Energy (Public Safety) in Tennessee

in committee · Tennessee · House May 27, 2026

HB 2402: Utilities, Utility Districts - As enacted, authorizes, during a state of emergency that is based on a natural emergency, an emergency utility worker to travel upon public roads and enter areas subject to curfew or restricted access orders when such access is necessary to perform emergency utilities restoration activities; provides that an emergency utility worker, and the emergency utility worker's employer, are immune from civil liability for injury, death, or property damage resulting from an act or omission of the emergency utility worker committed in good faith while engaged in emergency utilities restoration activities during a state of emergency declared that is based on a natural emergency. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 29; Title 39 and Title 58.

HB 2402 requires Tennessee local government chief executives (like mayors or county commissioners) to order all flags at public buildings to fly at half-mast for at least one day whenever a first responder from their local emergency management agency dies in the line of duty. This bill amends Tennessee law to establish this mandatory flag protocol for such deaths, directly affecting all local governments with emergency management agencies. The key provision specifies that the half-mast display must occur for a minimum of one full day following the death of a qualifying first responder. The bill focuses solely on this ceremonial recognition, with no other policy changes or funding provisions.

Topics ✓ Energy

Tags Emergency Management Public Safety

All energy bills