representatives replied that airport-owned equipment is maintained or upgraded as needed, FAA-supported navigation and air-traffic equipment is regularly tested and maintained, and airports have firefighting and snow-removal capabilities and runways and towers subject to FAA oversight. On revenue, airports noted parking is a substantial revenue source that funds operations and capital reinvestment; airports said they benchmark parking and concessions against peer markets.

Speakers who introduced themselves included Terry Blue (Memphis International Airport), Doug Crillen (Nashville International Airport), Patrick Wilson (Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority), April Cameron (Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport), and Gene Causey (Tri-Cities). The airports asked the committee for continued state support for planned capital programs and stressed that continued backing helps attract private and bond financing.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Transportation Committee\tFeb 18, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","CEOs from Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga and Tri-Cities presented a five-year plan to the committee, reporting record passenger growth and urging continued state investment. The five airports said combined economic impact exceeds $24 billion.","taxTitle","Transportation, House of Representatives, Committees, Legislative, Tennessee","taxId",35450,"location","Tennessee","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6415428,"Department of Safety proposes statewide rules for ATVs/UTVs to standardize county exceptions and road access",162,1878000,2040000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2333445-1de07146e3a3361187f24e79a669c7dd&start=1878&end=2040","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2333445-1de07146e3a3361187f24e79a669c7dd/thumbnail_1878000.jpg","/articles/6415428/Tennessee/Department-of-Safety-proposes-statewide-rules-for-ATVsUTVs-to-standardize-county-exceptions-and-road-access","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6415428-e8f8a628205e1e233dff6c0cde1ef43e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142638&Signature=meLWVREwYAynqjKXTclHdD8VPr37JphpwirGMTR3~RiyywG~dSoH9F7hg3jKBTD-HEUcAyXJ-lSdeC2sJNmbaLGuE3HJQovjap2RiHc0TfddimoFEGUBHix5mDlHYmYf7Ib-xSdjix7a8MvF3GP4ABi9pt714zidhg48a4xciaorVJdFK2DH~U5U3E31HkcSdsvA3nc-zTdc8LPSMZ4M2biPnnyZwWKQ7f0J~4cVyvzLtzNM7fJystVyR2OKT~GGy88duXmdGQZBPeWYqoK4F5S-tLPB4MRmOK28PjKaqtfq46-pEcpurzII2JHGDlFIcB8pkdmkNy8XTGo8UAu23Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Department of Safety representatives told the Tennessee House Transportation Committee on Feb. 18, 2025, that a proposed cleanup bill (House Bill 810) will consolidate the patchwork of local rules governing all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), side-by-sides and similar off-highway vehicles by creating a uniform “utility terrain vehicle” category.

Elizabeth Stroker, chief counsel for the Department of Safety, said the bill will allow those utility terrain vehicles to operate on county and state roads that do not have a posted speed limit in excess of 45 miles per hour and that the vehicles themselves may not be driven faster than 35 mph on those roads. The bill, Stroker said, will preserve existing safety requirements: operators must wear a helmet unless their vehicle is expressly exempt; drivers must be at least 16 years old; a permit will not substitute for the required license; vehicles must be registered and insured; and lighting, windshield or turn-signal equipment (if present on the vehicle) must be used.

Stroker said existing exceptions (for certain park or farm vehicles) remain unchanged. She told the committee the penalty structure will remain a class C misdemeanor with a fine-only penalty (cited on the record as $50). Stroker also said the bill clarifies law-enforcement discretion for directing a driver to a safer location if removal of a device is to be attempted by the owner.

Committee members asked about night operation and insurance requirements. Stroker confirmed existing time restrictions remain in place (commonly enforced as 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset) because many off-highway vehicles lack lights; she also confirmed that insurance will be required for anyone operating a vehicle on public roads under the bill’s framework.

The department said House Bill 810 will be before the committee in the coming week and that the statute cleanup is intended to avoid the annual “one-mile/two-mile” exceptions and provide statewide consistency.","The Department of Safety told the House Transportation Committee it will present House Bill 810 to consolidate state law for off-highway vehicles, create a utility terrain vehicle classification, and allow operation on roads with posted speed limits up to 45 mph (with several safety requirements retained).",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6415451,"Department of Safety outlines Real ID preparation, deadlines and document requirements",126,2209000,2335000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2333445-1de07146e3a3361187f24e79a669c7dd&start=2209&end=2335","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2333445-1de07146e3a3361187f24e79a669c7dd/thumbnail_2209000.jpg","/articles/6415451/Tennessee/Department-of-Safety-outlines-Real-ID-preparation-deadlines-and-document-requirements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6415451-ea61e9d0a6c086e41f5fde72a68416f1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142638&Signature=QSx0SnFmfbQa7yujuZ8ajZG0-6K9gus5rpAxajzj~1nSOXCessTqBbHK5Rkswda3nr~yhy33Jm9Jw0GxRI77WptQzKT3wSx8JuV9V1UQsBEATE8umU668X58q-XlxMitTiNVl8yDEjbcq38yWiQAdFhI8dI1eSYLN80WVMscUard5i9C3wIc7tcfs7ioKrZyeoEqfI5FMzBBWVXABW7IZH~cRdbGRXAQ~KRsENRCm39T1nx7U7YpObYgUvHOehaZuC4I7XQBSPXzhT6SjpHT6Dpq8r-7L95AePSdHq~KsXjTB7roworUvRyoIKpSLrRk0i7nECqI2aNtZyfl3Y-6Ow__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Department of Safety officials told the Tennessee House Transportation Committee on Feb. 18, 2025, that the federal Real ID requirement for domestic commercial flights and access to certain federal facilities will be enforced beginning May 7, 2025.

