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Committee approves creation of TDOT‑administered student pedestrian protection grant fund
Summary
The subcommittee adopted an amendment and voted to send House Bill 16 to the full Transportation Committee. The bill creates a Student Pedestrian Protection Grant Fund overseen by the Tennessee Department of Transportation; any appropriation into the fund would require a separate joint resolution by a future General Assembly.
The Tennessee House Transportation Subcommittee on Feb. 18, 2025 adopted an amendment to House Bill 16 and voted 8–0 to send the measure to the full Transportation Committee. The bill, as amended, would create a Student Pedestrian Protection Grant Fund within the state general fund to support sidewalk construction and pedestrian safety projects around public schools.
Sponsor Chairman Clemens told the committee the fund is intended to supplement local efforts to build sidewalks where schools are located off state highways. The bill designates the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) to administer the program and to select projects — including design and construction phases — through TDOT’s application process. Clemens said the amendment was drafted to avoid a fiscal note by creating the account first and requiring a separate joint resolution to appropriate funds into it.
Representative Renault asked whether TDOT would set any radius or distance limits for sidewalk projects around schools; Clemens responded that TDOT would have discretion to evaluate project applications and set scope based on a competitive process. Members referenced a prior fiscal note and the federal Safe Routes to School initiative during discussion; the sponsor noted earlier versions of the bill had a fiscal note but the current amendment was drafted to eliminate a fiscal note by deferring appropriation.
The subcommittee adopted Amendment Draft Code 3653 before voting. The clerk recorded 8 ayes and the bill will move to the full Transportation Committee for additional consideration.
