Senate Bill 1625, also known as House Bill 1684, amends Tennessee Code Annotated regarding the operation of personal delivery devices. The bill modifies existing legal language by deleting subdivision (53)(B) and replacing it with a definition that specifies these devices are primarily operated on sidewalks, crosswalks, bicycle lanes, and similar areas. Additionally, it amends Section 55-8-209(b) to allow personal delivery devices to operate at speeds of up to twenty miles per hour in various areas.

Furthermore, the bill changes the language in Section 55-8-209(e) to allow local governments to regulate personal delivery devices rather than prohibit them, provided that such regulations are necessary for public safety and consistent with the state law. A new subsection (a) is added, clarifying that personal delivery devices have the same rights and responsibilities as pedestrians and bicyclists in their respective areas of operation. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 55-8-101, 55-8-209(b), 55-8-209, 55-8-209(e)