WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 2009

Highways, Roads and Bridges - As introduced, authorizes a county or municipality to request the department of transportation conduct a highway traffic noise study for residential properties located along the sound propagation path of a state or interstate highway when a tree zone has been removed, cut, or cleared behind the residential properties under certain conditions. - Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 3 and Title 54.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Justin Lafferty

Tennessee bill authorizes counties to request highway noise studies when tree buffers near residential properties are removed, creating documentation mechanism for noise impact assessment.

Signed by Senate Speaker
#highways #roadsandbridges
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2009

Legislative bill overview

HB 2009 allows counties or municipalities to request that Tennessee's Department of Transportation conduct highway traffic noise studies for residential properties adjacent to state or interstate highways when tree buffers have been removed or cleared. The bill modifies state law to establish this study request mechanism under specific conditions.

Why is this important

Tree removal near highways—whether from development, maintenance, or natural causes—eliminates natural noise barriers, potentially increasing noise pollution exposure for nearby residents. This bill creates a pathway for local governments to document and quantify noise impacts, which could inform future mitigation efforts, land use decisions, or liability discussions.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost responsibility: Unclear who pays for noise studies (state DOT vs. local governments vs. property owners) and whether costs could become prohibitive
  • Remediation obligations: The bill authorizes studies but doesn't specify what happens next—whether findings trigger required noise barriers, sound walls, or other expensive mitigation measures
  • Tree removal causation: "Under certain conditions" is vague; disputes could arise over whether tree removal was intentional/negligent or part of routine maintenance, and who bears responsibility

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

Sign in to ask a question.