HB0163: Increase Time to Cease Municipal Traffic Enforcement on Campuses

TN Gen. Assy Bill: HB0163

Sponsor: Baum

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Bill Summary

Subject Area: Education, Higher
Amendment Details: Increases the period from 30 to 45 days after a state university, community college system, or the University of Tennessee Board of Trustees requests a municipal corporation to stop enforcing traffic ordinances on a state institution’s campus.
Scope of Amendment: Affects municipal corporations’ authority to prescribe and enforce traffic ordinances on state institution campuses.
Legislative Reference: Amends TCA Title 49.

Risks & Considerations

The proposed bill extends the period from 30 to 45 days for municipal corporations to cease enforcing traffic ordinances on state institution campuses upon request. This change could lead to a temporary period of regulatory uncertainty regarding traffic enforcement on campus.
During the extended period, there may be confusion among students, faculty, and staff about which traffic rules are in effect, potentially leading to increased traffic violations or disputes.
The delay in transitioning traffic enforcement responsibilities could impact campus safety and security, as well as the university’s ability to manage its own traffic policies effectively.
Vanderbilt University may need to coordinate closely with local municipal authorities to ensure a smooth transition and clear communication regarding traffic regulations during this period.

Impacted Programs

Campus Security and Parking Services at Vanderbilt will need to prepare for potential changes in traffic enforcement responsibilities and ensure that all stakeholders are informed of any new procedures.
The Office of Legal Affairs may need to review and update agreements with municipal corporations to reflect the new timeline and ensure compliance with the amended regulations.
Facilities Management might need to assess and adjust campus infrastructure to accommodate any changes in traffic patterns or enforcement practices.

Financial Impact

There may be minimal financial impact directly associated with the change in the enforcement timeline. However, any disruptions or confusion during the transition period could lead to indirect costs related to traffic management and enforcement.
Vanderbilt University might need to allocate resources to ensure effective communication and coordination with municipal authorities, which could involve additional administrative expenses.

Relevance Score: 2 (The bill presents minor considerations for the university to address, primarily related to coordination and communication with municipal authorities.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Financial Aid Office should evaluate the implications of the “Speak UP, Tennessee Scholarship Act” which provides scholarships for students demonstrating artistic excellence in spoken word poetry. This evaluation will help in aligning Vanderbilt’s scholarship offerings and outreach efforts to attract talented students in this field.
The Tennessee Higher Education Commission changes, including the addition of the executive director to the selection process for chief executive officers, should be monitored by Vanderbilt’s administration. Understanding these changes will be crucial for strategic planning and maintaining influence in state higher education governance.
Vanderbilt’s Office of Institutional Research should prepare to contribute to the required reports on tuition discounts and waivers. By providing comprehensive data and analysis, Vanderbilt can ensure its interests are represented in state evaluations of financial support and student outcomes.

Opportunities

The introduction of the “Speak UP, Tennessee Scholarship Act” offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Department of English and Creative Writing to develop partnerships with high schools and community organizations to support and mentor students in spoken word poetry, potentially increasing the university’s visibility and appeal to prospective students.
The expanded authority of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission’s executive director presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Government Relations Office to engage more directly with state education leaders, potentially influencing policy decisions that affect higher education institutions.
By actively participating in the evaluation of tuition discounts and waivers, Vanderbilt can position itself as a leader in advocating for equitable financial aid policies, potentially influencing state-level decisions that benefit the university and its students.

Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments are needed to processes or procedures to align with new scholarship opportunities and changes in state higher education governance.)

Average Relevance Score: 2.6

Timeline for Implementation

45 days after a request is made by the state university and community college system or the University of Tennessee board of trustees.

Relevance Score: 4

Impacted Government Organizations

Municipal Corporations: Local governing bodies that enforce traffic ordinances are affected, as the law changes the timeline by which they must cease enforcement on state institution campuses once requested.
State University and Community College Systems: These state educational entities gain enhanced authority to request that local municipal bodies stop enforcing traffic ordinances on their campuses.
University of Tennessee Board of Trustees: Explicitly mentioned in the legislation, this governing board can also request the cessation of municipality traffic ordinances on its campus.

Relevance Score: 2 (Three government entities are impacted by this amendment.)

Responsible Officials

Municipal Corporation Governing Body – They are required to cease prescribing and enforcing traffic ordinances on state institution campuses once the state university and community college system or the University of Tennessee’s Board of Trustees makes the requisite request.

Relevance Score: 2 (Impacts mid-level management at the municipal level responsible for policy enforcement.)