AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 12 and Title 68, relative to storm drain safety.

Description

Fiscal Summary STATE GOVERNMENTEXPENDITURESHighway FundFY26-27 & Subsequent Years$1,076,900 LOCAL GOVERNMENTEXPENDITURESMandatoryFY26-27 & Subsequent Years>$1,076,900 Article II, Section 24 of the Tennessee Constitution provides that: no law of general application shall impose increased expenditure requirements on cities or counties unless the General Assembly shall provide that the state share in the cost. Bill Summary This bill requires all newly installed storm drains and culverts constructed after July 1, 2026, to be equipped with a safety cover or grate if the opening is large enough that a child could reasonably fall into or become trapped within the structure. For purposes of this bill, a storm drain opening is deemed large enough to require a safety cover if (i) the opening exceeds 12 inches in diameter or width or (ii) the opening is otherwise accessible and poses a risk of bodily entry by a child. Safety covers or grates must meet all of the following criteria:  Constructed of durable material capable of withstanding expected water flow and debris. Secured to prevent unauthorized removal. Designed to prevent accidental entry while allowing for proper drainage. This bill applies to all public infrastructure projects funded or approved by a state agency, municipality, metropolitan government, or county government. CONTRACT FOR PUBLIC WORKS INVOLVING STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE This bill requires all contracts for public works involving stormwater infrastructure to include provisions requiring compliance with the requirements above. If a contractor fails to install safety covers as so prescribed, then any party who contracts with the contractor for the installation of the covers may withhold payment and seek corrective action and other penalties as provided by contract or by law. RULEMAKING T

Subjects

Progress

1. IntroducedFeb 2, 2026
2. Sent to committeeFeb 5, 2026