Committees take center stage as budget hearings begin
Protecting religious freedom and agriculture education lead the week
(NASHVILLE, TN) – Now that the bill filing deadline has passed, all legislation for the year has been introduced and the focus shifts to committee hearings. In the Senate, bills are assigned to standing committees based on the subject matter, where lawmakers debate the details and decide whether bills should advance.
Any bill expected to impact state revenues or expenditures by more than $50,000 must also be reviewed by the Finance, Ways and Means Committee to determine whether funding is available in the budget. If funding is included in the governor’s proposed budget, the bill can proceed to the Senate floor. If not, the bill is typically held “behind the budget” while lawmakers finalize spending priorities.
At the same time, 60 state departments and agencies are presenting their spending plans to the appropriate legislative committees during annual “budget hearings.” This week marked the first round of budget hearings, with Senate committees approving 18 budgets. Budget hearings also serve as an important oversight tool, allowing lawmakers to examine how taxpayer dollars are spent and evaluate program effectiveness.
Below is a look at several key measures moving through the Senate this week.
Sen. Gardenhire files legislation to protect church services, religious gatherings
Sen. Todd Gardenhire (R-Chattanooga) introduced legislation to protect people of faith in Tennessee from disruptions of religious gatherings in the wake of the Cities Church protest in Minnesota.
Senate Bill 2335 would create a Class A misdemeanor for disrupting a religious assembly by designating the offense as an aggravated criminal trespass. Gardenhire filed the legislation following nationwide outrage after protestors opposing federal immigration enforcement disrupted a Christian worship service at Cities Church in Saint Paul, Minn., on Jan. 18.
“When activists invade a church and terrorize worshippers, they aren’t exercising free speech; they’re attacking a core American freedom,” said Gardenhire, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee. “No Tennessean should ever fear intimidation or harassment while practicing their faith, and this legislation protects their fundamental rights to worship freely and peacefully.”
The protesters screamed chants, yelled at congregants and blocked people from getting to their children in the childcare area, according to an affidavit filed by an agent with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Protestors taunted children, with one telling them their parents are "Nazis" who were "going to burn in hell," the affidavit said.
Protesters accused one of the pastors of Cities Church of working for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). DHS arrested three leaders of the planned protest on federal charges.
The Volunteer State consistently ranks among the best in the nation for protecting the religious liberties of residents.
Senate Bill 2335 will be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee in the coming weeks.
Legislation advances to invest in the future of agriculture education
In an effort to build a stronger education to career pipeline in agriculture, the Senate Energy, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Committee passed Senate Bill 1645 this week. Sponsored by Senator Page Walley (R-Savannah), the legislation establishes the "Tennessee Agricultural Innovation and Education Initiative” within the Department of Agriculture.
“Agriculture in the Volunteer State is a key economic driver and a foundational part of our history, " said Walley. “This legislation addresses the need for workforce shortages in the industries and creates another tool in the toolbox to engage and promote agriculture in the next generation. By investing in education, outreach, and innovation, we are ensuring that Tennessee's agricultural community remains strong and ready for the future.
The initiative will support statewide outreach, education, and storytelling efforts that highlight the importance and history of agriculture in Tennessee. Additionally, the program will strengthen career pathways to agricultural industries, encourage innovation, and expand digital access to agriculture workforce and learning resources.
The bill now heads to the Finance Committee for fiscal review.
General Assembly passes legislation allowing one free transfer for TSSAA athletes
To provide high school athletes with more opportunities to compete in their sports, the General Assembly passed Senate Bill 16 on Monday. Sponsored by Senator Adam Lowe (R-Calhoun) the bill allows middle and high school athletes to transfer schools one time without losing athletic eligibility, regardless of the reason for the transfer. To remain eligible, the transfer must take place before the start of the school year. Any additional transfers will still follow existing athletic association rules, including provisions such as verified parental moves.
Previously, the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) had the authority to prevent a student from competition based solely on a transfer, even when no other eligibility issues were present. This legislation removes that, ensuring a single transfer does not stop a student from athletic competitions at their new school.
“This legislation strikes an important balance between fairness and stability in high school sports,” said Lowe. “It ensures a single transfer does not sideline a student-athlete, while still allowing athletic associations to enforce eligibility rules for additional transfers. Many agreed that allowing a one-time transfer without penalty would benefit both students and schools. Our goal was to expand opportunity without undermining the integrity of competition. This new law reflects that shared commitment to putting student-athletes first.”
The legislation, which was originally passed in the Senate last year, followed extensive discussion among lawmakers, the TSSAA, and athletic directors on how to best balance fairness, school stability, and expanded access for student athletes. In those discussions, many athletic directors from high schools throughout the state agreed with lawmakers that a one-time transfer for student athletes would benefit member schools and student athletes across Tennessee.
Keeping Address Confidentiality Program focused on domestic abuse survivors
To strengthen a program serving survivors of domestic abuse, the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously passed Senate Bill 1640. Sponsored by Senator Ed Jackson (R-Jackson), the bill prohibits persistent domestic violence offenders from participating in Tennessee’s Address Confidentiality Program (ACP).
“The Address Confidentiality Program exists to protect victims whose safety depends on keeping their home address secure and out of public view,” said Jackson. “This legislation helps strengthen that protection by ensuring the program remains focused on survivors who truly need it, not domestic violence abusers.”
