Passage of balanced budget clears path to adjournment
(NASHVILLE) The General Assembly gave its final approval to a $58 billion budget for 2026-2027 fiscal year, delivering a fiscally responsible plan that meets the core needs of Tennesseans while safeguarding taxpayer dollars. Passage of the budget signals the General Assembly is very near to adjourning Sine Die, with all committees except Finance now closed for the year.
In addition to passing the budget, the Senate advanced a wide range of legislation this week, including efforts to expand school choice, modernize healthcare regulations, strengthen public safety, and support infrastructure and workforce development across the state.
General Assembly passes state’s $58 billion budget
On Thursday, the Tennessee Senate and House passed the state’s $58 billion budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, fulfilling the General Assembly’s only constitutional duty.
This year’s spending plan reflects a continued return to more typical economic growth following several years of record-high revenues. The budget reaffirms the General Assembly’s longstanding commitment to fiscal responsibility while making targeted investments to strengthen Tennessee’s economy, improve education, and support families across the state.
“This budget reflects the steady, fiscally responsible approach we’ve taken over the past decade,” said Lt. Governor Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge). “We’ve kept spending under control while continuing to invest in those areas of paramount importance to our citizens, such as education, healthcare, and public safety. This discipline has resulted in structurally balanced budgets year after year putting Tennessee in a strong position to provide for the people of Tennessee not just today, but in the years to come. I appreciate the work of each of our members to keep us on this path.”
The legislative amendment redirects $282.4 million from the administration’s original proposal to fund $276.4 million in legislative priorities, while maintaining a strong bottom line to account for potential uncertainties.
Lawmakers also repurposed funding to advance key initiatives supporting hospitals statewide and addressing critical community needs.
Grant Pool for Community Services
The General Assembly created a $42 million grant pool with nonrecurring funds for important emergency and community services. These grants are in high demand each year, with applications consistently exceeding available funding. Local communities have repeatedly expressed strong support for the program, reinforcing its value in meeting essential needs and strengthening public services statewide.
$20 million for Volunteer Fire Departments
$5 million for Emergency Medical Services
$5 million for Volunteer Rescue Squads
$5 million for local museums and capital improvements
$5 million for senior centers
$1.5 million for local fairs
$500,000 for courthouse renovations
Rural Hospital Support and Healthcare Investments
Lawmakers made significant investments in hospitals by providing $137 million from the General Fund to help hospitals, particularly in rural areas, with uncompensated care. By directing General Fund dollars towards this effort, hospitals will have the flexibility to use these resources for critical capital improvements, an option not permitted under the Rural Hospital Transformation Act. This approach not only helps stabilize rural healthcare providers but also strengthens their ability to expand services and meet long-term community needs.
Additional healthcare investments include:
$205 million utilizing Shared Savings to strengthen healthcare initiatives, including funding Rural Health Transformation Resiliency Grants
$230 million to TennCare to cover increasing costs associated with medical inflation, including higher prescription drug prices and Medicare payments, and increased utilization and services
$24.2 million to continue a Department of Health Dental Pilot Program to address unmet dental service needs and increase the number of dentists in Tennessee
$11 million nonrecurring grant to non-profit partner Live Like Lou Foundation for ALS research, with $10 million of those dollars appropriated by the General Assembly
$500k recurring grant to non-profit partner The Next Door to assist women in recovery from substance use
$500k recurring grant to non-profit partner The Jason Foundation, which provides educational and awareness programs related to youth suicide
$500k recurring grant to non-profit partner Families Free, which provides treatment, education, and intervention services to families, with $250k of those dollars appropriated by the General Assembly
$7 million for National Cancer Institute designation at UT Medical Center in Knoxville
“Years of fiscally conservative budgeting have put Tennessee in a strong position to meet today’s needs while planning confidently for the future,” said Senate Finance Chair Bo Watson (R-Hixson). “Even as revenue growth has leveled, our disciplined approach has kept the state on solid financial footing. This budget makes significant investments in healthcare and hospitals, ensuring providers have the resources to serve patients and strengthen care across our state. We remain committed to improving healthcare in Tennessee and finding innovative ways to support it. This budget delivers on that commitment.”
