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HB 2366

Planning, Public - As introduced, prohibits a local government from impeding ingress or egress or blocking streets or other rights-of-ways to or within a tourism development zone except in cases of an emergency for purposes of allowing temporary access to first responders or for hosting large events. - Amends TCA Title 5; Title 6; Title 7 and Title 67.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by David Hawk

Prohibits Tennessee local governments from blocking streets in tourism zones except emergencies and large events, restricting local control over public access and rights-of-way.

Senate refused to recede from amendment
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Bill Summary · HB 2366

Legislative bill overview

HB 2366 restricts Tennessee local governments' ability to close streets or block access routes within designated tourism development zones, with narrow exceptions only for emergencies requiring first responder access or large events. The bill amends multiple sections of Tennessee Code to enforce these limitations on local control over public rights-of-way in these zones.

Why is this important

Tourism development zones generate significant tax revenue and economic activity for communities, so restricting access limitations could accelerate development and investment. However, this bill meaningfully constrains local governments' traditional authority to manage public spaces, which could complicate urban planning, neighborhood protection, and infrastructure management decisions made by elected local officials.

Potential points of contention

  • Local control vs. state mandate: The bill overrides local government decisions about their own streets and rights-of-way, shifting authority from locally-elected officials to state-level definitions of what constitutes a "tourism development zone"
  • Vague exception definitions: Terms like "emergency" and "large events" lack clear definitions, potentially creating disputes about when closures are actually permitted
  • Development prioritization: The bill effectively prioritizes tourism/economic development over other local concerns like residential quality of life, traffic management, or neighborhood safety

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

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