HB0446/SB0444 – HOV legislation, has passed the transportation committees in both House and Senate. After being amended and “placed behind the budget” in the House, the bill may be considered after the enactment of the new state budget.

This bill seeks to curtail HOV lane violations in Tennessee ( currently ranked among the worst in the nation), with the I-65 corridor between Nashville and Franklin possibly the worst in the country. Slightly increased fines ($50 to $75) and signage would be the mechanisms implemented. In addition to an early 2017 endorsement by the Williamson, Inc. Board of Directors, the bill has sponsorship/co-sponsorship by the entire Williamson Co. legislative delegation. Better utilization of HOV lanes is seen as low-hanging fruit in tackling traffic problems, plus Bus Rapid Transit could become a reality in a very cost-effective way.

HB1020/SB1086 – Short-term rentals/Airbnb legislation, largely a response to recent Nashville/Davidson County actions, passed the Senate Commerce & Labor Committee. Senator Jack Johnson of Williamson County chairs the committee and voted in favor. Previously, the legislation would have banned all prohibitions of short-term rentals by local governments, but has now been amended to allow prohibitions. Instead, the bill would disallow phase-outs by local governments of existing short-term rentals, “grandfathering” those that began operations prior to any municipal bans.

The City of Brentwood prohibits short-term rentals and had previously voiced opposition to the legislation. Meanwhile, the Town of Nolensville has considered a similar ban. The City of Franklin enacted an ordinance in 2015 that established a permitting process for short-term rental units.