House Bill 197 amends Tennessee law to establish a new chapter in Title 55 concerning 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. This policy must be created in collaboration with various local and state agencies, law enforcement, 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 proper handling of personal property. It 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 also authorized to promulgate rules to implement these provisions effectively.