StateTennessee

SB 2658: Utilities, Utility Districts - As enacted, authorizes, during a state of emergency that is based on a natural emergency, an emergency utility worker to travel upon public roads and enter areas subject to curfew or restricted access orders when such access is necessary to perform emergency utilities restoration activities; provides that an emergency utility worker, and the emergency utility worker's employer, are immune from civil liability for injury, death, or property damage resulting from an act or omission of the emergency utility worker committed in good faith while engaged in emergency utilities restoration activities during a state of emergency declared that is based on a natural emergency. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 29; Title 39 and Title 58.

JohnsonIntroduced

SB 2658 status: Introduced — Pub. Ch. 988 (updated May 27, 2026).

1

What this bill does

Overall score

Score75/100 civic fit
RiskModerate risk
ImpactModerate impact 60/100

Bill summary

Official

Utilities, Utility Districts - As enacted, authorizes, during a state of emergency that is based on a natural emergency, an emergency utility worker to travel upon public roads and enter areas subject to curfew or restricted access orders when such access is necessary to perform emergency utilities restoration activiti...

Key analysis

Constitutionality80%
Bipartisan75%
Public opinion70%
2

Impact analysis

Environment

Mixed / Neutral
50%

Benefits

  • No direct impact on environmental policy.

Risks

  • No direct impact on environmental policy.

Economy

Positive Outlook
70%

Benefits

  • Expedites utility restoration during disasters.
  • Reduces legal friction for utility operators.

Risks

  • Potential long-term costs to individuals who cannot seek damages.

Society

Positive Outlook
60%

Benefits

  • Faster return of essential utility services to residents.
  • Clearer legal status for emergency personnel.

Risks

  • Limits avenues for legal redress if negligence occurs during restoration.
3

How trustworthy & consequential it is

Source

OpenStates

Confidence

low

low

Analysis status

OpenStates summary

Warning

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Limitation

Analysis based on summary text, not full bill language.

4

Where it stands

1

Introduced

Current

Pub. Ch. 988

2

Committee

Upcoming
3

Floor

Upcoming
4

Governor

Upcoming
5

Enacted

Upcoming
5

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6

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