Public safety and protecting children lead the week as Senate nears adjournment
(NASHVILLE) The Senate is continuing to wrap up committees as the Commerce and Labor Committee closed this week. Key legislation that advanced includes protections for law enforcement, guardrails for AI platforms to protect children, curbing the use of harmful substances and improving medical care for patients.
Next week attention will shift to budget negotiations and wrapping up legislative business as the Senate is set to meet every day next week for floor sessions.
Senate passes protections of due process for law enforcement officers accused of misconduct
Legislation aimed at protecting the due process rights of law enforcement officers when their credibility is called into question passed the Senate floor this week.
Senate Bill 1210, sponsored by Sen. Bobby Harshbarger (R-Kingsport), creates a clearer and more consistent process for the use of Brady Lists in Tennessee. Brady Lists are records maintained by prosecutors that identify law enforcement officers whose credibility may be questioned in court.
While these lists are tied to longstanding constitutional obligations in criminal cases, Tennessee currently has no uniform standards for how officers are added, notified, or allowed to respond—despite the serious professional consequences that can follow for officers.
“Law enforcement officers should be given the opportunity to respond to claims of misconduct before being added to a career-altering list,” said Harshbarger. “This bill ensures officers have due process, transparency, and consistency.”
The legislation does not eliminate Brady Lists or change prosecutors’ legal duty to disclose credibility-related information in criminal cases. Instead, the bill ensures law enforcement officers are afforded basic due process by requiring prosecutors to adopt written policies, notify officers when they are placed on a list, allow them an opportunity to respond, and establish a formal process for reconsideration with clear timelines.
The legislation also protects sensitive investigative information from public disclosure while ensuring officers and their legal counsel can access relevant information when necessary.
Legislation passed to protect churches from public disruption
To protect the sanctity of religious gatherings, the Senate passed Senate Bill 2327, sponsored by Senator Todd Gardenhire (R-Chattanooga). The legislation establishes a Class A misdemeanor offense for intentionally interfering with lawful religious services, including trespassing, disruptive demonstrations, or other acts that disturb or obstruct the order and solemnity of a service.
“Places of worship are sacred spaces, and Tennesseans have a fundamental right to practice their faith without interference,” said Gardenhire. “This legislation makes clear that we will not tolerate individuals who disrupt religious services or disrespect those exercising their First Amendment rights. It’s about protecting religious liberty, maintaining order, and ensuring there are real consequences for those who cross the line.”
Lawmakers advance measure to ban the sale of Kratom in Tennessee
Lawmakers advanced legislation this week to prohibit the sale of Kratom in Tennessee due to safety concerns and overdose risks associated with the drug.
The Senate Finance Committee passed Senate Bill 1656, sponsored by Senator Todd Gardenhire (R-Chattanooga), to ban the sale of Kratom and establish criminal penalties for those who sell the drug.
The legislation, known as the “Matthew Davenport's Law”, is named after a 20-year-old from Chattanooga who died from a Kratom overdose.
“Kratom is a dangerous, unregulated substance that has gone unchecked for too long,” said Gardenhire. “This legislation puts accountability in place, cracks down on those distributing it, and equips law enforcement and medical professionals to better respond to its growing impact.”
Under the bill, knowingly possessing kratom is classified as a Class A misdemeanor. Knowingly manufacturing, delivering, selling, or possessing kratom with intent to do so is classified as a Class C felony. If the sale or delivery involves a minor, the offense is elevated to a Class B felony.
Additionally, the legislation requires kratom to be tested for in overdose investigations and certain medical situations. It also incorporates kratom into the state’s definition of controlled substances for workplace and regulatory purposes, ensuring consistency in enforcement and safety standards.
Kratom is a plant-derived substance from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, native to Southeast Asia. It has stimulant-like effects at low doses and opioid-like effects at higher doses, raising concerns among medical professionals and law enforcement due to its potential for misuse, dependency, and involvement in overdose cases.
The bill now heads to the Senate Floor.
Committee advances measure to combat youth vaping and invest in prevention
To increase awareness of the dangers of vaping among young Tennesseans, the Commerce and Labor Committee passed Senate Bill 2066. Sponsored by Senator Bo Watson (R-Hixson), the legislation would set aside 30% of tax revenue from vapor products for youth nicotine prevention programs and services across Tennessee.
“We’re seeing too many young people exposed to highly addictive products at an early age,” said Watson. "This legislation makes sure we’re investing in prevention and giving our kids the information they need to make healthier choices.”
