WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1912

Highway Signs - As enacted, requires the department of transportation to install signs or markers displaying language or an appropriate symbol indicating to motorists that a rest area or welcome center has an adult-sized changing table; requires the department to publish on its website the locations of rest areas and welcome centers that have an adult-sized changing table. - Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 3; Title 12 and Title 54.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Kevin Raper

TDOT must mark rest areas and welcome centers with adult-sized changing tables and publish their locations online.

Comp. SB subst.
#highwaysigns
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1912

Summary of HB 1912 (Session 114, Tennessee)

Purpose and Intent

  • Requires the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) to install signs or markers at rest areas and welcome centers to indicate the accessibility of adult-sized changing tables to motorists.
  • Requires TDOT to publish on its website the locations of rest areas and welcome centers that have an adult-sized changing table.
  • The bill aims to improve information accessibility for travelers and individuals with caregiving needs by making rest area facilities more clearly identified.

Key Provisions

  • Signs/Markers:

    • If a rest area or welcome center has an adult-sized changing table, TDOT must install a sign or marker displaying a symbol (and, per amendments, language) indicating the accessibility of the changing table.
    • The requirement applies to portions of the interstate system, state highway system, and related rights-of-way near the rest area or welcome center.
    • The change is to occur in the regular course of replacing and modifying existing signage; TDOT may also include the symbol or language on an existing sign or marker.
    • TDOT may consult the Department of Tourist Development (DTD) in manufacturing, installing, and placing the signs/markers.

  • Website Publication:

    • TDOT must publish the locations of rest areas and welcome centers offering an adult-sized changing table on its website.

Affected Entities

  • Primary: Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT).
  • Optional/Collaborative: Department of Tourist Development (DTD) for consultative support.
  • Affected facilities: 13 signs across 9 welcome centers and 2 rest areas that provide access to an adult-sized changing table (as identified in fiscal analysis).

Financial and Resource Impacts

  • Original fiscal estimate (as amended):
    • One-time Highway Fund expenditures in FY 2026-27: approximately $19,700.
    • Costs cover materials for 13 signs (extruded aluminum panels, supports, and a truck-mounted attenuator with a message board) totaling about $1,515 per sign, with 13 signs estimated.
    • Total one-time cost estimate: $1,515 x 13 ≈ $19,695.
    • Ongoing annual expenditures: Not anticipated to be significant; the mandate to publish locations on the TDOT website is expected to be covered within existing resources.
  • The fiscal memorandum emphasizes the changes would be implemented during regular signage replacement or modification cycles, minimizing additional staffing or funding needs.
  • Subsequent amended analysis states the fiscal impact is not significant, with costs largely contained to signage updates during routine maintenance.

Timelines and Procedures

  • Implementation will occur in the regular course of replacing and modifying existing signage at the designated rest areas and welcome centers.
  • TDOT may utilize existing processes and signage standards (e.g., compliance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices) to incorporate symbols or language.
  • Publication of changing-table location data on TDOT’s website is required upon enactment and ongoing thereafter.

Status and Process

  • The bill is part of the House Transportation Committee process, with amendments to add “language” in addition to “symbol(s)” and to reference “language” in multiple sections.
  • The amended fiscal memo indicates the approach and projected costs, with certification by the Fiscal Review Committee.
  • The companion bill is SB 2529.

Summary for Readers

  • What it does: Requires TDOT to mark rest areas and welcome centers with an adult-sized changing table, either via new signs or by updating existing ones, and to publish the locations online.
  • Who it affects: TDOT, potentially TDOT’s signage partners, rest areas, and welcome centers with adult-sized changing tables; the traveling public seeking accessible facilities.
  • When it would take effect: As part of routine signage replacements and maintenance, with ongoing online reporting.
  • Financial impact: Modest, one-time signage costs (~$19,700) with no significant ongoing costs anticipated.

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

Sign in to ask a question.