A new bill backed by Tennessee Republicans is moving forward that would give the state more control over some of its busiest tourism areas, including places like Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Sevierville, and Pigeon Forge.
These areas are known as tourism development zones (TDZs). They’re designed to boost local economies by allowing cities to reinvest tax revenue generated from tourism back into infrastructure, attractions, and operations.
The proposed legislation would shift some of that control away from local governments and place more authority at the state level. The bill has already passed through the legislature and is now headed to the governor’s desk.
One of the biggest changes involves law enforcement. The Tennessee Highway Patrol would gain expanded authority in these zones, meaning they could operate alongside local police with full enforcement powers.
The bill also allows the state to create standardized rules across all tourism zones. These rules would cover things like pedestrian access, traffic flow, sanitation, and restrictions on activities such as loitering or camping in public spaces.
Another key piece is that these statewide rules could override local policies if there’s a conflict, giving the state the final say in how these areas are managed.
Supporters say the goal is to improve safety, cleanliness, and overall visitor experience in high-traffic tourist areas. Critics, however, argue the bill takes too much power away from local governments and could limit their ability to manage their own cities.
At its core, the debate comes down to control — whether tourism-heavy areas should be managed locally or guided by statewide standards.