Vapes contain high levels of nicotine, which is highly addictive and can harm the parts of an adolescent’s brain that control attention, mood and impulses. They are the most commonly used tobacco products among U.S. youth,according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The bill now heads to the Finance Committee for fiscal review.
Senate passes legislation to help children reach permanent homes sooner
The Senate this week passed legislation to reduce delays in the adoption process and help children in stable home placements achieve permanency more quickly.
Senate Bill 1751, sponsored by Sen. Ferrell Haile (R-Gallatin), allows courts to waive a preliminary home study and six-month waiting period in certain non-relative adoptions if the child has already been living in the home for at least twelve months. Current law gives courts similar flexibility for some relative adoptions, but not in cases where a child is already safely established in a non-relative home.
The measure is intended to remove unnecessary barriers in the adoption process while still allowing courts to ensure placements are safe and appropriate.
“Children deserve the security and stability of a permanent home as soon as reasonably and safely possible,” said Haile. “This legislation helps remove an unnecessary bottleneck in the adoption process by giving courts the flexibility to move forward when a child has already been living in a safe, supportive home. If a placement is working and the court is confident it is in the child’s best interest, we should not stand in the way of making that home permanent.”
This legislation builds on the work of the General Assembly, spearheaded by Sen. Haile, to make the adoption process in Tennessee quicker, easier and cheaper to ensure more children are in loving stable homes.
Committee advances measure to protect judicial system from foreign influence
In an effort to protect the integrity of the judicial system, the Commerce and Labor Committee passed Senate Bill 2101. Sponsored by Senator Brent Taylor (R-Memphis), the legislation addresses the growing influence of third party and foreign backed litigation financing.
“This isn’t Shark Tank for foreign adversaries; we’re not handing out stakes in Tennessee lawsuits to whoever wants to cash in from halfway around the world,” said Taylor. “Our courts are for justice, not behind-the-scenes investing, and this bill makes sure if you’re trying to bankroll a case, you’re doing it in the light—and not from Beijing or Pyongyang.”
Currently, adversary foreign actors, like China and North Korea can fund lawsuits in Tennessee with little to no disclosure, allowing access to sensitive legal strategies and information. This legislation requires the disclosure of third party financing by prohibiting these foreign adversaries from registering or operating as litigation financiers. Additionally, it ensures that financiers cannot control or influence legal decisions in the cases that they fund.
The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Legislation establishes AI safety standards to protect children
To establish guardrails for child safety with artificial intelligence (AI), the Commerce and Labor Committee passed Senate Bill 2171.
Sponsored by Senator Ken Yager (R-Kingston), the legislation requires large, consumer-facing AI chatbot companies to publish child safety risk assessments and mitigation plans. If a child safety incident occurs that results in death, bodily injury or damage to mental health, companies must report it to the attorney general, with civil penalties of up to $50,000 per violation.
“Tennessee families deserve to know that AI chatbots have a plan to protect children and respond when something goes wrong,” said Yager. “As this technology becomes more common in everyday life, we have a responsibility to make sure companies are being transparent, taking risks seriously, and putting safeguards in place before harm occurs, not after.”
The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Legislation requires verification of legal status to receive professional licenses
To strengthen illegal immigration enforcement and ensure only eligible individuals receive professional credentials, the Commerce and Labor Committee passed Senate Bill 1901. Sponsored by Senator Paul Bailey (R-Sparta), the legislation requires verification that an applicant is lawfully present in the United States before being issued licenses, permits, certificants, or registrations by state entities. The bill applies to a wide range of licensure including court reporters, livestock dealers, other regulated occupations, and encourages the Tennessee Supreme Court to adopt similar requirements for the practice of law.
“Professional licenses funded and regulated by the state should be reserved for those who are lawfully present in our country,” said Bailey. “This bill reinforces the rule of law, protects opportunities for U.S. citizens, and ensures Tennessee is not rewarding illegal immigrants with access to state-issued credentials.”
The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Legislation advances to expand biomarker testing coverage
To expand access to precision medicine and improve patient outcomes, the Commerce and Labor Committee passed Senate Bill 435. Sponsored by Senator Shane Reeves (R-Murfreesboro), the legislation would require state-regulated health insurance plans to cover biomarker testing when ordered by a health care provider for diagnosis, treatment or ongoing monitoring of a patient’s disease or condition. The legislation does not include coverage for the cost of screenings, but does offer provisions to ensure testing is supported by medical and scientific evidence.
