Senate Bill 217 amends the Tennessee Code Annotated to establish a new chapter regarding the collection, storage, claiming, and disposal of personal property used for camping. The bill defines key terms such as "abandoned property," "camping," and "unattended property," and mandates the Department of Transportation to develop a policy for handling personal property found on state or interstate highways, including shoulders, berms, and under bridges. The policy must involve collaboration with local law enforcement, housing authorities, and nonprofit organizations that assist individuals experiencing homelessness.

The bill outlines specific requirements for the policy, including advance site assessments before removal operations, a 72-hour notice to vacate, and the provision of information on how to retrieve removed property. It also stipulates that personal property must be stored for at least 90 days, while certain items, such as trash and abandoned property, can be disposed of immediately. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the need for secure storage facilities and the separation of sensitive items like medications and legal documents during the collection process. The Department of Transportation is authorized to create rules to implement these provisions in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act.