Infrastructure, Housing and Rural Investment
$400 million for new and existing transportation projects, bringing TDOTs total General Fund allocations to $5 billion
$165 million to renovate and replace Tennessee’s rest areas and welcome centers
$81.2 million to support aviation infrastructure, with $25 million of that added by the General Assembly
$15 million to the Rural Development Fund for business development and infrastructure
$20 million to create the Community and Workforce Housing Innovation Pilot Program to support construction of workforce housing
$20 million for upkeep and infrastructure of shortline railroads
Economic Opportunity and Fiscal Stability
$20 million investment in the Rainy Day Fund, bringing total reserves to more than $2.2 billion – the largest in state history
$8 million to expand Tennessee Youth Employment Program
$25 million to the Tennessee Entertainment Commission for continued support for Tennessee’s music and film industries
$750,000 for Learning Blade, Career Blade and Ready for Industry programs to improve workforce readiness for STEM/CTE careers
“This budget puts Tennesseans first by investing in the priorities that matter most to families across our state,” said Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin). “It strengthens our education system, expands opportunities for school choice, and ensures parents have the freedom to choose the best path for their children. At the same time, it makes meaningful investments in public safety and community development, while staying true to Tennessee’s longstanding tradition of fiscal discipline. By balancing responsible stewardship with targeted investments, we are continuing to build a strong foundation for economic growth and opportunity in every corner of our state.”
Education
Public Education
$339 million for public education, including additional TISA funding, summer learning camps, and raising starting teacher pay to $50,000
$20 million for K-12 facilities maintenance
$40 million for facilities improvement at public charter schools
$3 million to expand school-based behavioral health liaison program
Expanding School Choice
$112 million to expand school choice to more Tennessee families by increasing Education Freedom Scholarships available, to serve a total of 35,000 students
Higher Education
$350 million to build a new College of Medicine Interdisciplinary Building at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis
$71.7 million for capital maintenance at higher education institutions
$10 million for the Governor’s Investment in Vocational Education (GIVE) program to support nuclear workforce education, as recommended by the Nuclear Energy Advisory Council
$3 million for Next-Gen Academics at Tennessee Tech for nuclear and cyber technologies
$39.4 million to fully fund the outcomes-based funding formula
$3.5 million for Corrections Education Investment Initiative to prepare incarcerated individuals for reentry success
$3.7 million to fund specialty units of higher education
$3.2 million to support the Gatton College of Pharmacy at ETSU
Children and Families
$34.5 million to Department of Children’s Services (DCS) to assist with reducing caseload ratios
$10.7 million to enhance staff safety at DCS facilities that accommodate delinquent youth
$15 million for capital project and maintenance grants to YMCAs across Tennessee
$500k to nonprofit partner Jonathan’s Path for housing teens in foster care
$2 million for summer food program for children
Safe Neighborhoods
$44.2 million to bolster the Governor’s Response and Recovery Fund which provides support to individuals, businesses, and communities after natural disasters
$3.7 million for grants to continue recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene
$50 million for public safety grants to enhance crime prevention and increase public safety in Memphis
$9 million to create the Tennessee Safe Initiative Task Force within TBI
$83 million to Tennessee Department of the Military for construction of a new Army Aviation Support Facility in Rutherford County
$37.5 million for salary increases and creation of an additional 50 State Troopers and related support staff positions to improve public safety across the state
$932k for digital forensics law enforcement training in East Tennessee
$1 million to establish the Volunteer Firefighter Vehicle Grant Program
$1.5 million to replace three fire engines lost to Hurricane Helene
$20 million for capital improvements at the West Tennessee and East Tennessee Regional Juvenile Justice Centers
$1.7 million recurring grants to non-profit partners that combat human trafficking and support survivors
$400k to nonprofit partner Thistle Farms for workforce and housing for survivors of human trafficking
$1 million recurring grant to non-profit partner Men of Valor for faith-based reentry support for incarcerated individuals
