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SB 2443

Traffic Safety - As introduced, limits the use of unmanned traffic cameras that are authorized within the designated distance of a marked school zone to those times when a warning flasher or flashers are in operation or during times when children are present if the school zone does not have a warning flasher or flashers. - Amends TCA Section 55-8-198.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Unmanned speed cameras in school zones may only issue citations when warning flashers are active or when children are present if flashers are not used.

Subst. for comp. HB.
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Bill Summary · SB 2443

Summary: SB 2443 (HB 2474) — Traffic Safety: Unmanned Traffic Cameras in School Zones

Jurisdiction: Tennessee | Session: 114 | Topic: Traffic safety

Date of notable activity: Passed Senate (amended) on 2026-04-13; on Regular Calendar in House for 2026-04-21

1) Purpose and Intent

  • The bill narrows the circumstances under which unmanned (camera-based) traffic enforcement can issue speeding citations within marked school zones.
  • It aligns the use of speed-enforcement cameras with active warning devices and the presence of children, ensuring cameras may only be used within a marked school zone when:
    • A warning flasher or flashers are in operation, or
    • During times when children are present if the school zone does not have warning flashers.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

  • Amends Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) § 55-8-198(l)(1)(A) by adding language that specifies camera use is limited to:
    • Times when a warning flasher/flashers are operating, or
    • Times when children are present if the school zone lacks warning flashers.
  • The primary baseline remains that unmanned traffic enforcement cameras can issue speed-limit violations only within:
    • The designated distance of a marked school zone, or
    • On an S-curve of a public road or highway (existing prohibition outside these areas).
  • Effective date: July 1, 2026.

3) Who/What Is Affected

  • Unmanned traffic enforcement cameras (speed cameras) within marked school zones.
  • Local and state agencies that operate or deploy such cameras.
  • Motorists subject to speeding citations in school zones.
  • School zones lacking warning flashers will be governed by the “children present” provision during eligible times.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Legislative path:
    • Introduced and amended in 2026, with Senate passage on 2026-04-13.
    • Placed on the House Regular Calendar for consideration on 2026-04-21.
    • The amendment (Amendment 1) has been incorporated into the bill during Senate consideration.
  • Effective date: July 1, 2026, assuming enactment.

5) Fiscal Impact

  • Fiscal notes indicate a NOT SIGNIFICANT impact on state or local revenues or expenditures.
  • Rationale: The change refines existing authorities rather than creating new enforcement programs or funding streams.

Summary in Brief

SB 2443/HB 2474 tightens the use of unmanned traffic cameras for speeding citations in marked school zones. It restricts enforcement to periods when warning flashers are active or when children are present in zones without flashers. The bill preserves the current general prohibitions on camera use outside these conditions and is not expected to have a significant fiscal impact. It becomes effective July 1, 2026.

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

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