Tennessee Legislation

This bill requires the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR) to explore different options for funding transportation through user fees. The commission must report its findings and recommendations to key legislative leaders by January 1, 2026. The bill seeks to amend various sections of the Tennessee Code related to transportation and funding.

This bill requests the Tennessee Department of Agriculture to study the impact of vapor product use among individuals under 21 years old. The department is to provide recommendations to the legislature on how to reduce the use of these products by young people.

This bill allows the Tennessee commissioner of revenue to adjust the due date for a business's tax return to align with its fiscal year. The new due date must be at least 60 days after the end of the business's tax period. This change aims to provide more flexibility in tax filing for businesses.

This bill changes the rules for the board of parole in Tennessee. It allows the board to deny parole for any offense based on how serious the crime was, rather than just for certain types of offenses. This aims to give the board more discretion in making parole decisions.

This bill proposes changes to the definition of 'signature' in relation to various election documents in Tennessee, such as absentee ballots, voter registration forms, and nomination petitions. It also updates the rules for how these petitions can be signed. The aim is to clarify the requirements for signatures on important election-related paperwork.

The bill requires schools in Tennessee to teach students about artificial intelligence, including how to use and evaluate AI tools appropriately. It also mandates the state's education department to provide guidance on this instruction and develop training programs for teachers, depending on available funding.

This bill requires employers to report any suspected child sexual abuse involving unemancipated minors they employ within 24 hours to the minor's parent. If they fail to do so, they could face fines of $1,000 for the first offense and $2,000 for any subsequent offenses. The bill aims to ensure that parents are informed about potential abuse their children may face at work.

This bill allows nonprofit religious organizations in Tennessee to obtain a motor vehicle dealer license even if they do not have a physical place of business. To qualify, these organizations must be in good standing with the state and have programs that donate vehicles and provide free repair services to those in need.

Tennessee HB0538 is a bill that aims to standardize the voting hours for early voting across all polling places in a county. This means that every polling place would open and close at the same time on the same day, making it easier for voters to know when they can cast their ballots during the early voting period.

Tennessee HB0539 is a bill that aims to protect patients from having their medical debt reported to credit agencies. If passed, healthcare providers would not be allowed to report unpaid medical bills, and credit reporting agencies could not include medical debt on consumer reports. This could help individuals avoid negative impacts on their credit scores due to medical expenses.

Tennessee HB0544 proposes the creation of a commercial development board that would allow private companies to negotiate agreements for payments instead of traditional property taxes on new commercial developments in specific areas. This aims to incentivize economic growth and community development by making it easier for businesses to invest in new properties.

The Tennessee Critical Infrastructure Act aims to enhance the protection and management of essential services and facilities in Tennessee. This includes infrastructure critical for public safety, health, and the economy. The bill proposes amendments to existing laws to better address these needs.

The bill urges the human rights commission to investigate discrimination against healthcare providers in Tennessee who choose not to offer certain healthcare services due to their religious, moral, or ethical beliefs. It aims to protect these providers' rights of conscience in their professional practice. The bill amends multiple sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated related to healthcare and rights.

This bill expands the definition of 'law enforcement officer' in Tennessee to include correctional officers from county jails, the department of correction, private prison contractors, and probation or parole officers. This change aims to enhance protections for these individuals under assault laws. Essentially, it allows for harsher penalties for assaults against these additional categories of officers.

This bill proposes the creation of a State Disaster Relief Program in Tennessee. The program, managed by the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), aims to provide financial assistance to local governments affected by natural disasters that do not qualify for federal disaster relief. This initiative seeks to fill the gap in aid for smaller-scale disasters.

This bill makes it a serious misdemeanor for someone who is in the U.S. without legal authorization to drive a vehicle without a valid driver's license and proof of insurance. If caught, the person could face a fine of up to $1,000. The bill aims to amend existing laws related to motor vehicle operation and legal documentation requirements.

The bill proposes to change the current law by allowing drivers to physically hold or support a mobile phone or electronic device while driving, except in school zones or work zones. However, it keeps the ban on activities like texting, reaching for the device, or watching videos while driving.

This bill clarifies that the list of taxpayers who have not paid their professional privilege tax, which is sent monthly by the commissioner of revenue to licensing boards and agencies, is subject to certain usage restrictions set by the commissioner. It aims to ensure that this information is handled appropriately and according to specific guidelines.

Tennessee House Bill 562 aims to prevent any person or government entity from declaring a lawful job as non-essential during a state emergency. It ensures that no lawful occupation can be prohibited from operating based on its nature. If someone is harmed by such a declaration, they can seek compensation or legal relief.

This bill allows the Tennessee Office of Criminal Justice Programs to use existing resources to apply for funding from federal and state governments. The goal is to design and implement grant programs aimed at reducing gun violence in Tennessee. It amends several sections of Tennessee law related to criminal justice and public safety.

This bill proposes to officially recognize Nashville as the hot chicken capital of Tennessee. It seeks to amend the state's laws to include this designation as a state symbol.

This bill proposes to lower the amount of fentanyl and similar substances that qualify for a Class A felony charge in Tennessee. Currently, possessing 150 grams or more is considered a Class A felony; the bill seeks to reduce this threshold to 50 grams. This change applies to the manufacture, delivery, sale, or possession with intent to engage in these activities.

The bill requires voters in Tennessee to present valid and unexpired identification when casting their votes. Additionally, it prohibits the registration of voters who do not have this acceptable form of ID. This change aims to ensure that only eligible voters can participate in elections.

This bill allows the administrative office of the courts in Tennessee to send a form electronically to law enforcement when a defendant is released from the conditions of their pretrial release. This form is important for notifying law enforcement about changes in a defendant's status. The bill aims to streamline communication between the courts and law enforcement agencies.