Amends TCA Title 55.

Under present law, unmanned traffic enforcement cameras are not permitted on federal interstate highways except for Smart Way cameras, other intelligent transportation system cameras or, when employees of the department or construction workers are present, unmanned traffic enforcement cameras used to enforce or monitor traffic violations within work zones designated by the department of transportation; provided, that the cameras must be operated only by a state entity.<br /> <br /> This bill changes references in present law from "unmanned traffic enforcement cameras" to "surveillance cameras." <br /> <br /> This bill additionally permits surveillance cameras owned by law enforcement agencies on federal interstate highways to aid in criminal investigations. These cameras may not be used to enforce or monitor state or local traffic violations or issue citations for such violations.<br /> <br /> ON APRIL 8, 2021, THE SENATE ADOPTED AMENDMENT #1 AND PASSED SENATE BILL 354, AS AMENDED.<br /> <br /> AMENDMENT #1 revises this bill's authorization to use surveillance cameras owned by law enforcement agencies on federal interstate highways to aid in criminal investigations. In accordance with applicable state and federal laws governing the use and management of highway rights-of-way and subject to the approval of the federal highway administration as required by federal law, this amendment authorizes the department of transportation to permit the installation of surveillance cameras operated by law enforcement agencies on federal interstate highways and state roads as a non-highway use of the highway right-of-way for the purpose of aiding in criminal investigations to the extent that such use is consistent with the continued use, operations, maintenance, and safety of the highway facility and does not interfere with the free and safe flow of traffic; provided, that these cameras are not used to enforce or monitor state or local traffic violations or issue citations for such violations.<br /> <br /> This amendment changes this bill's effective date from July 1, 2021, to "upon becoming a law."<br /> <br /> ON APRIL 22, 2021, THE HOUSE SUBSTITUTED SENATE BILL 354 FOR HOUSE BILL 476, ADOPTED AMENDMENTS #2 AND #3, AND PASSED SENATE BILL 354, AS AMENDED.<br /> <br /> AMENDMENT #2 gives this bill the short title the "Caitlyn Kaufman Interstate Safety Act."<br /> <br /> AMENDMENT #3 additionally authorizes the use of the cameras to aid in searches for missing or endangered persons.<br />