Transportation, Dept. of - As enacted, requires the department to develop and implement a policy regarding the removal of personal property used for camping from the shoulder, berm, or right-of-way of highways under its jurisdiction or under a bridge or overpass under its jurisdiction; prohibits the department from commencing initial clean-up activities, vegetation removal, or site securing activities until the municipal or county government whose geographic boundaries include the camping removal site has ensured that no persons are occupying the site. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 13; Title 39; Title 54; Title 55 and Title 71.

SB 217 requires Tennessee's Department of Transportation (TDOT) to create a policy for handling personal belongings left behind by people camping in highway areas (like shoulders, under bridges, or overpasses). The policy mandates a 72-hour notice before removal, 90 days of storage for unclaimed items, and specific handling for medical items or hazardous property. It directly affects people camping in these areas, TDOT, and local governments, which must confirm no one occupies a site before cleanup begins. The law also requires TDOT to partner with homeless services providers and post clear retrieval instructions at removal sites. The bill became law on May 2, 2025, after being signed by the Governor.