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SB 2479

Safety - As introduced, requires newly installed storm drains and culverts constructed after July 1, 2026, to be equipped with a safety cover or grate if the opening is large enough that a child could reasonably fall into or become trapped within the structure. - Amends TCA Title 12 and Title 68.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Janice Bowling

Requires safety covers on new storm drains and culverts if children could fall in, effective July 2026, to prevent child entrapment and drowning.

Assigned to General Subcommittee of Senate State and Local Government Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2479

Legislative bill overview

SB 2479 mandates that all newly installed storm drains and culverts in Tennessee built after July 1, 2026, must include safety covers or grates if their openings are large enough for a child to fall through or become trapped. The bill amends Tennessee's construction and safety codes to establish this requirement statewide.

Why is this important

Child drowning and entrapment in storm drains represent preventable safety hazards in communities. This bill addresses a documented public safety concern by requiring engineering controls at the point of installation, potentially reducing childhood injuries and fatalities without requiring retrofitting of existing infrastructure.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: Mandated safety covers add construction expenses to municipalities and private developers, which may increase project costs and could be passed to taxpayers or property owners
  • Scope limitations: The bill only applies to newly constructed drains/culverts after 2026, leaving existing infrastructure—where most incidents occur—unaddressed
  • Definition ambiguity: "Large enough that a child could reasonably fall into" lacks precise measurements, potentially creating compliance uncertainty and variable enforcement across jurisdictions

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

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