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SB 2027

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 Adam Lowe

Tennessee counties can request highway noise studies for homes near state highways when property-line tree buffers are removed, creating documentation of impacts without guaranteeing remediation.

Companion House Bill substituted
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Bill Summary · SB 2027

Legislative bill overview

SB 2027 allows counties or municipalities in Tennessee to request that the state Department of Transportation conduct noise studies for residential properties along highways when tree buffers that previously blocked highway noise have been removed. The bill specifies conditions under which these studies can be triggered and amends state transportation and municipal code sections.

Why is this important

Highway noise pollution significantly affects property values, health, and quality of life for residents. This bill creates a mechanism to document noise impacts when natural sound barriers are cleared, potentially supporting future noise mitigation efforts or liability claims. It balances infrastructure management with residential protection by requiring formal assessment rather than assuming pre-existing vegetation was sufficient soundproofing.

Potential points of contention

  • Responsibility assignment: Unclear whether counties/municipalities or the state bears the cost of studies, and who is liable if tree removal was performed by TDOT or approved by TDOT
  • Study scope and action limits: The bill authorizes studies but doesn't require TDOT to fund or implement noise barriers (berms, walls), so residents may get documented proof of noise problems without solutions
  • Property rights vs. maintenance: Tension between landowners' rights to clear their own property and neighbors' interests in maintaining noise buffers, particularly if trees were on public right-of-way

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

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