[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-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",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_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",6298109,"mediaKeyId","2505627-9f771b14d3e27e4951bac533d0e88f6d","parentId",2505627,"title","Transportation and Safety Committee advances multiple bills; votes at a glance","audioSeconds",311,"startMs",311000,"endMs",-1,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2505627-9f771b14d3e27e4951bac533d0e88f6d&start=311&end=0","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2505627-9f771b14d3e27e4951bac533d0e88f6d/thumbnail_311000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6298109/Tennessee/Transportation-and-Safety-Committee-advances-multiple-bills-votes-at-a-glance","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6298109-418694262f5c7c9eb0dec2b3f2c23fcc/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440473&Signature=KZMPBsIQFNrlYhcFgE8n3-P7xj90g~PyGfrdcsb0JMIZMkyrfNbuL5ptcc7428db2cfu8rp7kQjELSu2Ztmjsi~O9pUuIKNMHzj2f7SAQkLPVq88v0fb293RuywWlT4nGDAqDUW-ln-d3PnV~i~UA3jXBNoSBT~7AhQo3ArCVg7LovgVGTpL41Epl8AlNLBgrsEbwscmOB8Tw73OJsDOQ4lU4Hkv731rhp-uHHaBmhNrjeo8fdBZ0hP88KatjYScNMNgYl-qjVoMjvBcRlkdRnkH~UQGbV0TTOHVyYZZWatdVkBjnJurl7xe4-MkkcjcQq7hyxTcCA~6vJT2jgSo-w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","TN State Legislature","date","2025-03-05T00:00:00Z","article","The Transportation and Safety Committee advanced a package of bills and approved the Department of Safety budget during its Oct. 12 meeting, moving most measures to the next legislative step.

Why it matters: The votes send a mix of policy updates and funding proposals — from vehicle and public‑safety penalties to a proposed reallocation of sales tax revenue for road maintenance — to later stages where they will face floor or finance committee consideration.

Most significant outcomes
- Senate Bill 728 (UTV/ATV rule updates): Passed as amended (8 ayes). Sponsor: Senator Lowe.
- Senate Bill 778 (license points for driving without a license): Passed as amended (8 ayes). Sponsor: Senator Lowe.
- Senate Bill 429 (making shining a laser at an operator a Class B misdemeanor): Passed (tally read as unanimous of those voting; committee moved the bill to calendar).
- Senate Bill 248 (prohibiting stopped vehicles from impeding traffic/soliciting in medians): Passed (8 ayes) and moved to calendar.
- Senate Bill 144 (reallocating vehicle and tire sales tax toward recurring transportation funding): Passed (8 ayes, 1 present-not-voting) and advanced to finance.
- Senate Bill 1297 (digital driver’s license safeguards; Department of Safety administration bill): Passed (9 ayes) and moved to calendar.
- Senate Bill 217 (authorizing TDOT memoranda of understanding to plan homeless‑encampment responses): Passed (7 ayes, 1 no) and moved to calendar.
- Senate Bill 1069 (rolled and later passed as amended): Passed (9 ayes) and moved to calendar.
- Department of Safety budget (including a floor amendment removing the house‑of‑worship grants line): Passed out of committee to finance (budget passage read as 9 ayes).

Committee process and votes: Committee roll calls were taken on each bill after amendment votes and sponsor remarks. The committee chair recorded counts after the clerk read member responses for each item.

What the votes do next: Passed bills move either to calendar or to the Senate finance committee as announced by the chair; the Department of Safety budget will be considered in the Senate finance process.