“Biomarker testing is like the check engine light for our bodies. It gives doctors an early warning that something isn’t right and helps them act before a condition gets worse,” said Reeves. “This bill ensures patients and providers have access to the tools they need to make smarter, more personalized decisions about care.”
Often used in cancer care to help physicians identify the most effective treatment for a patient, biomarker testing is increasingly used to guide care for other serious conditions such as autoimmune and neurological diseases, cardiovascular disorders, arthritis and preeclampsia.
The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Legislation creates certification process for IVF clinics to ensure patient safety
The Senate passed legislation requiring all fertility clinics in Tennessee to obtain a certificate from the Department of Health (DOH) to perform Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) services. Sponsored by Senator Paul Bailey (R-Sparta), Senate Bill 2461 establishes a certification process to ensure clinics meet professional standards, maintain proper emergency plans, and follow current clinical practice guidelines.
“Creating a clear certification process for fertility clinics ensures patients receive safe, high-quality care while establishing accountability and professional standards across the state,” said Bailey. “This legislation protects families, promotes best practices in reproductive medicine, and ensures clinics are prepared for emergencies without interrupting care.”
To receive a certificate, a clinic must verify its membership with the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART), provide an emergency plan for embryo transfer in case of permanent closure, and show proof of passing its most recent laboratory inspection by the College of American Pathologists or the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Clinical directors must be licensed physicians, board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, have completed a fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility (or equivalent training), demonstrate substantial clinical experience with ART, and maintain continuing education in the field.
Pro-life bill grants accessible parking for expectant mothers
The Senate passed legislation this week building on Republicans' pro-family agenda by allowing expectant mothers to utilize accessible parking spaces in Tennessee.
Senate Bill 1684, sponsored by Sen. Bill Powers (R-Clarksville), adds pregnant women in their second or third trimester, or those who have high-risk pregnancies, to the list of individuals who qualify for a temporary parking permit to use accessible parking spaces.
"This legislation recognizes the importance of welcoming new life into the world by helping alleviate some of the hardships associated with pregnancy," said Powers. "Strong families are the foundation of our state, and this is an important step in promoting and protecting life in Tennessee."
Temporary and permanent disabled parking placards are currently available to Tennesseans with a variety of disabling conditions, including wheelchair use, difficulty walking, or 20/200 vision or worse with corrective lenses.
Florida and Illinois have passed laws allowing expectant mothers to park in accessible parking spaces. Several other states are considering similar measures.
Tennessee ranks among the most pro-life states in the nation, and Republicans continue to encourage strong families and protect the most vulnerable in our society.
Committee advances legislation to support live music venues
To support Tennessee’s live music industry and ensure fair contributions from ticket resellers, the Commerce and Labor Committee passed Senate Bill 2456. Sponsored by Senator Paul Bailey (R-Sparta), the legislation establishes the “Tennessee Live Music Support Act,” directing five percent of the sales price from tickets sold on secondary markets to the Live Music and Performance Venue Fund.
“This legislation places responsibility where it belongs, on third-party ticket resellers, not on concertgoers or the artists they support,” said Bailey. “It ensures that those profiting in the secondary market are giving back to the venues and communities that make Tennessee’s live music scene possible, without adding new costs for fans.”
Under the bill, third-party ticket resellers like StubHub, Vivid Seats, and SeatGeek must register with the Department of Revenue to collect and send in these funds. The money will go to support local music and performance venues across Tennessee. Resellers who don’t comply may face added interest penalties set by the Commissioner Revenue.
The bill now heads to the Finance Committee for fiscal review.
Senate passes bill to protect jobs and businesses in tourist development zones
The Senate this week passed legislation to protect jobs, support local businesses and preserve customer access in Tennessee’s tourist development zones.
Senate Bill 2157, sponsored by Sen. Bo Watson (R-Hixson), prohibits local governments from blocking streets or rights-of-way within a tourist development zone (TDZ) in ways that disrupt business operations. The bill allows temporary closures only for limited purposes such as construction, maintenance, repairs, infrastructure improvements, emergencies or approved events outlined in the legislation.
The measure is intended to ensure businesses in high-traffic tourism areas remain accessible to customers, employees, delivery drivers and ride-share services without unnecessary interference from local governments.
“Tennessee’s tourist development zones drive jobs, commerce and economic activity in communities across our state,” said Watson. “This legislation helps protect the businesses operating in those areas by ensuring customers, employees, delivery services and ride-share drivers can continue to access them without unnecessary roadblocks. It’s about supporting local economies, protecting jobs and making sure these important business districts remain open and operational.”