$250k recurring grant to Lipscomb University’s LIFE Program, which provides higher education opportunities for incarcerated individuals
$500k recurring grant to non-profit partner Tennessee Prison Outreach Ministry, which provides faith-based reentry support for individuals and their families
Conservation and Culture
$81.6 million to create three new Tennessee State Parks
$1.6 million for the Subsurface Sewage Disposal Program, reducing waiting times for permitting services and oversight
$1.1 million to support further enhancement of Tennessee’s electric grid
$10 million for Clark Center Park for future use as new state park
$5.5 million for a new Memphis Art Museum
Nuclear Energy and Innovation
$38 million to continue Tennessee’s efforts to lead the nation in adoption of artificial intelligence technology and make government work more efficiently for Tennesseans
$25 million further investment in the Nuclear Energy Fund to attract advanced nuclear technology companies, ensuring Tennessee continues leading the nation as the epicenter of America’s nuclear renaissance
$20 million to complete the relocation of the North Data Center
$20 million to accelerate Tennessee’s quantum computing industry by attracting substantial federal and private-sector investment and to translate our scientific strengths into durable, high-wage job creation across advanced manufacturing, life sciences and logistics industries
General Assembly expands education freedom for families
The General Assembly this week passed legislation to increase the number of available Education Freedom Scholarships (EFS) to allow more families to choose the educational path that best fits their child's needs.
As amended, Senate Bill 2247, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin), directs the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) to offer up to 35,000 scholarships beginning in the 2026-27 school year. The scholarships allow eligible students to use state education funds to attend participating nonpublic schools.
“Last year, the General Assembly took a historic step by passing the Education Freedom Scholarship Act and putting parents back in the driver’s seat of their children’s education,” said Johnson. “The overwhelming demand we’ve seen from Tennessee families makes it clear that parents want more choices and more opportunities for their students to succeed. By expanding the number of Education Freedom Scholarships, this legislation ensures that more families—not just a limited few—can access the educational options that best meet their child’s needs and help them reach their full potential.”
The legislation updates how scholarships are distributed to better serve students across Tennessee, helping ensure students from low-income households can attend the school of their choice. Students who received scholarships the prior year will be prioritized, followed by students from homes making below 100% of the amount required to qualify for free or reduced-priced lunch. It then considers students up to 300% of that threshold, students exceeding 300% currently in public school or enrolling in kindergarten, and finally, students exceeding 300%.
The General Assembly established the scholarship program last year, administering 20,000 scholarships in the 2025-26 academic year. The law included a hold-harmless provision, ensuring funding to public school districts would not decrease due to disenrollment for any reason. Senate Bill 2247 retains this provision for the 2026 and 2027 school years. Beginning in 2028, the provision would protect public school funding if a student disenrolls as a result of an EFS. To preserve their funding baseline, schools must collect Social Security numbers of students at the time of enrollment.
The legislation also adds several transparency requirements, directing the TDOE to annually report to the education committees in the House and Senate the number of applications from each county, the number of eligible students who were enrolled in a public school at the time of application, and the number of students applying for a scholarship for kindergarten employment. Additionally, the department would be required to report household income data, if available, without personally identifiable information.
Finally, an amendment was added to prohibit the use of scholarships at private schools that promote or advocate for any foreign law that would violate the rights guaranteed by the Tennessee Constitution or the United States Constitution. This will ensure students receive an education that does not threaten American freedoms or the American form of government.
Demand for the program has continued to grow, with applications exceeding 56,000 for the next school year. The Education Freedom Scholarship (EFS) amount is tied to the state’s base per-pupil funding under the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) formula, projected to be about $7,530 per student for the 2026-27 school year.
