Tennessee Legislation

This bill proposes to change the licensing requirements for professional counselors in Tennessee. It would allow individuals who already hold a valid counseling license from another state to qualify for licensure in Tennessee without needing to complete the usual 60 credit hours of graduate study, provided that the other state's requirements are deemed acceptable by the Tennessee licensing board.

This bill requires schools in Tennessee to create a policy that mandates students keep their cell phones and other wireless devices turned off and put away during class time, with some exceptions. The aim is to minimize distractions and ensure students focus on their education during instructional periods.

This bill proposes changing the deadline for the Tennessee Department of Education's annual report to the General Assembly regarding the school safety alert grant pilot fund. The new deadline would be August 1, instead of the current July 1. This change affects how the department reports on the financial activities related to school safety grants.

Summary pending...

This bill proposes that if a child commits three or more delinquent acts, the juvenile court must order the child's parent or guardian to pay for the costs incurred by law enforcement in responding to and investigating these acts. It aims to hold parents or guardians financially responsible for repeated delinquent behavior by their children.

The Tennessee bill HB0039, known as the 'Menstrual Hygiene Products Accessibility Act,' mandates that public senior high schools and public charter schools provide menstrual hygiene products for free in all women's and girls' bathrooms, locker rooms, and with school nurses. This requirement aims to ensure that students have access to necessary feminine hygiene products during school hours.

This bill proposes to change the Tennessee Constitution to allow local governments to charge fines greater than $50 for breaking city rules, as long as those fines are fair and reasonable. Currently, municipalities are limited to a maximum penalty of $50 for such violations. The aim is to give cities more flexibility in enforcing their ordinances.

The bill allows county governments in Tennessee to publish required public notices on their official websites instead of in local newspapers. This change is permitted as long as the online publication meets all existing requirements, including the duration for which the notice must be available.

This bill allows hospitals and certain healthcare facilities in Tennessee to directly employ radiologists, pathologists, anesthesiologists, and emergency physicians. Previously, there were restrictions preventing these specialists from being directly employed by such facilities.

The bill proposes an amendment to Tennessee's Constitution that ensures every person has the right to life, liberty, and property, and cannot be denied equal protection under the law. It specifically defines 'person' as every human being from the moment of fertilization until natural death. This amendment aims to strengthen legal protections for individuals.

This bill prevents insurance companies from forcing visually impaired vehicle owners to buy a commercial vehicle insurance policy if their vehicle is not used for business purposes. It ensures that visually impaired individuals can purchase a standard personal vehicle insurance policy for non-commercial use.

Summary pending...

Summary pending...

Summary pending...

The Tennessee HB0026 bill, known as the 'Unborn Child Protection Act of 2025,' proposes changes to existing state laws related to unborn children. It aims to amend sections of the Tennessee Code that deal with legal, medical, and health regulations concerning unborn children. The bill is currently in the introduced stage and is sponsored by Representative Gino Bulso.

The bill proposes to remove the state sales and use tax on the retail sale of food and food ingredients in Tennessee. This means that consumers would not have to pay state taxes when buying groceries.

The bill is a resolution to honor Ralph Schulz as he retires. It acknowledges his contributions and achievements during his career. This type of resolution is often used to celebrate individuals who have made a positive impact in their community or field.

Summary pending...

TN HB0019 proposes the creation of the 'Tennessee State Healthcare Cost Savings Incentive Program.' This program aims to amend existing laws to provide financial incentives for individuals covered under state healthcare plans to choose cost-effective healthcare services. The bill seeks to reduce overall healthcare expenses for both the state and insured individuals.

This bill proposes a change to the Tennessee Constitution to ensure that no one can have their rights limited or denied because of their sex. It aims to promote equality for all individuals regardless of gender. The amendment would apply to the state and its agencies.

The Tennessee Retirement Savings Plan Act aims to create a state-managed retirement savings program for employees who do not have access to a retirement plan through their employers. The bill modifies existing laws to establish the framework for this new savings plan, which would be overseen by the state. It is designed to help more Tennesseans save for retirement by providing an accessible and convenient savings option.

The bill proposes that the Tennessee Department of Transportation create a grant program to improve pedestrian safety for students. This program would provide funding to local governments to design, build, and fix sidewalks near public schools. The goal is to ensure safer walking routes for students traveling to and from school.

This bill requires local education agencies and public charter schools in Tennessee to create policies that prevent students from using cell phones and other wireless communication devices during class time, except in specific situations. The bill aims to ensure that students remain focused on their studies during instructional periods.

The bill allows the Tennessee governor to expand Medicaid specifically to cover treatment for individuals diagnosed with sickle cell disease. This expansion would be in line with the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, and the governor would work with federal agencies to determine the terms of this expansion.