Tennessee Senate Bill SB1065

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 8; Title 54; Title 55 and Title 67, relative to transportation.

Impact

If enacted, SB1065 will primarily affect local government operations concerning transportation planning and infrastructure. By mandating the publication of maps online, the bill encourages local governments to provide clearer communication and allows citizens greater insight and involvement in transportation discussions within their communities. The emphasis on web accessibility ensures that the information is readily available to the public, potentially increasing civic engagement on matters that affect local transportation systems.

Summary

Senate Bill 1065 aims to amend various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated relating to transportation. The bill specifically introduces requirements for counties and municipalities to publish certain maps related to transportation initiatives on their official websites. This legislation is designed to enhance public access to information about upcoming hearings, ensuring that maps are made available to the public no less than thirty days before each hearing. This move is intended to improve transparency in the local government decision-making process regarding transportation matters.

Contention

While many may support the increased transparency and public access intended by SB1065, there could be concerns raised about the feasibility of complying with these online publication requirements, particularly in smaller municipalities with limited resources. Additionally, some may argue that the prescribed timeline for publishing the maps might not be practical, leading to challenges in meeting these deadlines effectively, especially where there are resource limitations or capacity issues. Discussions surrounding the funding and logistics for such public disclosures may surface during legislative debates.