Tennessee Republicans have invested $4.4 billion new dollars in public education over the last decade and provided $1.08 billion for teacher pay raises during the same time.
Senate passes legislation to increase competition in healthcare market
The Senate passed legislation this week aimed at expanding competition in Tennessee’s healthcare system by rolling back regulatory barriers and increasing oversight of hospital consolidation.
Senate Bill 1369, sponsored by Sen. Bo Watson (R-Hixson), would eliminate the state’s Certificate of Need (CON) requirements for acute care hospitals, satellite emergency departments, and cardiac catheterization labs, transitioning instead to a licensure-based system through the Tennessee Health Facilities Commission.
“This legislation is about removing outdated barriers that have limited competition and slowed the ability of providers to respond to patient demand,” said Watson. “The CON process has required providers to prove ‘need’ to the state before expanding services instead of letting the market decide. Moving to a licensure-based system ensures appropriate oversight while allowing the healthcare market to grow, innovate, and better serve Tennesseans.”
The proposal builds on recent efforts by the General Assembly to scale back CON requirements, including for ambulatory surgery centers. Under current law, providers must receive state approval before building or expanding facilities—a process intended to prevent overbuilding and preserve access in underserved areas, but ultimately has limited growth and competition.
Under the bill, CON requirements for most acute care hospitals would be phased out beginning July 1, 2030. In Northeast Tennessee, acute care hospitals operating under a Certificate of Public Advantage (COPA) agreement would exit the CON process earlier—by July 1, 2028—to align with the COPA termination. Satellite emergency departments and cardiac catheterization labs would also be phased out of CON by July 1, 2028, and would be required to operate as licensed outpatient departments of a hospital.
COPA Termination
In addition to CON reform, Senate Bill 2414, also sponsored by Watson, addresses Tennessee’s existing COPA agreement, the state’s primary mechanism for overseeing hospital mergers that reduce competition.
The legislation would terminate the COPA on June 30, 2028, maintain pricing restrictions for five years thereafter, and then transition antitrust oversight to the Tennessee Attorney General. Any modifications to the pricing requires mutual agreement between the state and the hospital system, with the hospital entity required to cover the cost of the ongoing oversight.
Tennessee’s only active COPA was issued in 2018 to allow the merger of Mountain State Health Alliance and Wellmont Health Systems into Ballad Health.
“The COPA framework addressed specific market conditions at the time, but it’s time to move towards a more market-driven approach for the healthcare market,” said Watson. “This legislation provides a responsible transition by maintaining pricing protections and oversight while creating a pathway for increased competition in Northeast Tennessee.”
Together, the changes represent a broader effort by lawmakers to modernize Tennessee’s healthcare regulatory framework by promoting competition to ensure affordability and access for patients.
Creating guardrails for stem cell therapy
Legislation addresses several different stem cell therapies. Stem cell therapy is at the forefront of modern medicine. To ensure safe and responsible use of stem cell therapy, the Senate passed Senate Bill 2586 to establish clear standards for the retrieval, storage, and use of stem cells.
Sponsored by Senator Ed Jackson (R‑Jackson), the bill allows physicians to provide stem cell or regenerative medicine therapies that are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so long as the treatment is within the physician’s scope of practice. The measure explicitly prohibits the use of stem cells derived from a fetus or embryo after an abortion.
“Stem cell therapy is at the forefront of modern medicine, using living cells to treat a growing range of diseases, injuries, and disorders,” said Jackson. “This legislation establishes strong guardrails to ensure these therapies meet the highest standards in Tennessee. It prohibits the use of embryos from aborted fetuses, implements reporting requirements, and enhances safety measures for storage and handling. Most importantly, it ensures patients have access to safe, effective, and transparent treatments while prioritizing their protection every step of the way.”
