Tennessee Senate Bill SB2873

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 10, Chapter 7, Part 5; Title 38 and Title 55, relative to the use of surveillance cameras on interstate highways and state rights-of-ways.

Impact

The impact of SB2873, if enacted, underscores a balance between public safety and privacy concerns. The legislation seeks to streamline the use of technology by criminal justice and transportation agencies for better monitoring and enforcement capabilities. By allowing cameras solely for the purpose of aiding in criminal investigations or searches for missing persons, and not for general traffic enforcement, the bill aims to address potential civil liberties issues while improving safety outcomes on highways.

Summary

SB2873 aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated to regulate the use of surveillance cameras on interstate highways and state rights-of-ways. The bill specifically permits the use of surveillance cameras for certain defined purposes while restricting their use to only state entities. Surveillance cameras may be utilized for SmartWay systems and intelligent transportation systems, in addition to monitoring traffic violations within work zones when workers are present. It emphasizes that these systems are necessary tools for enhancing traffic safety and managing roadway activities effectively.

Contention

Discussions surrounding SB2873 highlight a contention regarding the potential for misuse of surveillance technology by law enforcement. Critics may argue that while the bill allows for necessary surveillance, the ambiguous language surrounding 'law enforcement' and conditions for monitoring could lead to overreach or disproportionate surveillance that may infringe on individual rights. Proponents, however, might stress the importance of surveillance for keeping the public safe and the need for law enforcement to adapt to modern challenges.

Effective_date

The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2024, pending enactment. This timeline suggests a transition period for implementing the new regulations regarding the surveillance cameras.