Tennessee Legislation

This bill allows county officers to serve on the boards of industrial development corporations, which was previously not allowed. It also adds two specific county positions, the county assessor of property and the county trustee, as members of these boards. This change aims to enhance local governance and involvement in industrial development.

The bill changes the deadline for regions in Tennessee to submit their annual reports on solid waste management from March 31 to February 1. These reports include important data on recycling, disposal, and costs associated with waste management for the previous year. The goal is to improve the planning and management of solid waste in the state.

The bill allows certain psychologists in Tennessee to prescribe medication if they meet specific requirements. This change aims to expand the role of psychologists in treating mental health conditions. It amends various sections of the Tennessee Code to facilitate this new authority.

The bill requires public colleges and universities in Tennessee to submit their annual reports on foreign gifts and contracts not only to their governing boards but also to the state legislature. This aims to increase transparency regarding international funding and partnerships in higher education. The bill seeks to amend various sections of Tennessee's education code to incorporate this requirement.

Tennessee HB0999 aims to improve the security and accuracy of elections by requiring all ballots to have a secure watermark. It also mandates that the official count from ballot scanners be based on the text or marks made on the ballots. Additionally, the bill introduces new programs for scanning and auditing ballots to ensure election integrity.

Tennessee HB1004 is a bill that aims to provide funding for after school programs in certain areas. It requires the state to give grants to local education agencies in counties where juvenile crime rates are significantly higher than the state average. This funding would help schools offer programs for students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Tennessee HB1005 aims to change student discipline rules for young children in pre-K through second grade. It prevents schools from suspending or expelling these students unless their behavior poses a physical danger to others. If such behavior occurs, schools may only suspend the student for up to three days, provided they take specific actions beforehand.

This bill expands the rules about who can serve on the boards of state universities in Tennessee. It adds a new restriction that prevents individuals who are members of governing bodies at any institution of higher education, not just public ones, from being on these boards.

The bill, TN HB1007, aims to remove an outdated requirement for the state comptroller to study prescription drug use and costs in nursing homes. This study was supposed to focus on improving care for residents while reducing costs for the TennCare program, but the reporting deadline has long passed. Essentially, the bill updates state law by eliminating unnecessary provisions that are no longer relevant.

This bill increases the punishment for selling vapor products to anyone under 21 years old, making it a more serious crime. It also requires stores that sell these products to get a special license to do so. Additionally, there are penalties for retailers who break these rules.

The bill increases the amount of property tax relief available to disabled veterans in Tennessee. Specifically, it raises the value of homes eligible for reimbursement from $175,000 to $250,000. This change aims to provide more financial support to disabled veteran homeowners.

This bill makes it clear that attorneys can be prosecuted for serious crimes like perjury and tampering with evidence even when they are acting as legal representatives for their clients. It aims to hold lawyers accountable for unethical or illegal behavior in their professional duties. Essentially, it removes any legal protection that might allow attorneys to escape prosecution for these offenses.

This bill clarifies that beneficiaries of life insurance policies or annuity contracts, such as spouses, children, or dependent relatives, are protected from creditor claims. It ensures that funds designated for these beneficiaries remain exempt from being used to pay off debts. Additionally, it specifies that using these exempt funds does not change their protected status.

The bill changes the deadline for a report on school safety from February 1 to January 15. This report is prepared by the commissioners of education and safety and is submitted to the governor and the general assembly. The report focuses on the implementation of the 'Schools Against Violence in Education Act.'

TN HB1015 is a bill that aims to update Tennessee's education laws by removing outdated requirements for a report on community schools that was due in 2018. It specifically revises certain sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated that relate to education. The bill is sponsored by Representative William Slater.

The bill requires that all driver licenses and photo IDs in Tennessee be made and printed within the state. It also mandates that the Department of Safety evaluate whether it's more cost-effective to produce these licenses in-house or through a private company. The goal is to ensure that licenses are produced using the most economical methods available.

Tennessee HB1018 requires that starting July 1, 2025, any deed for real property must include the property's zoning classification at the time of recording. The bill also establishes a procedure for local zoning authorities to report zoning violations by businesses, which could lead to the revocation of their licenses or permits. Additionally, it outlines how businesses can appeal or reinstate their licenses after a violation, including the payment of a fee.

Tennessee HB1019 is a bill that aims to keep the personal information of certain state and local officials private if they request it. However, this information can still be disclosed if a court orders it, if there is a subpoena, or if it is needed for an active law enforcement investigation.

Tennessee HB1021 is a bill that ensures fair payment, known as just compensation, for the removal or acquisition of outdoor advertising signs that have been legally placed. It specifically states that the method of amortization cannot be used to determine this compensation amount. This aims to protect the rights of sign owners when their signs are taken down or purchased by the government.

The bill allows the use of pharmaceutical fentanyl as part of the lethal injection protocol for carrying out death sentences in Tennessee. This amendment to existing law is intended to update the methods used in executions. The bill is currently in the introductory stage of the legislative process.

Tennessee HB1023 requires that if a commercial driver is found unable to read or speak English during a safety inspection, an enforcement officer must issue an out-of-service order to that driver. The bill also imposes penalties on employers who hire such drivers, ensuring compliance with federal requirements for commercial driver license holders.

Tennessee HB1024 proposes to change the legal standard for civil asset forfeiture, which is when the state can take property believed to be connected to crime. Currently, the state must prove its case by a 'preponderance of evidence,' but this bill would require a higher standard called 'clear and convincing evidence.' This means the state would have to provide stronger proof before seizing someone's property.

Tennessee HB1026 allows individuals with a Class E felony conviction for official misconduct to have their records expunged, meaning those records can be legally destroyed or sealed. This change aims to help those affected move on from their past convictions without the stigma attached to them. The bill amends existing laws related to the destruction of records in Tennessee.

Tennessee HB1027 is a bill that extends the time frame for sheriffs to report information about applicants for enhanced handgun carry permits. Specifically, it increases the deadline from 30 days to 45 days for sheriffs to provide the Department of Safety with any relevant information regarding an applicant's honesty on their application.