The legislation requires physicians to obtain products only from compliant facilities and mandates written informed consent from patients acknowledging the therapy is not FDA-approved, along with potential risks, benefits, and alternatives. It also sets transparency requirements for advertising.
Senate passes legislation to establish statewide framework for subterranean transportation infrastructure
The Senate passed legislation that would establish the nation’s first comprehensive framework for underground transportation projects. Senate Bill 2205, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin), creates the Subterranean Transportation Infrastructure Coordination Act to provide a consolidated state-level compliance structure for underground transit systems.
The legislation standardizes permitting, inspection, and life-safety oversight for subterranean transportation construction, ensuring projects are reviewed under consistent statewide standards rather than a patchwork of differing local requirements.
“Tennessee is growing rapidly, and our surface transportation corridors are increasingly constrained by development, right-of-way limitations, and cost,” Johnson said. “This legislation ensures that emerging subterranean transportation systems constructed in this state are regulated under a clear, predictable, and uniform framework.”
Johnson noted that subterranean transit systems provide an opportunity to expand transportation capacity without widening highways or disrupting existing surface infrastructure. By moving passengers underground, these projects can relieve congestion on heavily traveled roadways and provide rapid, point-to-point connections between major destinations.
“Middle Tennessee’s continued expansion requires a more strategic, region-wide approach to transportation,” said Johnson. “Underground transit allows us to relieve pressure on our roads, better connect neighboring communities, and deliver reliable mobility options while keeping costs off the backs of taxpayers.”
The legislation centralizes permitting for subterranean construction at the state level and places fire and life-safety oversight with the State Fire Marshal to ensure consistent statewide safety standards. Surface construction remains subject to applicable local building and land use standards within a defined and structured review process.
Johnson emphasized that the framework also provides regulatory certainty that encourages private investment.
The Act creates a nine-member governing board that includes appointments by the Governor and the speakers of both legislative chambers.
“Tennessee should always welcome private investment that delivers safe, low-cost transportation solutions without adding to the burden on taxpayers. This legislation ensures the government is a partner in innovation, not a barrier.” Johnson said.
Senate passes legislation to protect for patients seeking detransition care
The Senate passed Senate Bill 676, sponsored by Sen. Brent Taylor (R-Memphis), to ensure individuals have access to medically necessary detransition services. The legislation requires health insurance plans that cover gender transition procedures to also cover detransition care, helping patients receive comprehensive treatment if they choose to reverse prior medical interventions.
“This legislation ensures Tennesseans aren’t left without care if they choose to detransition, while bringing much-needed transparency and accountability to these procedures,” said Taylor. “Patients deserve the truth and real protections.”
The bill increases transparency by requiring gender clinics to report data on both transition and detransition procedures to the Tennessee Department of Health. It establishes that public reports must not identify individual clinics and instead present aggregated data organized into relevant categories and requires the Department to make this information available online in a downloadable format. The legislation also directs the Department of Commerce and Insurance to pursue a federal waiver to include detransition services in marketplace plans.
To strengthen accountability, healthcare professionals who violate the law would face disciplinary action, including a minimum six-month suspension to practice medicine, while clinics could be subject to civil fines of up to $150,000. The Attorney General is authorized to investigate violations and enforce compliance.
Legislation updates governance for airport authorities
To keep up with Tennessee’s growing commercial airport system, the Senate passed Senate Bill 2473. Sponsored by Senator Paul Bailey (R-Sparta), the legislation vacates and reconstitutes the boards of the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA), Memphis International Airport (MEM), McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), Nashville International Airport (BNA), and Tri-Cities Airport.
“As airports take on a larger statewide economic role and require more public resources, both the state and local communities should have a meaningful voice in decision making,” said Bailey. “This approach strengthens accountability and transparency, ensuring these critical assets are managed responsibly and that growth and investment reflect both regional priorities and the broader interests of Tennessee taxpayers.”
