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HB2002 • 2026

Environment and Conservation, Department of

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 11, relative to trail signage.

Active

The official status still shows this bill as active or still awaiting another formal step.

Sponsor
Powell
Last action
2026-02-02
Official status
Withdrawn.
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill is no longer active as of the last action date.

Trail Safety Signage Act

This bill requires the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation to place safety signs with emergency information at new or renovated trails and jogging paths after July 1, 2026.

What This Bill Does

  • Requires the department to put up markers with emergency contact info at each entrance to new or fixed-up trails after July 1, 2026.
  • Mile markers must be placed along new or improved trails if they are longer than one mile. If shorter, a sign showing an emergency location number should go in the middle of the trail.
  • The department needs to keep trees and bushes away from signs so people can see them easily.

Who It Names or Affects

  • People who use new or renovated trails and jogging paths in Tennessee will see these safety signs.

Terms To Know

trail system
A network of hiking, biking, and other outdoor recreational paths within a state.
jogging trail
A path designed for running or jogging.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill does not specify what happens if the department fails to follow these rules.
  • It is unclear how much money will be needed to put up and maintain the signs.
  • This bill was withdrawn on February 2, 2026.

Bill History

  1. Date Tennessee General Assembly

  2. 2026-02-02 Tennessee General Assembly

    Withdrawn.

  3. 2026-02-02 Tennessee General Assembly

    Intro., P1C.

  4. 2026-01-22 Tennessee General Assembly

    Filed for introduction

Official Summary Text

Abstract summarizes the bill.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
<BillNo> <Sponsor>

HOUSE BILL 2002
By Powell
HB2002
011809
- 1 -

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 11,
relative to trail signage.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE:
SECTION 1. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 11-11-116, is amended by
designating the existing language as subsection (a) and adding the following as a new
subsection:
(b) After July 1, 2026, if a trail is added to the trail system or if a trail undergoes
a renovation, then the department shall ensure that:
(1) A marker is placed at each access point to the trail that includes
emergency reporting information;
(2) Mile markers are posted alongside the trail or a numbered emergency
location sign is posted at the approximate mid-point of the trail if the trail is less
than one mile (1 mi.); and
(3) Vegetation is routinely cleared or cut back to maintain clear sightlines
to signage along the trail and at access points.
SECTION 2. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 11-12-206, is amended by adding
the following as a new subsection:
(c) After July 1, 2026, if the commissioner designates a new jogging trail or if a
jogging trail undergoes a renovation, then the agency having jurisdiction over the
property comprising the jogging trail shall ensure that:
(1) A marker is placed at each access point to the jogging trail that
includes emergency reporting information;

- 2 - 011809

(2) Mile markers are posted alongside the jogging trail or a numbered
emergency location sign is posted at the approximate mid-point of the jogging
trail if the jogging trail is less than one mile (1 mi.); and
(3) Vegetation is routinely cleared or cut back to maintain clear sightlines
to signage along the jogging trail and at access points.
SECTION 3. This act takes effect July 1, 2026, the public welfare requiring it.