Senate Bill 2479 amends Tennessee law to enhance safety measures for storm drains and culverts. It introduces a new section to Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 68, requiring that all newly installed storm drains and culverts, constructed after July 1, 2026, must be equipped with safety covers or grates if their openings are large enough for a child to potentially fall into or become trapped. The bill specifies that an opening is considered large enough if it exceeds twelve inches in diameter or width, or if it poses a risk of bodily entry by a child. The safety covers must be made of durable materials, secured to prevent unauthorized removal, and designed to allow for proper drainage while preventing accidental entry.

Additionally, the bill mandates that all contracts for public works involving stormwater infrastructure include provisions for compliance with the new safety requirements. If a contractor fails to install the safety covers as required, the bill allows any party contracting with the contractor to withhold payment and seek corrective action or penalties as stipulated in the contract or by law. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.