Tennessee Senate Bill SB1772

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/26
• Engrossed: 3/9/26
• Enrolled: 4/30/26
• Passed: 5/22/26
• Chaptered: 5/27/26

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 54 and Title 64, Chapter 9, relative to enforcement of traffic laws on designated private roadways within the megasite of West Tennessee.

Impact

If enacted, SB1772 would enable counties or municipalities to authorize sworn peace officers to enforce traffic laws on private roadways without dedicating those roads for public use. This adjustment would classify designated private roadways as 'highways' for the purposes of traffic enforcement, allowing law enforcement to issue citations and impose fines similar to those on public streets. The provisions in this bill may lead to more effective monitoring and compliance on private roadways where traffic regulations might otherwise go unaddressed.

Summary

Senate Bill 1772 seeks to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated, under Title 54 and Title 64, Chapter 9, specifically concerning the enforcement of traffic laws on designated private roadways located within the megasite of West Tennessee. This legislation defines 'designated private megasite roadway' and outlines the conditions under which local law enforcement agencies can enter into agreements to enforce state traffic laws on such roadways. The bill intends to enhance cooperation between local authorities and private road operators for better traffic management.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB1772 include the balance of authority between local governance and private property rights. Critics may express concerns about potentially over-policing private roads and the implications that enforcement agreements could have on property rights and local autonomy. Additionally, stakeholders will likely debate the adequacy of the controls imposed, such as signage requirements and the maintenance of traffic-control devices as mandated by the bill.