House Bill 302 amends Tennessee Code Annotated to introduce new restrictions on the use of public highways and streets concerning vehicular activity. Specifically, it adds a provision that makes it an offense for an occupant of a vehicle to park, stop, or leave the vehicle standing in a manner that blocks or impedes traffic while soliciting or negotiating employment with individuals near the street or highway. This new language is designated as subdivision (2) under Section 55-8-139(a).

Additionally, the bill modifies the penalties associated with violations of this section. It reclassifies the violation as a Class C misdemeanor, with the stipulation that first-time offenders must receive a warning citation. However, if a violation of the new subdivision (a)(2) leads to a motor vehicle accident, the offense escalates to a Class B misdemeanor. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2025, as stipulated in the bill.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 55-8-139(a), 55-8-139, 55-8-139(e)