The bill creates a nine-member board for metropolitan airports—two appointed by the House Speaker, two by the Senate Speaker, two by the Governor, and three by the local municipality. The Tri-Cities Airport will have a 12-member board with appointments split between state leaders and local officials, ensuring balanced statewide and regional representation.
Legislation passes to affirm parental access to children’s medical records
To make it clear that parents have the right to see their child’s medical records, the Senate passed Senate Bill 259. Sponsored by Senator Mark Pody (R-Lebanon), the legislation clarifies that a parent’s access includes mental health treatment records, rehabilitation records, and prescription information, including for minors age 16 and older with serious mental health conditions, to the extent allowed under federal law.
“Children are a gift from God, and parents have a fundamental responsibility to care for them and make informed decisions about their wellbeing,” said Pody. “This bill ensures parents have access to their child’s medical information so they can protect their health, safety, and future.”
The bill also allows parents or guardians to access records from medical care their child received without their consent, while protecting minors by allowing providers to withhold records if disclosure could put the child at risk or involve a report of abuse.
Legislation passes to strengthen cooperation with federal immigration authorities
To continue efforts to combat illegal immigration, the Senate passed Senate Bill 1486, sponsored by Brent Taylor (R-Memphis). The legislation requires local law enforcement agencies to honor immigration detainers issued by federal authorities, such as ICE, by holding certain illegal alien detainees for up to 48 hours so federal officials have time to take custody.
“ICE should be given longer than it takes to get a Starbucks order,” said Taylor. “If someone’s here illegally and in custody, we should at least give federal authorities time to come pick them up. This bill shuts down the revolving door and backs up the rule of law. We must remember, even Heaven has an immigration policy!"
Currently, under the 287(g) program, local law enforcement must notify ICE when an individual in custody is unlawfully present, but they may release that person shortly after providing notification. SB 1486 closes that gap by allowing law enforcement to maintain custody for a limited period while federal authorities respond.
Senate passes legislation clarifying judges’ right to carry handguns
To affirm the rights of judges to carry firearms, the Senate passed Senate Bill 2469. Sponsored by Senator Paul Bailey (R-Sparta), the legislation clarifies that judges who are legally authorized to possess a handgun may carry it openly in both their official and personal capacities.
“Judges regularly make difficult decisions that can have serious consequences, and that can put them at risk both inside and outside the courtroom,” said Bailey. “This legislation simply clarifies that judges who are legally allowed to carry a handgun can do so openly, just like any other law-abiding citizen. It ensures they are not left vulnerable and can protect themselves wherever their duties take them.”
Senate passes legislation to strengthen domestic violence offender registry advances
To build on last year’s Savannah’s Law, which created a public registry of domestic violence offenders, the Senate passed Senate Bill 1726. Sponsored by Senator Becky Massey (R-Knoxville), the legislation strengthens the tracking and registration of persistent domestic violence offenders.
“Savannah’s Law was a strong first step in bringing transparency and accountability to these cases, but we know there is more work to be done,” said Massey. “This legislation builds on that foundation by improving how repeat offenders are tracked and ensuring reporting is accurate and timely. When systems fail, victims are the ones who pay the price. This bill helps close those gaps, strengthen accountability, and give Tennessee families greater confidence that justice will be served.”
This bill enhances that framework by requiring courts to document the number of prior convictions when determining the length of an offender’s registration and by establishing a clear, comprehensive list of qualifying offenses, including comparable crimes committed in other states. The bill also streamlines the reporting process by requiring court clerks to submit final judgments to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), with the seven-day reporting deadline beginning upon receipt of the signed judgment.
Protecting property rights by cracking down on vehicle trespassing
To protect property rights, the Senate passed Senate Bill 2471, sponsored by Senator Paul Bailey (R-Sparta). The bill increases the penalty for criminal trespass involving a motorized vehicle or bicycle from a Class C misdemeanor to a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by a fine.
