Tennessee Legislation

Tennessee HB1298 proposes a new scholarship program called the 'Speak UP, Tennessee Scholarship Act' for high school seniors and college students who excel in spoken word poetry. The program would be managed by the Tennessee student assistance corporation and would award scholarships based on a competitive performance process to help students further their education in this art form.

The bill requires state departments and agencies in Tennessee to provide annual reports to the governor and legislative committees about how they are working to be more economically efficient. This aims to improve accountability and transparency in government spending and operations.

The bill allows individuals who were sexually assaulted when they were 18 years or older to file lawsuits even if the time limit for doing so has passed. It aims to provide a new opportunity for victims to seek justice for their experiences. This change applies to cases that are currently barred by the statute of limitations.

Tennessee HB1305 proposes to increase the notice period from 10 days to 15 days for relative caregivers before they must meet any new requirements to receive payments. This change aims to give caregivers more time to prepare for these requirements. The bill amends existing laws related to child welfare in Tennessee.

Tennessee HB1313 proposes to change the maximum penalties for employers who violate the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Instead of fixed amounts of $7,000 for each violation and $70,000 for willful violations, the bill would allow penalties to match the maximum amounts set by federal occupational safety regulations.

This bill proposes to dissolve the current governing board for the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) and transfer its governance to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. Additionally, it changes the name of the Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant to the TennesseeWORKS Scholarship, aiming to streamline oversight and update the program's branding.

Tennessee HB1327 aims to change the rules regarding tax credits for rural and workforce housing. Specifically, it removes the requirement that these tax credits need to be approved by a joint resolution of the General Assembly, streamlining the process for providing financial incentives for housing development.

This bill allows for the temporary suspension of certain rules related to unemployment benefits during emergencies, making it easier for people to receive help when they need it most. It also gives state agencies the authority to support local governments and emergency management teams in recovering from disasters affecting public property.

The bill requires a state department to report annually on the number of illegal aliens who received enhanced penalties for violent crimes or for using a deadly weapon. This report is to be submitted to key state leaders, including the governor and legislative speakers, by February 1 each year. The bill amends several sections of Tennessee law related to this reporting requirement.

Tennessee HB1334 aims to update state law by removing an outdated requirement for the transportation department to submit a report on pedestrian safety by February 15, 2024. This report was supposed to include findings and recommendations for a statewide plan to enhance pedestrian safety, but the bill suggests that this provision is no longer necessary. Additionally, it amends certain sections of the Tennessee Code related to transportation.

Tennessee HB1335 requires the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) to submit an annual report by February 1 each year. This report will detail the agency's recovery efforts from disasters in the previous year and offer recommendations for improving future recovery processes.

Tennessee HB1336 is a bill that removes an outdated requirement for the Department of Education to submit a report by July 1, 2024. This report was supposed to detail the implementation of laws related to student literacy, in collaboration with the state board and the Tennessee higher education commission. The bill aims to streamline educational reporting processes by eliminating unnecessary obligations.

This bill requires the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to include the legislative librarian in its quarterly reports about mental health services. These reports will detail the implementation and effectiveness of accommodations in state-run hospitals and treatment facilities, including information on any delays in patient admissions.

Tennessee HB1348 is a bill that requires a review and update of the funding formula for higher education institutions every five years. The goal is to encourage colleges and universities to offer programs that help students find jobs in high-demand fields within the state.

Tennessee HB1358 requires the Department of Children's Services to examine whether a new juvenile detention facility is needed in the western part of the state. The study will focus on the detention and treatment needs of young people in that area. The department must report its findings and recommendations to legislative committees by January 1, 2026.

Tennessee HB1362 is a bill that changes the deadline for a report on disadvantaged businesses from December 1 to January 1. This report is prepared by the office of business enterprise and includes information on community block grants received by these businesses. The bill aims to give more time for the report to be completed.

This bill allows individuals serving long prison sentences of eight years or more for crimes committed before January 1, 2026, to ask the court for a chance to have their sentences reduced if they have been victims of severe domestic abuse by someone in their family or household. It aims to provide a legal pathway for these victims to seek resentencing based on their circumstances.

Tennessee HB1364 aims to create a small business recovery grant fund to help eligible small businesses cover costs that arise from difficult situations. This fund will be managed by a state department, providing temporary financial support to those in need. The bill seeks to amend several sections of the Tennessee Code to establish this program.

This bill proposes to change the deadline for the Tennessee Department of Transportation to submit its annual report on litter prevention programs funded by a tax increase on bottled soft drinks. Instead of March 31, the new deadline would be March 1. The report includes details about the programs, the funds they received, and how the money was used.

Tennessee House Bill 1366 proposes to change the deadline for members of the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) to report their workers' compensation settlements or judgments. Instead of having to report these within 30 days, members would have 45 days after the settlement or judgment is finalized.

This bill requires police officers in Tennessee to tell individuals why they are being stopped during a traffic or pedestrian stop starting January 1, 2026. However, if the officer believes that revealing the reason could put someone in danger, they can choose not to share that information. The bill aims to increase transparency in law enforcement interactions.

Tennessee HB1368 proposes to exempt services provided by real estate appraisers from the state's business tax. This means that individuals or companies engaged in appraising real estate would not have to pay this specific tax on their services. The bill aims to reduce the financial burden on these professionals.

Tennessee HB1370 is a bill that would require county election commissions to put three questions about the legalization of marijuana on the November 2026 ballot. The results of these questions would not be binding but would be collected by the secretary of state, who would then publish the findings online and share them with state lawmakers.

Tennessee HB1374 aims to stop third-party sellers from selling tickets that are considered speculative, meaning they are not guaranteed to be valid or available. If this bill is passed, the state's consumer affairs division will enforce this rule and impose a fine of $5,000 for each violation.