House Bill 60 aims to enhance roadside facilities for motorists in Tennessee by establishing guidelines for the installation of family restrooms at rest areas and welcome centers. The bill defines a "family restroom" as a fully enclosed restroom that can be locked from the inside and is accessible to individuals with disabilities, elderly persons, children, or those needing assistance. It mandates that if a family restroom is available, the Department of Transportation must install a sign or marker indicating its accessibility, which must comply with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Additionally, the department is required to post information about the locations of family restrooms on its website.
The bill also allows the Department of Transportation to consult with the departments of safety and tourist development in the creation and placement of these signs and symbols. Furthermore, it grants the department the authority to promulgate necessary rules to implement the provisions of this act, which will take effect upon becoming law for rule-making purposes, while other provisions will be effective starting July 1, 2025.