Ending: The committee adjourned after taking votes and advancing its agenda; several bills will receive further fiscal review or floor scheduling in upcoming sessions.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Transportation and Safety Committee\tMar 5, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Transportation and Safety Committee advanced a package of bills and the Department of Safety budget on Oct. 12, moving measures that range from off‑road vehicle rules to digital driver's‑license safeguards on to later steps in the legislature.","taxTitle","Transportation and Safety, Senate, Committees, Legislative, Tennessee","taxId",36826,"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},6298088,"Department of Safety presents budget increases for troopers, centers and radio system; committee approves budget with amendment",1654,3580000,5234000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2505627-9f771b14d3e27e4951bac533d0e88f6d&start=3580&end=5234","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2505627-9f771b14d3e27e4951bac533d0e88f6d/thumbnail_3580000.jpg","/articles/6298088/Tennessee/Department-of-Safety-presents-budget-increases-for-troopers-centers-and-radio-system-committee-approves-budget-with-amendment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6298088-6a48e42e61fd9049d52e8e0e3872c60d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440473&Signature=Y1WuWOxcGLMINMMepoARkOFfNc4zsXtb3ozG2UsecaNL4Ow1ogK1~r4YgatoOIFaSklMlzhK6UoHUgF1t8EkTQOlzOuGm20vCTVzN7tNXd0xQWAqW31m5Juxx4JjPJ56JU-kLmJNFQYq0DSHP6cOJkNoW8km81~x5hVmRXoIAI4k9eA5b1PTd6imwyzrcAv6WRgZ2YRUW7zZThEmqIxE~S8PcCmm3-pJzdahu5hdRqGmxcxb6Trq0soybcHepcVsnSmOqiYBaLYLLQcvBkUHzC11HJHYrPs~sHMUgORLKkBEUzUDJ14C1R0pYKCdvfUYZnjRyKZXceUxhUIl4EbLpw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Tennessee Department of Safety presented its fiscal priorities and requested increases totaling roughly $56.2 million during a Transportation and Safety Committee hearing on Oct. 12. Committee members discussed funding for trooper positions, driver‑service centers, maintenance of a statewide radio network and equipment needs for special operations.

Key elements of the presentation: Commissioner Jeff Long and senior staff outlined twelve items that make up the department’s requested increase: statutory salary step raises; a regional pay survey adjustment; funding for 17 additional highway‑patrol positions; expansion of the school resource officer grant program; $5 million to cover alternative learning centers staffing; $1.25 million proposed previously for houses‑of‑worship security grants (subsequently removed on committee amendment); an estimated $113,800 for protected‑space costs; regional headquarters rent increases for four new facilities; a new driver‑service center in Sumner County (one supervisor and five examiners) estimated at $726,000; $1.5 million annual Motorola maintenance for the Tennessee Advanced Communications Network; replacement and upkeep of tracking‑system infrastructure; and $866,200 for replacement explosive‑ordinance robots for the Tennessee Highway Patrol’s special operations unit.

Radio system and timeline: Committee members asked about a carryforward balance of roughly $479 million that the department was using for radio‑system buildout. Department staff said the funds are tied to contracted tower construction and a multi‑year buildout of roughly 5–7 years to complete additional tower sites and associated infrastructure.

House‑of‑worship grant amendment: Senator Pote offered and the committee adopted an amendment to remove the house‑of‑worship grant funding from the Department of Safety budget and revert the money to the general fund. The clerk recorded the committee passage of the budget as 9 ayes after the amendment was adopted; the budget was advanced to the Senate finance committee.

Operational questions: Members asked about fleet replacement and driver‑service performance. The department said it maintains a vehicle for every trooper position (approximately 1,229 trooper positions) and that driver‑service wait times have improved from multi‑hour waits to an average in the low‑20‑minute range; the department plans an additional driver‑service center in a high‑demand area.

Ending: The committee advanced the department’s budget and asked for additional detail, including schedules for radio‑tower buildout and vehicle replacement counts, to be shared with members and finance staff.","The Department of Safety presented a budget request that included recurring salary steps, new trooper positions, driver services expansion, maintenance for the statewide radio network, and equipment replacement for special operations. The Transportation and Safety Committee approved the budget and removed a house‑of‑worship grant line during the",{"_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},6298093,"Committee advances bill allowing TDOT MOUs to preplan homeless‑encampment responses; advocates warn of costs",462,2714000,3176000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2505627-9f771b14d3e27e4951bac533d0e88f6d&start=2714&end=3176","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2505627-9f771b14d3e27e4951bac533d0e88f6d/thumbnail_2714000.jpg","/articles/6298093/Tennessee/Committee-advances-bill-allowing-TDOT-MOUs-to-preplan-homelessencampment-responses-advocates-warn-of-costs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6298093-256f8a180dc17de0333cce87c882bd3c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440473&Signature=Z2oGuIxdv3l1w~yHuiDJ6stYqwFBv6zQvaOg-ZwNfl0IYPTtvi1coI9TE7dEg-RR2GKU0vbukC9PxpBdkN~wzzKIBlXGJyjrhKZg4q4xkgJt038UBXPiDnLV-IEkmXiUdTM4Iph-InIUHe68tSUUXNFDBQjOtKifxCqy68RH4PA0STXW5aqTZKWzSWjodEdKBFmnO-vsxTrD2bEdEf3VMsb171Z7TEE-blQ1FxlUBLppKVDM9Kq63zg~T0x57nRDJUd0yiiiyrv896sirP0iAALdJyCugFI33-Mrz167ncmWiYnCnmqbbRrRlZmj8rWnpMixo4VeHqaM2GahZVxijg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Transportation and Safety Committee on Oct. 12 approved Senate Bill 217, a measure that would permit the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) to enter memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with local governments and nonprofit service providers to preplan responses when homeless encampments appear on state rights‑of‑way.