The ACP, administered by the Secretary of State, protects victims of domestic abuse, stalking, and similar crimes who are at risk of being located by their abusers through public records. State and local government agencies use a substitute address, such as a post office, instead of their real address.
The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Judiciary Committee advances confirmation of Judge Kyle Hixson to Supreme Court
On Tuesday, the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced the confirmation of Judge Kyle Hixson to the Tennessee Supreme Court. Hixson, who is currently serving on the Court of Criminal Appeals, was selected by Governor Bill Lee on January 22, 2026 to succeed Justice Holly Kirby, who is retiring on June 30, 2026.
“Judge Kyle Hixson is a principled constitutionalist with an exceptional record of integrity, fairness, and respect for the rule of law,” said Senator Becky Massey (R-Knoxville). “His experience on the Court of Criminal Appeals has demonstrated his commitment to applying the law as written. I am confident that he will serve Tennesseans with honor and distinction on our state’s highest court.”
The lengthy process to become a Justice on the Tennessee Supreme Court begins with an application to the Governors Council of Judicial Appointments. The Council interviews applicants and submits a list of qualified candidates to the Governor who appoints one of the nominees to fill the vacancy. The appointee must testify before the House and Senate Judiciary Committees and receive confirmation by a majority vote of both chambers. Once confirmed, the justice must go on the ballot for the next general election. If confirmed, the justice serves a full eight year term.
To be eligible, candidates must be 35 years old, a resident of Tennessee for at least five years, and authorized to practice law in the state.
Hixson’s confirmation will now head to the Senate Floor for a vote from the full Senate body.
The Senate Judiciary Committee also advanced the nomination of Madison County Chancellor Steven Maroney to a vacancy on the Court of Appeals.
In brief…
Supporting opioid abatement efforts – In an effort to continue to address the opioid epidemic and hold pharmaceutical manufacturer accountable, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 1495. Sponsored by Senator Ferrell Haile (R-Gallatin), the legislation updates state law to authorize the Attorney General to include three additional pharmaceutical manufacturers – Alvogen Inc, Apotex Corp., and Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc – to the list of companies that may be released for pending or future state claims related to opioids, consistent with settlement agreements. This means these companies would be treated similarly to other opioid manufacturers held accountable in prior settlements.
In 2021, the General Assembly created the “Opioid Abatement Council Act” to ensure that funds received by Tennessee through opioid litigation and settlement agreements are used exclusively to address the harms caused by the opioid crisis. Since 2021, Tennessee has received approximately $462 million in opioid settlement funds, which are dedicated to prevention, treatment, recovery, and other abatement efforts.
The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final vote.
Report shows state policies make Tennessee one of the best states for business - A broad coalition of business organizations has released a new report detailing how the General Assembly’s policy decisions have helped position Tennessee as one of the top states in the nation for business. The Tennessee Business-Policy Alliance’s report highlights reforms to the state’s tax structure and updates to workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance, labor and civil justice laws that have created a more stable, predictable business climate. These pro-growth policies have strengthened Tennessee’s national rankings and attracted employers and investment from across the country. Business leaders are crediting state lawmakers’ pro-business policies for building a framework that allows small businesses and major employers alike to thrive. Tennessee Republican lawmakers are committed to continuing to build on the state’s business success and preserve Tennessee’s competitive edge in the years ahead.
Remembering lives lost from communist dictatorships - To condemn communism and recognize the over 100 million victims that died at the hands of communist regimes, the Senate State and Local Government Committee passed House Joint Resolution 355, sponsored by Senator Mark Pody (R-Lebanon). Tennessee remains unapologetic in its opposition to communistic ideologies and steadfast in its support of capitalism, positioning the state as a national leader in protecting freedom, fostering economic prosperity, and promoting limited government. The resolution now heads to the full Senate for consideration.
Great American Prayer (GAP) initiative - To commend the Great American Prayer (GAP) for their efforts to organize prayer and host revival meetings in all fifty states, the Senate passed Senate Joint Resolution 558 sponsored by Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin). The resolution recognizes GAP -- an initiative created by the well‑known Tennessee church Brentwood Baptist -- which will take place March 1–4 to pray for Tennessee and the nation and to host revival meetings in partnership with faith‑based organizations across the country.
Transferring ownership of the James K. Polk home - This week, the Senate State and Local Government Committee passed Senate Bill 599, sponsored by Senator Joey Hensley (R-Hohenwald). The measure seeks to transfer ownership of the James K. Polk home in Columbia, Tennessee, from the James K. Polk Association to the Tennessee Historical Commission. The home continues to be a treasured national landmark and has educated future generations for nearly a century. The bill heads to the Senate Floor for a final vote.
Granting commercial flights at Upper Cumberland Regional Airport - To enable commercial air service at the Upper Cumberland Regional Airport, the Senate Government Operations Committee passed Senate Bill 1611, sponsored by Senator Paul Bailey (R‑Sparta). The airport is currently governed under Tennessee’s Interlocal Cooperation Act, which places its operations under multiple local governments. The bill would restructure the airport as an independent airport authority, granting it expanded powers and flexibility needed to support commercial flights. The legislation now advances to the Senate Floor for a full vote.
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