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SB 446

Highways, Roads and Bridges - As introduced, requires TACIR to study overall road safety and submit its recommendations to the chair of the committee in the house of representatives with jurisdiction over transportation matters, the chair of the transportation and safety committee of the senate, and the legislative librarian on or before January 15, 2026. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 54 and Title 55.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Becky Massey

Requires TACIR to study Tennessee road safety and recommend policy changes to legislature by January 2026.

Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Transportation and Safety Committee
#highways #roadsandbridges
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Bill Summary · SB 446

Legislative bill overview

SB 446 directs the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR) to conduct a comprehensive study on overall road safety in Tennessee and submit findings and recommendations to relevant legislative committees and the legislative librarian by January 15, 2026. The bill modifies sections of Tennessee Code Annotated related to highways, roads, bridges, and related governance structures.

Why is this important

Road safety is a critical public health and infrastructure issue affecting transportation fatalities, injuries, and economic costs. A formal study by TACIR—an independent research body—could identify systemic safety gaps and provide evidence-based policy recommendations that might inform future legislation on traffic enforcement, infrastructure improvements, or vehicle standards.

Potential points of contention

  • Resource allocation: TACIR may need additional funding or staff to conduct a thorough study, raising questions about costs and opportunity costs for other research priorities
  • Scope ambiguity: The bill's language "overall road safety" is broad and may lack specificity about which safety aspects (traffic enforcement, infrastructure design, driver behavior, commercial vehicles, etc.) receive priority
  • Implementation timeline: The January 15, 2026 deadline is approximately one year away; stakeholders may debate whether this allows sufficient time for meaningful research or if recommendations will be actionable by legislators

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

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