Senate Bill 2148, titled the "Responsible Welding for Tennessean's Safety Act," aims to enhance safety standards in structural steel welding within Tennessee. The bill introduces a new part to the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically under Title 68, Chapter 120, which includes definitions for key terms such as "AWS" (American Welding Society), "D1.1" (Structural Steel Welding Code), and "D1.5" (Bridge Welding Code). It establishes that if a design professional incorporates these standards into project specifications, contractors and subcontractors must ensure that welders are certified by an accredited AWS facility and that all welding meets the specified standards.

Additionally, the bill specifies that these requirements do not apply to welding projects conducted by homeowners or farmers on their own premises. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, emphasizing the importance of public welfare in the implementation of these new safety measures.