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SB 1572

Criminal Offenses - As introduced, enacts the "Safe Highways and Roads Enforcement (SHARE) Act," which requires the court to assess an additional fine against a person convicted of a moving traffic violation or driving under the influence of an intoxicant; requires the additional fines be deposited into the state highway fund. - Amends TCA Title 39 and Title 55.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Adam Lowe

Tennessee bill adds fines to traffic and DUI convictions, directing revenue to highway fund to expand road infrastructure funding through criminal penalties.

Deferred to Summer Study
#criminaloffenses
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Bill Summary · SB 1572

Legislative bill overview

SB 1572, the "Safe Highways and Roads Enforcement (SHARE) Act," imposes additional fines on individuals convicted of moving traffic violations and driving under the influence (DUI). Revenue from these supplemental fines would be directed to the state highway fund rather than general coffers, creating a dedicated funding mechanism for road infrastructure and maintenance.

Why is this important

Traffic-related fines currently support various state and local programs, but dedicating incremental revenue specifically to highways could improve road safety infrastructure, maintenance, and enforcement. However, this approach ties highway funding to criminal penalties, which may create unpredictable revenue streams and raises questions about funding stability for essential infrastructure.

Potential points of contention

  • Regressive impact: Additional fines disproportionately burden lower-income drivers who already struggle with traffic violations and associated costs, potentially creating a cycle of debt and license suspension
  • Perverse incentive structure: Dedicating highway funding to violation fines may inadvertently incentivize aggressive enforcement over accident prevention, raising concerns about fairness and civil liberties
  • Funding instability: Highway maintenance requires predictable, consistent funding; revenue from criminal penalties fluctuates based on enforcement patterns and driver behavior rather than actual infrastructure needs

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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