Why it matters: Sponsors said preplanning will reduce delays and confusion when encampments are reported and help connect people living outdoors to services. A statewide homeless‑services advocate told the committee the bill’s timelines and removal authority risk shifting expensive cleanup costs to local governments and could harm people living in encampments if property is discarded before stable housing is found.

Sponsor explanation: Senator Taylor said the bill would require TDOT and local communities to agree in advance on responsibilities, including outreach, referral to shelter and handling personal property, so that cleanup operations can proceed quickly and in coordination with social‑service partners. The sponsor emphasized the bill does not criminalize homelessness and is intended to streamline a response that previously required ad‑hoc planning for each site.

Testimony and concerns: Lindsay Krinx, cofounder of OpenTable Nashville and Housing for All Tennessee, told the committee that the bill as amended permits TDOT to dispose of property after a 10‑day notice and set a 30‑day removal timeline. She warned that in many counties the shortage of shelter and affordable housing means those timelines are too short to secure placements — Nashville averages about 143 days to house a person after intake, she said — and that cleanup costs and fencing or vegetation removal could shift to local governments and underfunded nonprofits.

Committee response and vote: Sponsors and some members disagreed on whether the bill would help or harm people experiencing homelessness; sponsor Taylor and others said MOUs will facilitate referrals to services and reduce the “building the plane while flying” problem seen in prior cleanups. After adopting the amendment, the committee advanced SB 217 to the calendar (recorded as 7 ayes and 1 no).

Ending: The sponsor and a witness urged continued coordination with local service providers; members asked for continued communication on how MOUs will allocate costs and protect personal property during site clearances.","Senate Bill 217 would authorize the Tennessee Department of Transportation to enter memoranda of understanding with local governments and service providers to preplan responses to roadside homeless encampments. The committee approved the bill after testimony from a homeless‑services provider who warned the measure could shift heavy costs and risk",{"_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},6298098,"Committee approves bill setting privacy limits for digital driver's licenses, bars use for voting",719,1963000,2682000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2505627-9f771b14d3e27e4951bac533d0e88f6d&start=1963&end=2682","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2505627-9f771b14d3e27e4951bac533d0e88f6d/thumbnail_1963000.jpg","/articles/6298098/Tennessee/Committee-approves-bill-setting-privacy-limits-for-digital-drivers-licenses-bars-use-for-voting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6298098-f5391b75dc408d67688a7a0b6c331893/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440473&Signature=jqf~IGvDhgtj8l4~xrv6k~YrYcJM4CH4eSCsxwRU2mlotdGWMwFn2sg9SJFVSiU-v2UQulvAGy~RAVHeElQaL5vTTsDN5FwkFuSlCutHrym7J~rlNuvvXsEt3Svt9lnmiNx-k1avZNlURBmHmIg0rP5IT~EGkt9-1g7OUv7xbkW831lgbgBK~pyW~5PbjeWWlCSgpx~FiHsM-nn54aCRDe6Vd2X8DxU8nNYa7MJzSh33b9yaqb9whgmH4Gm9WB20evAdnrca-ZcCFyIT952zcoWqxBBGFwEt94FPYyJmy3UiKwB81CAIL6~OkdM2p9hh46BhTfJ6zoc9eO8U~fpEvA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Transportation and Safety Committee on Oct. 12 advanced Senate Bill 1297, an administration measure that would set privacy and usage limits for voluntary digital driver's‑license credentials and include unrelated administrative updates to driver licensing.

What the bill does: As described by sponsor leadership and Department of Safety staff, the bill would authorize a voluntary digital driver's license (DDL) program and place limits on collection, retention, and use of personally identifiable information. The text specifies that participation is optional, a DDL may not be required in lieu of a physical license, geolocation data may not be collected or stored, and data retention for verification events is limited (committee discussion recorded a three‑day maximum retention for identity verification data). The bill also requires disclosure and opt‑in consent for biometric verification when third‑party services are used.

