AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 29; Title 55; Title 62, Chapter 7; Title 66; Title 68, Chapter 110 and Title 68, Chapter 14, relative to recreational camper sites.
SB2918 has a noteworthy impact on existing local laws regarding recreational facilities, as it streamlines management practices for campgrounds. It introduces explicit conditions under which campground owners can eject guests and provides law enforcement the authority to enforce these policies. Furthermore, it establishes that any ejected person has the right to a prorated refund for their unused fees, addressing both customer rights and campground owners’ interests in maintaining a peaceful environment.
Senate Bill 2918 aims to amend various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated, particularly concerning regulations around recreational camper sites. This legislation defines campgrounds and the responsibilities of campground owners, providing guidelines for camper management and enforcing campground rules. A key provision is the requirement for campground owners to create and post a written policy for curfews, alcohol use, tobacco use, and pet policies, which is aimed at ensuring the orderly conduct of guests while safeguarding the rights of all campground visitors.
The sentiment surrounding SB2918 appears to be constructive, aiming for a balanced compromise between the rights of campground owners to manage their businesses and those of guests to understand and adhere to clear policies. Supporters of the bill view it as a necessary update to existing statutes, facilitating a well-regulated camping experience that could enhance tourism and recreational use in Tennessee. However, there may be concerns about how such regulations could impact local governance and the autonomy of campground operators in enforcing rules without state overreach.
Points of contention largely revolve around the extent of authority granted to campground owners, specifically regarding the ejectment of guests and enforcement of rules. Critics may argue that while it is important for campgrounds to maintain order, the provisions could potentially lead to misuse of power by owners, bringing up issues related to fairness and treatment of guests. The bill seeks to clarify responsibilities but could inadvertently lead to disputes over the interpretation of campground rules and enforcement practices.