It also allows the Tennessee Highway Patrol to work alongside local agencies within TDZs and directs the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, in collaboration with the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, to establish rules designating those areas as economic protection zones.
Bill restricts celebratory gunfire in crowded areas
The Senate passed legislation to protect Tennesseans and deter people from recklessly firing a gun into the air. Senate Bill 1747, sponsored by Sen. Janice Bowling (R-Tullahoma), creates a Class A misdemeanor for recklessly firing a gun into the air, ground, water or nearby objects at large public gatherings of 25 people or more.
The bill follows a tragic incident that occurred last year during July 4 fireworks at Tims Ford Lake in Winchester.
“While celebrating the Fourth of July with his wife and family, Mr. John Cobb was struck and killed by a stray celebratory bullet during fireworks celebrations,” said Bowling. “John’s wife, Michelle, administered CPR, not knowing that her husband had been struck in the head by a stray bullet.”
The measure includes several exceptions, including self-defense, hunting and shooting ranges. It also ensures this offense is taught in state-authorized handgun safety courses.
Senate passes legislation to protect farmers in rare livestock disease events
The Senate this week passed legislation to ensure Tennessee farmers are financially protected in the event of a rare, state-ordered livestock eradication due to disease.
Senate Bill 2026, sponsored by Sen. Adam Lowe (R-Calhoun), addresses a gap in current law by establishing a process for state indemnity if a herd must be destroyed at the direction of the state veterinarian. While livestock eradication orders are typically issued at the federal level with support from the United States Department of Agriculture, current statute does not provide coverage if such an order were to occur at the state level.
Under the legislation, Tennessee would be responsible for covering the remaining 25 percent of losses not paid by the USDA, ensuring farmers are not left shouldering the financial burden in these rare but serious situations.
The bill provides peace of mind for Tennessee’s agricultural community while reinforcing the state’s commitment to those who help feed and fuel the economy.
“Our farmers should never have to worry about losing everything because of a disease outbreak beyond their control,” said Lowe. “This legislation ensures that if the state ever has to take the unlikely and extraordinary step of ordering a herd eradication, we will stand with our livestock producers and make them whole. It’s about protecting the men and women who keep Tennessee’s agricultural industry strong.”
Senate passes legislation aimed at preventing deed fraud by strengthening requirements for recording property deeds
To help prevent deed fraud and protect property owners, the Senate passed legislation strengthening requirements for preparing and recording property deeds. Sponsored by Senator Brent Taylor (R-Memphis), the bill requires that any deed transferring real property be prepared by a licensed attorney, a licensed title insurance agent, the property owner, or someone legally authorized to act on the owner’s behalf.
Senate Bill 1707 also requires an affidavit with each deed confirming who prepared it and that it was properly signed and notarized, adding an extra layer of verification before it can be recorded. The legislation comes in response to growing concerns about deed fraud, including reported attempts to unlawfully transfer ownership of properties.
“This bill is about protecting Tennesseans from having their property stolen through fraudulent deeds,” said Taylor. “By adding clear requirements and verification, we’re putting stronger safeguards in place to stop bad actors.”
In Brief …
Better representation on utility boards - To give local communities a stronger voice in who provides their electric service, the Commerce and Labor Committee passed Senate Bill 2102. Sponsored by Senator Brent Taylor (R-Memphis), the legislation requires certain large municipal utilities to add a voting board member from outside their home county if they serve a significant number of customers there. The bill outlines when these members begin serving and clarifies they are not municipal employees. It also keeps current utility board structures in place by prohibiting an electric utility currently governed by a utility board from shifting control to local governing bodies. The measure now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Protecting taxpayers by requiring defendants to cover monitoring expenses - To ensure non-indigent defendants are held financially accountable for the costs of their with court-ordered electronic or transdermal monitoring devices, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 254. Sponsored by Senator Todd Gardenhire (R-Chattanooga), the legislation requires these defendants to pay for their court-ordered electronic or transdermal monitoring and establishes a clear process for addressing nonpayment.
If a defendant fails to pay, the court must be notified within five days and hold a show cause hearing within 30 days, while monitoring remains active to protect public safety. Following the hearing, courts may revoke bond, require immediate payment, or identify alternative funding sources, and providers may discontinue services if they remain unpaid after the legal process concludes.