Agency explanation: Elizabeth Stroker, legislative director for the Department of Safety, described the DDL as an app‑based credential that must be verified by the department and stored securely; she emphasized that a simple photograph of a physical license would not meet program requirements. The department said DDL credentials could be cached into Apple Wallet for offline use where cellular connectivity is limited.

On voting: Committee members asked whether a DDL could be used for voter identification. Sponsor and committee leaders said the bill explicitly precludes using a DDL for voter ID and that a physical driver's license will remain the required document for voting.

Vote and next steps: The committee adopted the amendment and advanced the bill to the Senate calendar (recorded as 9 ayes). The Department of Safety said implementation could begin as early as the end of the year, subject to administrative steps and secure rollout.

Ending: Members encouraged public awareness and noted the department will provide additional operational details to legislators and staff as the program is implemented.","An administration bill to allow voluntary digital driver's licenses with privacy protections and a prohibition on using them for voter ID passed the Transportation and Safety Committee and moves to the Senate calendar.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6298104,"Committee advances bill to dedicate vehicle and tire sales taxes for recurring road funding",867,977000,1844000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2505627-9f771b14d3e27e4951bac533d0e88f6d&start=977&end=1844","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2505627-9f771b14d3e27e4951bac533d0e88f6d/thumbnail_977000.jpg","/articles/6298104/Tennessee/Committee-advances-bill-to-dedicate-vehicle-and-tire-sales-taxes-for-recurring-road-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6298104-d04c1e928c90aade39d3a4b3f9071cfe/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440473&Signature=khqjs0Xh6E7TM23Daa6ytcwwjCOZnYszEhZIC1T2w1R1vXruiVB~5hF3YmgAEJdDOz-Trv72R56MdyR9FkFiAxJ3Nxo1WJd4xQbeaOJ0yuc6txUbPLXkznrA0AJ9Zrg2aBCHNzOwiWeX3VT-Ndn1-nTX2aS4-gyJCkvpLRAuhaIDK5SCus8qhi5LGBFTK2ZOhQJLKeOmjVg72rLGpsJLG--uIa7u~lTp8HbcWPldYDRXSiIL6DeOaUZ004rkYZEwfy7KfWKP94l2TgZZ-rXm8yYG~AoUA8-QDEQImpUvRvWQ1iR3panahi27XRD4DjOIv25FRfU~wsJqkw-r3PzCBg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Transportation and Safety Committee on Oct. 12 approved Senate Bill 144, which would redirect sales taxes collected from new and used motor‑vehicle sales and from tire sales toward recurring state transportation funding, and sent the measure to the finance committee for fiscal review.

Why it matters: Sponsor Senator Waller described the bill as a recurring revenue mechanism to address an estimated multibillion‑dollar backlog in road maintenance and repair; committee members repeatedly asked whether the proposal would reduce revenue available to local governments.

What the bill would do: As explained on the floor, the measure would use existing state sales‑tax receipts from motor‑vehicle and tire purchases to create a recurring funding stream for transportation maintenance and projects. Waller said the proposal would convert part of a previously proposed one‑time $1 billion item into a recurring funding mechanism and incorporate a portion of the Governor’s proposal to dedicate tire sales taxes to transportation.

Key questions and pushback: Several senators pressed for detail on how the reallocation would affect local governments’ revenue shares. Senator Briggs and Senator Campbell voiced concerns that redirecting state sales tax revenue could reduce funds flowing to cities and counties and might compel local tax increases. Waller acknowledged those concerns and told members he would provide clarifying fiscal language and an explanation to the finance committee and the committee staff.

Vote and next step: The committee adopted a technical amendment, then voted to advance the bill to the Senate finance committee (recorded as 8 ayes and 1 present‑not‑voting). The chair asked the sponsor to provide a clarification memoorandum on local‑government revenue impacts for distribution to members and finance staff.

Ending: With the bill headed to the finance committee, members signaled they expect more detailed fiscal analysis and possible adjustments there.","Senate Bill 144, sponsored by Senator Waller, would reallocate sales tax on motor vehicle and tire sales toward recurring transportation funding; the Transportation and Safety Committee advanced the bill to finance after members asked for clarification about local revenue impacts.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Transportation and Safety Committee advances multiple bills; votes at a glance

Department of Safety presents budget increases for troopers, centers and radio system; committee approves budget with amendment

Committee advances bill allowing TDOT MOUs to preplan homeless‑encampment responses; advocates warn of costs

Committee approves bill setting privacy limits for digital driver's licenses, bars use for voting

Committee advances bill to dedicate vehicle and tire sales taxes for recurring road funding