Tennessee Legislation

Summary pending...

The bill adds three pharmaceutical companies—Alvogen, Inc., Apotex Corp., and Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc.—to a list that allows the Tennessee Attorney General to release them from legal claims related to opioids. This means these companies may not face lawsuits for their involvement with opioid distribution in the state. The bill amends existing laws concerning legal actions against opioid manufacturers.

Tennessee HB1914 allows state veterans' homes to offer additional services beyond just skilled nursing care for honorably discharged veterans. This means that veterans can receive a wider range of support and assistance tailored to their needs. The bill aims to enhance the quality of care and services available to veterans living in these homes.

The bill allows students to use their scores from the Classic Learning Test (CLT) in addition to the ACT and SAT for various educational purposes. It also updates the testing requirements for home school students and expands the opportunities available to them.

This bill allows parents or guardians to access all health and medical records of their children, including information about treatments that minors can receive without needing parental consent. It also permits school employees to provide basic first aid supplies like bandages and ice packs for minor injuries to students.

Tennessee HB1922 requires sexual offenders and violent sexual offenders to inform campground owners or operators about their status before staying overnight. If they fail to provide this notice, they can be charged with a Class E felony. This law aims to enhance safety and awareness in campgrounds.

Summary pending...

The bill directs the Tennessee advisory commission on intergovernmental relations to look into crime stoppers programs in the state. It aims to study their current status and suggest improvements to make these programs more effective. This change affects laws related to crime reporting and public safety.

Tennessee HB1718 requires a study on the costs of providing body cameras to correctional officers and employees at the Trousdale Turner Correctional Facility. The findings from this study must be reported to legislative committee leaders by July 1, 2026. This bill aims to assess the feasibility and financial implications of implementing body camera technology in correctional settings.

Tennessee HB1932 changes the rules for how long a property owner has to redeem their property after it has been sold for unpaid taxes. The new rules depend on whether the owner has been delinquent on taxes for three years or less, or more than three years, affecting the redemption period accordingly.

The bill amends various sections of Tennessee law to require that individuals applying for certain licenses, permits, or certifications must be either U.S. citizens or qualified aliens. This change aims to ensure that only individuals with specific legal statuses can hold professional credentials in the state. The legislation affects a wide range of professions and regulatory areas.

The bill requires individuals applying for a driver license in Tennessee who cannot read or speak English well to receive a restricted license for one year. During this period, they must pass the written driver license test in English to obtain a full license. Additionally, it mandates proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency before registering vehicles.

TN HB1707 requires local governments in Tennessee to follow court orders that address unlawful sanctuary policies within 120 days. This means if a court rules that a local policy is illegal, the local government must change it quickly. The bill aims to ensure compliance with state and federal immigration laws.

Tennessee HB1696 requires state departments and agencies to pay businesses for services or property within a specific time after receiving an invoice. It also mandates these entities to report annually on any late payments, including the total amount and interest incurred. This aims to improve financial accountability and timely payments in public contracts.

Summary pending...

Summary pending...

Tennessee HB1989 officially recognizes the United States Space Force as a separate branch of the armed forces. It updates various sections of Tennessee law to include this new military branch in relevant definitions and provisions. This change reflects the evolving nature of the military and acknowledges the role of space in national defense.

Tennessee HB2532 increases the number of education freedom scholarships available for students from 25,000 to 40,000 for the 2026-2027 school year. It also requires the governor to ensure the state participates in a federal education tax credit program and to meet any necessary requirements for ongoing participation.

The bill allows a chancery court to appoint the commissioner of commerce and insurance as a receiver or conservator for individuals found to be violating the Tennessee Securities Act. This appointment can happen upon the commissioner's request. The legislation also includes various updates related to regulations overseen by the department.

The bill requires counties in Tennessee to send an invoice to the state for expenses related to criminal prosecutions. Once the state receives the invoice, it must pay the county for those expenses within 60 days, as long as the expenses are allowed by law. This aims to ensure that counties are reimbursed for their costs in handling criminal cases.

Tennessee HB2511 allows certain airport authorities to directly manage and pay for their own debt without it being considered a state liability. This means these authorities can make ongoing appropriations for their debt service obligations as needed. The bill clarifies existing laws regarding financial responsibilities for these entities.

Summary pending...

Tennessee HB1980 allows courts to temporarily revoke a defendant's bail for up to 10 days if they break any release conditions, commit a new offense during their release, or disrupt the trial process. This means that if someone does not follow the rules while out on bail, they can be held without bail until a hearing decides their fate. The bill aims to ensure that defendants adhere to their release conditions and that trials proceed smoothly.

The bill extends the existence of the Tennessee Council for Career and Technical Education until June 30, 2027. This council focuses on improving and promoting career and technical education in the state, helping students gain skills for various professions.