The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Strengthening consumer protections in real estate closings - Legislation to increase transparency and protect consumers in residential real estate transactions passed the Senate this week. Senate Bill 394, sponsored by Sen. Paul Rose (R-Covington), establishes new regulations for title insurance agencies and settlement services involving one to four residential units. The bill targets “premium-for-risk” or title-splitting arrangements, where title agencies assume liability for policies they did not issue in exchange for a portion of the premium which can blur regulatory lines and expose consumers to risk.
Senate Bill 394 clarifies that only licensed title insurers may assume that risk and ensures the settlement agent named in the purchase contract has authority to issue title policies, helping protect consumer choice. While allowing fee-sharing to continue, the legislation requires full disclosure and signed acknowledgment from both buyers and sellers. The measure aims to improve transparency, prevent unlicensed insurance activity, and strengthen protections for consumers during the closing process. The bill does not apply to auctions or the initial sale of newly constructed homes.
Reducing cost and delay of annexations - To make it easier for cities to expand without the cost and delay of a full referendum, the Senate passed legislation allowing certain annexations with written property owner consent. Sponsored by Senator Paul Bailey (R-Sparta), Senate Bill 997 allows annexation without a public vote if at least two-thirds of the property owners agree in writing, those owners collectively own more than half of the land being annexed, and the annexation involves nine or fewer parcels. The bill is aimed at facilitating industrial or small-scale expansions while avoiding the expense of a referendum, which under current law requires 50% of voters to approve.
Offering flexibility for state employees continuing education - To give state employees more flexibility in continuing their education, the Senate State and Local Government Committee passed legislation expanding access to higher education opportunities. Sponsored by Senator Paul Bailey (R-Sparta), Senate Bill 1612 allows full-time state employees to take up to four college courses at the same time at a state-supported institution, so long as they do not exceed four courses in a year.
Increasing accountability for hit-and-runs resulting in death – The Senate passed legislation this week to add minimum sentencing requirements to those convicted of leaving the scene of an accident if the person knew or should reasonably have known resulted in death, which is a Class E felony. Senate Bill 1602, sponsored by Senator Tom Hatcher (R-Maryville), mandates a minimum one-year prison sentence that must be served at 100% and a fine ranging from $5,000 to $10,000.
Protecting sensitive homeland security information - The Senate passed legislation to protect the privacy of certain Homeland Security records that, if made public, could threaten public safety. Senate Bill 1881, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin), specifies that records related to critical infrastructure, terrorism prevention, threat assessments and security operations are confidential and not subject to public disclosure under the Tennessee Public Records Act. It also protects detailed security information such as vulnerability assessments, emergency response plans, and cyber security configurations that could be used to exploit weaknesses if disclosed. To maintain legislative oversight, it requires annual reporting to the General Assembly on threats against public officials. It does not broadly close records or limit access to routine law enforcement information, but instead would narrowly protect specific categories of sensitive security information.
Increasing options for homeschool testing – The Senate passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Kerry Roberts (R-Springfield) to enhance testing freedom for Tennessee homeschoolers passed the House this week. Senate Bill 2636 authorizes the use of additional nationally-normed standardized exams for homeschool students in grades five, seven and nine. Currently, independent homeschool students are required to take the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program in person at their zoned public school. This legislation provides alternative testing options by allowing families to select an eligible English language arts and mathematics exam, and adds the Classic Learning Test as an option for all Tennessee students as an alternative to the ACT or SAT. Additionally, it eliminates an antiquated section of Tennessee law that allows a school district to require a homeschool student to enter public or private school if the child fails to meet certain testing requirements.
Allowing schools to keep epinephrine nasal spray – The Senate Finance Committee passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Joey Hensley (R-Hohenwald) to expand options to treat students suffering from an anaphylactic reaction. Under current law, schools are allowed to maintain an emergency supply of epinephrine, but only in the form of auto-injectors (epi-pens). Now epinephrine is also available in a nasal spray, so Senate Bill 1716 would allow schools to maintain epinephrine in any form to treat severe allergic reactions. The bill advances to the Senate floor for final consideration.
Redeeming property after a tax sale - To make it easier for homeowners to buy back property after unpaid taxes, the Senate State and Local Government Committee passed legislation that changes how long people have to redeem a property after a tax sale. Sponsored by Senator Brent Taylor (R-Memphis), Senate Bill 1983 gives homeowners with three years or less of unpaid property taxes one year to reclaim their property, and those with more than three years of unpaid taxes 90 days. The bill shortens and standardizes the redemption period so properties don’t stay on the tax sale list too long. Senate Bill 1983 now goes to the full Senate for a vote.
