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HB 1739

Regional Authorities and Special Districts - As introduced, authorizes the Megasite Authority of West Tennessee and certain law enforcement agencies to enter into a written agreement authorizing sworn peace officers of the law enforcement agency to enforce certain traffic laws on one or more designated private megasite roadways identified in the agreement. - Amends TCA Title 54 and Title 64, Chapter 9.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Johnny Shaw

Allows West Tennessee law enforcement to enforce traffic laws on private megasite roads via written agreements with the Megasite Authority.

H. Placed on Regular Calendar for 4/22/2026
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1739

Legislative bill overview

HB 1739 authorizes the Megasite Authority of West Tennessee to enter written agreements with law enforcement agencies allowing sworn peace officers to enforce traffic laws on privately-owned megasite roadways. The bill amends Tennessee law to expand the jurisdictional authority of local law enforcement onto private property used for industrial or commercial development purposes.

Why is this important

This addresses a practical governance gap: large industrial development sites (megasites) may have private road networks that currently fall outside standard law enforcement jurisdiction, potentially creating safety and enforcement issues. The bill allows coordinated traffic law enforcement on these private roads while maintaining written agreements that define scope and limitations.

Potential points of contention

  • Private property enforcement concerns: Expands police authority onto private roads, raising questions about whether property owners retain sufficient control and whether this sets precedent for other private properties
  • Jurisdictional clarity: The bill's scope regarding which "traffic laws" apply on private roads and whether officers have full or limited enforcement powers may create ambiguity
  • Accountability mechanisms: The reliance on "written agreements" rather than statutory standards may lack sufficient oversight or uniformity in how enforcement is conducted across different sites

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

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