Assistant Commissioner Russell Shoop (Department of Safety) summarized what applicants must bring to obtain a Real ID: proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence, a Social Security number, and two documents proving Tennessee residency; documentation of any name changes is also required. Shoop said the department opened more appointment slots — “over 1,400 additional Real ID appointments” — across driver service centers to address expected demand.

Shoop told the committee that the department began issuing Real IDs in July 2019 and provided counts for uptake: “about 2,700,000 Tennesseans that have chosen to get their Real ID,” and a staff member later described roughly 2.9 million Real IDs among about 5.8 million licensed Tennessee drivers (about 47%). Shoop and other department staff emphasized that Real ID is optional: travelers may instead use a passport or passport card to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities.

Officials described an outreach and appointment plan. The department said it will host Real ID events for members and staff on March 25–26 (appointments requested and documents should be uploaded in advance for faster processing). The department also described an ongoing awareness campaign through media interviews, its website, and notices tied to license renewals and vehicle registration mailings. Shoop said applicants should allow time for Real ID printing and delivery after completing the office visit.

Committee members asked about special cases: Shoop described a specialized handling unit that works with applicants who have complex name histories (multiple marriages/divorces) or difficulty locating documentary proof. On courthouse access and federal exceptions for defendants lacking Real ID, department staff said that issue would be best addressed with federal partners and court officials and that they would follow up with additional information.

The Department of Safety urged users to make appointments, upload documents in advance, and to use available alternatives (passport or passport card) where appropriate.","Department of Safety officials told the House Transportation Committee that the federal Real ID requirement takes effect May 7, 2025; they described appointment capacity, document requirements, and outreach plans.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6415470,"House Transportation Committee approves three bills, including changes to special police commissioning and family-restroom signage",106,1400000,1506000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2333445-1de07146e3a3361187f24e79a669c7dd&start=1400&end=1506","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2333445-1de07146e3a3361187f24e79a669c7dd/thumbnail_1400000.jpg","/articles/6415470/Tennessee/House-Transportation-Committee-approves-three-bills-including-changes-to-special-police-commissioning-and-family-restroom-signage","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6415470-ecca3b6b6096d1ba3709620029831d33/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142638&Signature=KlnwV9GC6etCWLgxlxZc8rB4HL4iPvg3XUgbD3U5y~dQ5RarxRdg3lAswppSE-CTVypxEROqG7UHK1N3NIp5rN8VqHXcxb0tYEre0lVvEOVqiqzyiyNZqqI67tInUqNLCI8B6-GzqIGQnYMGkf2LwvLnET~1hdlkKKQXbh9HAOvr8isQfMEieBwjDDkC3q0r9wGfVxCQH-3h7ywift~cd6lqUClwb7ZYlO8P36jfriCQXykiJEfxvgwCJ8qQELd5iZCabsxCuqjX3e0T4oAr5JqxT9lbQUJDELByfu~vM7nqE20-3~qeYXtoarRIte5RXm4bnaJ6HNKhPTu-5zTqcw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Tennessee House Transportation Committee on Feb. 18, 2025, approved three bills on its calendar: House Bill 121, House Bill 300 (as amended), and House Bill 60.

House Bill 121, sponsored by Representative Darby, would revise commissioning authority language in state law so that the Commissioner of the Department of Safety — rather than the governor — is the commissioning authority for railroad police. The committee voted to approve the bill; the clerk recorded 18 ayes and 1 nay. The bill was reported to Calendar and Rules.

House Bill 300, sponsored by Representative Martin, was considered with an amendment (identified in committee as code “34 24”). The legislation strengthens prior law that targeted manufacturing and distribution of license-plate “flipper” devices and clarified law enforcement discretion and safety procedures for handling devices that cannot be safely removed. The committee adopted the amendment and approved the bill; the clerk recorded 19 ayes and 1 nay. The bill will proceed to the next committee on its path.

House Bill 60, sponsored by Representative Raper and considered with amendment “34 12,” would require better signage to identify family restrooms at certain rest stops and welcome centers. Sponsors said it does not create additional family restrooms but aims to make existing facilities easier to locate, noting there are 19 rest stops and 16 welcome centers statewide and a total of 14 family restrooms currently available. The committee approved the bill unanimously, with the clerk recording 21 ayes and 0 nays; the bill was reported to Government Operations.

Votes at a glance
- HB121 (Darby): Passed, 18–1; referred to Calendar and Rules. Amendment: none reported.
- HB300 (Martin): Passed, 19–1; amendment 34 24 adopted; referred onward.
- HB60 (Raper): Passed, 21–0; amendment 34 12 adopted; referred to Government Operations.

All vote tallies above are committee counts announced by the clerk during the hearing. Motions and seconds were recorded on the record during the session but specific mover/second names were not named in the committee transcript.","On Feb. 18, 2025, the Tennessee House Transportation Committee passed three bills from its calendar: HB121 (special police commissioning), HB300 (license-plate flipper devices), and HB60 (family-restroom signage). Each measure moves to the next stage of the legislative process.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Five commercial airports brief House Transportation Committee on growth, state funding and economic impact

Department of Safety proposes statewide rules for ATVs/UTVs to standardize county exceptions and road access

Department of Safety outlines Real ID preparation, deadlines and document requirements

House Transportation Committee approves three bills, including changes to special police commissioning and family-restroom signage