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HB 1514

Local Government, General - As introduced, prohibits the assessment of a fee, fine, or cost against the owner of a shopping cart found on public property unless the shopping cart was removed from the premises or parking area of a retail establishment by the owner of the shopping cart or by an employee acting on the owner's behalf. - Amends TCA Title 5, Chapter 1 and Title 6, Chapter 54.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Jake McCalmon

HB 1514 bans Tennessee cities from fining shopping cart owners for abandoned carts on public property unless the owner deliberately removed them from retail establishments.

Comp. SB subst.
#general #localgovernment
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Bill Summary · HB 1514

Legislative bill overview

HB 1514 prohibits Tennessee municipalities from assessing fees, fines, or costs against shopping cart owners for carts found on public property, unless the owner or their employee removed the cart from a retail establishment's premises. The bill amends state law governing local government authority and retail operations.

Why is this important

Many cities charge property owners fees when shopping carts are found abandoned on public land—a practice intended to discourage littering and incentivize retailers to manage their carts. This bill would eliminate that revenue source for municipalities and shift responsibility away from cart owners, potentially affecting both local government budgets and retail management practices.

Potential points of contention

  • Municipal revenue impact: Cities currently use cart fees as a revenue stream; eliminating them could affect local budgets without identifying alternative funding sources
  • Retail accountability: The bill may reduce incentive for retailers to prevent their carts from leaving premises, potentially increasing public property cluttered with abandoned carts
  • Enforcement burden: Determining whether a cart owner or employee removed a cart (versus it being stolen or lost) could be difficult to prove and litigate

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

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