“In many of our rural communities, property owners are dealing with individuals who ride ATVs across private land, cut fences, and show little respect for property lines,” said Bailey. “This legislation sends a clear message that this kind of behavior won’t be tolerated and ensures there are real consequences for those who repeatedly disregard the rights of others.”
For repeat offenders, the bill also authorizes the seizure and forfeiture of the vehicle or bicycle used in the violation, strengthening consequences for continued unlawful conduct.
Combating youth substance abuse with education program
In an effort to strengthen substance abuse and violence prevention programming in Tennessee schools, the Senate passed Senate Bill 821. Sponsored by Senator Joey Hensley (R-Hohenwald), the legislation creates a three year pilot grant program for three school districts to provide educational programming on the dangers of youth violence and tobacco, alcohol and illicit drug use.
“If we’re serious about protecting our kids, we have to be proactive,” said Hensley. “This bill empowers schools to teach the real dangers of drugs, alcohol, and violence before bad decisions turn into lifelong consequences.”
School districts can apply for grant funding for the program, which would be administered by the Tennessee Department of Education.
Granting commercial flights at Upper Cumberland Regional Airport - To enable commercial air service at the Upper Cumberland Regional Airport, the Senate 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.
Secure storage options for guns at courthouses - The Senate passed Senate Bill 2352, sponsored by Joey Hensley (R-Hohenwald) to authorize county sheriffs to provide free, secure storage lockers at or near courthouse entrances for individuals legally carrying firearms where they are prohibited inside the building.
Strengthening enforcement on abortion inducing drugs - To crack down on those illegally providing abortion inducing drugs, the Senate passed Senate Bill 2412, sponsored by Senator Joey Hensley (R-Hohenwald). To enforce compliance, the legislation authorizes the Attorney General to bring civil action lawsuits, if violated. Violations are subject to a criminal penalty of $10,000 per occurrence. If a violation results in serious bodily injury or death, a court may impose a penalty of up to $1,000,000.
Cracking down on fraudulent freight theft – The Senate passed legislation this week to combat rising freight theft and hold bad actors accountable. Senate Bill 2466, sponsored by Sen. Paul Bailey (R-Sparta), establishes a new offense of “fraudulent freight theft” and ensures it is prosecuted under existing theft laws. The bill also strengthens protections for victims by requiring law enforcement to accept theft reports regardless of where the crime occurred and allowing claims by a person with financial interest in the freight, even without evidence of forced entry. Additionally, it supports insurance and civil recovery efforts by ensuring official reports are recognized and clarifying that victims may pursue legal action.
Restricting drones near ticketed events - To enhance public safety at ticketed events such as games or concerts, the Senate passed Senate Bill 2543. Sponsored by Senator Todd Gardenhire (R-Chattanooga), the legislation makes it a Class A misdemeanor to operate an unmanned aircraft within 400 feet of a ticketed entertainment event, defined as a gated or barriered musical, sporting, or performing arts event requiring paid entry. The bill includes exceptions for law enforcement, emergency personnel, military members, and utility workers performing official duties. It also allows drone use with proper authorization, on private property in compliance with federal law, or by venue employees conducting approved operations.
Legal immigration reform - To urge the federal government to streamline the legal immigration system while maintaining strong enforcement, the Senate passed House Joint Resolution 180, sponsored by Senator Page Walley (R-Bolivar). The resolution reaffirms the importance of immigration enforcement for national security and public safety while calling for a more efficient and effective legal immigration process. A certified copy will be sent to President Donald Trump and Tennessee’s congressional delegation.
Recognizing the Appalachian dialect as an official English language - To preserve the significance and history of the Appalachian dialect, the Senate passed House Joint Resolution 803, sponsored by Senator Bobby Harshbarger (R-Kingsport). The legislation would recognize the Appalachian dialect as an official English language and featured in Section VI of the Tennessee Blue Book.
“The Appalachian dialect tells the story of our people, our values, our faith, and our way of life,” said Harshbarger. “Recognizing it is about honoring the generations who built these communities and making sure that heritage is respected and remembered for years to come.”