Tennessee Real Estate Consumer Fraud Protection Act - The Commerce and Labor Committee passed Senate Bill 1985, sponsored by Senator Brent Taylor (R-Memphis). Known as the “Tennessee Real Estate Consumer Fraud Protection Act”, the legislation allows a licensed attorney to prepare a legal description for real estate in a deed when one does not already exist, as long as it is based on a survey completed by a licensed land surveyor. The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final vote.
Providing financial flexibility to seniors with reverse mortgages - To modernize Tennessee’s reverse mortgage laws and provide older homeowners with additional financial flexibility, the Commerce and Labor Committee Senate Bill 2190, sponsored by Senator John Stevens (R-Huntingdon). Known as the “Tennessee Reverse Mortgage Innovation Act” the legislation will recognize additional reverse mortgage products beyond those currently insured through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). Currently, only FHA-insured reverse mortgages are authorized in Tennessee. The measure would allow reverse mortgages on homes that exceed the FHA maximum lending limit and expand eligibility to borrowers as young as 55, compared to the FHA minimum age requirement of 62. The bill would also extend eligibility to homeowners living in condominiums that do not meet FHA approval guidelines, increasing access for property owners. The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Continuous insurance coverage for delivery drivers - To ensure clear and continuous coverage for delivery drivers, the Commerce and Labor Committee passed Senate Bill 2458. Sponsored by Senator Paul Bailey (R-Sparta), the legislation addresses a growing gray area where drivers may lack clear coverage when a delivery app is active but a trip has not yet begun. It requires delivery network companies, such as DoorDash, to maintain and verify automobile liability insurance for drivers operating on their platforms, ensuring coverage and proof of financial responsibility. The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Protecting property rights and supporting EV infrastructure - To ensure homeowners can embrace new technology without unnecessary barriers, the Commerce and Labor Committee unanimously passed Senate Bill 1787. Sponsored by Senator Shane Reeves (R-Murfreesboro), the legislation prevents condominium and homeowners associations from banning electric vehicle charging stations on private property or designated parking spaces. The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Fireworks sales expansion for America 250 - To expand opportunities for Tennesseans to celebrate as the nation approaches America’s 250th anniversary, the Commerce and Labor Committee passed Senate Bill 1964. Sponsored by Senator Ken Yager (R-Kingston), the legislation adds Memorial Day and Labor Day to the period in which seasonal fireworks may be sold. It would also increase the seasonal permit fee to sell fireworks from $100 to $150. The bill now heads to the Finance Committee for fiscal review.
Workforce Pell Grant programs - To expand access to high quality job training and maximize federal resources, the Commerce and Labor Committee passed Senate Bill 2193. Sponsored by Senator Brent Taylor (R-Memphis), the legislation requires the Governor, in coordination with the State Workforce Development Board to approve workforce training programs eligible for federal Workforce Pell Grants. It also ensures coordination across state and federal workforce initiatives to prevent duplicative payments for costs already covered by Pell Grants. The bill now heads to the Finance Committee for fiscal review.
Standardizing non-compete agreements - To create consistent and fair standards for non-compete agreements, the committee advanced Senate Bill 995, sponsored by Senator Paul Bailey (R-Sparta). The legislation sets clear guidelines for how long non-competes can last, giving businesses and courts more certainty. It also protects lower-wage workers by banning non-competes for employees earning $70,000 or less. If an agreement is too broad, courts can adjust it to make it reasonable instead of throwing it out entirely. The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Vehicular assault –The Senate passed legislation to expand the definition of vehicular assault to protect public safety. Senate Bill 375, sponsored by Sen. Paul Rose (R-Covington), ensures that vehicular assault applies to any person, regardless of age, who receives a broken bone from a vehicle. The bill removes the age restriction from vehicular assault, which currently only applies to children 12 years of age or younger who have broken a bone. The other elements of the definition remain unchanged: a substantial risk of death, protracted unconsciousness, extreme physical pain, or protracted loss or substantial impairment of a function of a bodily member, organ or mental faculty.
Tougher DUI penalties in active school zones – Legislation to increase penalties for impaired driving near schools passed the Senate this week. Senate Bill 1658, sponsored by Sen. Todd Gardenhire (R-Chattanooga), establishes a mandatory minimum 30-day jail sentence for individuals convicted of a DUI if the offense occurs within a marked school zone while warning flashers are active. The measure is aimed at strengthening protections for children, school staff and families during high-traffic school hours by imposing stricter consequences for dangerous driving in areas where pedestrians are most vulnerable.
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