Tennessee Legislation

The bill expands the definition of adulteration to include adding harmful substances to food, drinks, or pharmaceuticals to make someone intoxicated without their knowledge. It classifies this act as a Class D felony. Additionally, it requires businesses that serve alcoholic beverages to have testing devices on hand to check for drugs in drinks.

The bill extends the existence of the Department of Children's Services in Tennessee until June 30, 2028. It also requires the department to provide a progress report to the government operations committee by the end of 2026, updating them on improvements based on a performance audit conducted in December 2025.

Summary pending...

Tennessee SB2085 allows court clerks to raise the victims assistance assessment fee from $45 to $125. Of this fee, the first $15 goes to the court clerk for their work, while the rest is sent to the county to support local victims assistance programs.

Tennessee HB2204 is a bill that requires the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR) to study the salaries and benefits of law enforcement officers at both state and local levels. The goal is to gather information on how much these officers are compensated. This bill aims to address potential disparities in law enforcement pay across the state.

Tennessee HB2207 allows religious, charitable, scientific, and nonprofit educational organizations to apply for property tax exemptions within 180 days after they start using the property for exempt purposes. If the application is submitted after May 20 of the year the exemption is requested but before the year ends, the exemption will be effective from the date the exempt use began. The bill also includes other related changes to property tax regulations.

The bill, known as the 'Local Disaster Displacement Tax Relief Act,' aims to provide tax relief to individuals and businesses affected by disasters in Tennessee. It amends existing laws related to disaster response and taxation to help ease the financial burden on those displaced by such events. This legislation is intended to support recovery efforts and promote quicker rebuilding in affected communities.

The bill allows private colleges and universities, including religious ones, to set up public charter schools in Tennessee. These institutions can apply to local education boards or the state charter school commission to open schools and can give enrollment priority to children of their employees or governing members, similar to public universities.

Tennessee HB2220 aims to change the structure of the Tennessee Arts Commission by reconstituting it. This means that the commission will be reorganized, likely affecting how it operates and makes decisions regarding arts funding and initiatives in the state.

Tennessee HB1991 requires dental hygienists to work directly under a dentist's supervision when they are treating a new patient. This includes tasks like taking X-rays, assessing a patient's dental health, cleaning teeth, and applying fluoride. The bill aims to ensure that dental hygienists are guided by a dentist during important procedures.

The bill requires anyone selling sparkling devices, like certain types of fireworks, to register their sales locations with the state fire marshal if they do not have a fireworks permit. This aims to enhance safety and regulation around the sale of these items. It also includes related changes to existing laws regarding fireworks.

Summary pending...

The bill expands the 'Neighborhood Preservation Act' to include Tipton County, allowing it to address issues related to neighborhood upkeep and development. Additionally, it permits both Montgomery County and Tipton County to take part in the Tennessee Local Land Bank Program, which helps manage vacant and abandoned properties.

The bill amends existing laws regarding pension plans and the role of proxy advisors in Tennessee. It aims to clarify regulations related to how pension funds can invest and the guidance they receive from proxy advisory firms. This change is intended to improve the management and oversight of pension investments.

The bill vacates the current board of commissioners for metropolitan and regional airport authorities in Tennessee and establishes a new governing body. It also includes related changes to the laws governing these authorities. This aims to improve the management and oversight of airport operations in the state.

Tennessee HB1966 requires the Department of Children's Services to create a quality assurance program that evaluates its performance at the county level. This program must be in place by July 1, 2027, and the commissioner will report to the state legislature on its progress every quarter until it's fully implemented.

This bill increases the penalties for leaving the scene of an accident in Tennessee. If someone leaves the scene after causing injury, it would be a Class E felony instead of a Class A misdemeanor. If the accident results in death and the person knew or should have known, it would be upgraded from a Class E felony to a Class D felony.

This bill updates the rules and regulations governing the City of Charlotte in Tennessee. It covers various aspects such as the powers of the city council, the responsibilities of the mayor and city clerk, and how the city manages its budget and taxes. The changes require local approval to take effect.

This bill requires public schools in Tennessee to report all local assessments they give each year to the Department of Education, along with when these assessments are given. It also mandates that schools can only use the state-provided universal screener for students, eliminating other options. Additionally, it establishes a review board made up of nine teachers to evaluate the state’s assessment tests from the previous school year.

Summary pending...

Tennessee SB2450 requires a study by the Tennessee advisory commission on intergovernmental relations (TACIR) to evaluate whether newspapers are still the best way for governments to share important information with the public. This bill aims to assess how effectively public notices are communicated and if there are better alternatives. It amends existing laws related to public notices.

Summary pending...

Tennessee HB2270 is a bill that calls for a study on how state funding from legal actions can be used to protect children's mental health and safety online. It specifically looks at funds that come from penalties related to the Protecting Children from Social Media Act. The goal is to report back to the legislature on these funding sources.

Tennessee HB1906 allows certain public safety employees, like those in the Department of Safety or the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, to receive retirement credit for time spent on disability without having to pay for it. Additionally, local governments can choose to offer similar benefits to their employees who face mandatory retirement. This change aims to support workers who are injured or disabled while serving the public.