Protecting the elderly from financial abuse - To protect elderly and vulnerable adults from financial exploitation, the Senate passed Senate Bill 326. Sponsored by Senator Becky Massey (R‑Knoxville), the legislation authorizes the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) to coordinate with the district attorney general in the appropriate judicial district when receiving a report of suspected elder financial exploitation, providing a tool for local enforcement and prosecution.
Food assistance for former inmates - In an effort to prepare inmates for a successful reentry into society, the Senate passed Senate Bill 879. Sponsored by Senator Shane Reeves (R-Murfreesboro), the legislation provides an opportunity for inmates to apply for food assistance programs near the end of their sentences. The bill requires the Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) to provide the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) with food assistance application forms for inmates preparing to be released. The proposed legislation requires TDOC to give inmates sufficient time to complete and submit the form before release.
Expanding preventative care - To expand preventive care and reduce the risk of serious illness among older adults, the Senate passed Senate Bill 1584 to lower the age threshold for certain hospital-offered immunizations. Sponsored by Senator Ferrell Haile (R-Gallatin), the bill reduces, from 65 to 50, the minimum age at which hospitals must offer flu vaccinations to patients prior to discharge during the annual flu season from October 1 through March 1. The legislation also requires hospitals to offer pneumonia immunizations to all inpatients aged 50 and older before discharge, expanding current efforts to protect against respiratory illness and related complications.
Relieving cost burdens on local governments - To ensure counties are not left footing the bill for crimes committed inside state prisons, the Senate passed Senate Bill 1804. Sponsored by Ed Jackson (R-Jackson), the legislation requires the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) to reimburse counties for costs incurred when prosecuting inmates who commit crimes while in state custody. Under the bill, counties would submit invoices to TDOC for eligible expenses, and the department would be required to reimburse those costs within 60 days, helping relieve local taxpayers of a financial burden created by state inmates.
Supporting victims through increased assistance funding - To strengthen support for victims of crime, the Senate passed Senate Bill 2085. Sponsored by Senator Ed Jackson (R-Jackson), the legislation increases the victim assistance assessment from $45 to $125 for certain criminal defendants. The $125 fee applies to someone found responsible for committing a crime, except for minor offenses that carry only a fine under $500 and no jail time. The first $15 is allocated to the court clerk for administrative costs, with the remainder directed to county-designated victim assistance programs where the offense occurred.
HOPE Treatment Act - To advance research into innovative treatments for mental health and addiction, the Senate passed Senate Bill 2149. Sponsored by Senator Page Walley (R-Bolivar), the legislation enacts the “Helping Open Pathways to Effective (HOPE) Treatment Act” and creates the Council on Emerging Behavioral Health Treatments to oversee the state’s participation in emerging treatment research.
“We have people suffering from addiction and mental health challenges who deserve better options,” said Walley. “This bill puts Tennessee at the table in a serious research effort while making sure it’s done safely and responsibly,”
The council is made up of state leaders and appointees and is responsible for approving research efforts, selecting participating institutions, and ensuring accountability. It will oversee Tennessee’s role in a multi-state research partnership studying ibogaine and make sure all research is done safely and follows federal rules.
Expanding sparkler fireworks sales - To ensure proper oversight while expanding allowable products, the Senate passed Senate Bill 2419. Sponsored by Senator John Stevens (R-Huntingdon), the legislation creates a new category of state-approved fireworks known as sparkling devices and requires individuals who do not already hold one of the state’s six fireworks permits to register each sales location with the State Fire Marshal’s Office. The measure allows retailers to sell items such as party poppers, snappers, ground sparklers and glow worms, but does not include fireworks that discharge into the air. The legislation also provides a three-day grace period to renew an expired registration and preserves local control by ensuring existing private acts and local ordinances restricting fireworks remain in effect unless updated to allow the sale or use of these products.
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