Senate advances online safety and consumer protection measures, McNally sets retirement date
The Senate made online safety and consumer protection a top priority this week, moving legislation to crack down on hidden fees, strengthen privacy protections, and make sure money recovered from harmful online practices goes back into helping Tennessee kids through mental health and law enforcement efforts. Lawmakers are also working to give shoppers clearer, upfront prices and to stop legal tactics that drive up costs for taxpayers.
The week ended with the surprise news that Lt. Governor Randy McNally will not seek re-election in 2026. A longtime presence in the General Assembly, McNally’s strong and dependable leadership will be missed when he exits the stage in January.
Lt. Governor Randy McNally will not run for re-election to the State Senate
NASHVILLE, TN — Lt. Governor Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge) today announced he will not seek re-election to the Tennessee State Senate in 2026, concluding a legislative career spanning nearly five decades.
“It has been the honor of my life to represent the people of my community and serve the people of Tennessee. It is with a full heart and a deep sense of gratitude that I announce I will not be a candidate for the state Senate in 2026,” said Lt. Governor McNally.
“My public service has been a team effort every step of the way. I offer my deepest thanks to the constituents I have served and to the members and staff with whom I have collaborated.” McNally continued. “My aim each day was to leave my state and my community a little better than I found them. Together, I believe we have done just that.”
During his tenure, McNally helped lead the Tennessee General Assembly through a period of historic financial stability and economic growth.
“Tennessee’s success is due in no small part to the people I have served alongside every day. It is the result of disciplined budgeting, conservative leadership, and a steadfast commitment to our citizens. We have maintained balanced budgets, built one of the largest rainy day funds in state history, cut taxes to spur economic growth, and made strategic investments in education and workforce development. At the same time, we have strengthened public safety, kept our debt low, and ensured responsible spending. That is how you build a state that works not just for today, but for generations to come. I am proud to have been part of that effort.”
Tennessee is widely recognized as a national leader in fiscal responsibility and conservative governance.
McNally was first elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives in 1978. After four terms in the House, he was elected to the state Senate in 1986. While in the House, McNally began his long service on the Finance, Ways and Means Committee, where he developed the policy expertise that would define his legislative career. He went on to serve 26 years on the Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee, including ten years as chairman. Prior to his election as Speaker of the Senate in 2017, McNally was the chamber’s leading voice for fiscal responsibility.
By the end of his current term in November, Lt. Governor McNally will have served 48 years in the legislature. When a new Speaker of the Senate is elected in January, McNally will have completed a decade in the position.
Legislation proposes fund safeguarding children’s online safety
To better fund efforts to protect children’s mental health and safety, the Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 2061. Sponsored by Senator Bo Watson (R-Hixson), the bill creates the "Children's Digital Protection Fund” to hold money recovered from legal claims against social media and gaming platforms related to harm to minors. Funds deposited into the account, including settlement proceeds, civil penalties, and accrued interest, would be strictly reserved for children’s mental health services, research, law enforcement efforts, and suicide prevention initiatives focused on digital safety.
“Children today are growing up in a digital world that presents real and serious mental health challenges,” said Watson. “If companies are found to have harmed minors, the resources recovered from those cases should go directly toward helping our kids. This legislation ensures that funds secured through enforcement actions are reinvested in mental health services, research, suicide prevention, and law enforcement efforts focused on protecting children online.”
The State Treasurer and the Attorney General will oversee the fund’s management and expenditures, ensuring all recoveries remain dedicated to these specific purposes.
The bill now heads to the Finance Committee for fiscal review.
Legislation advances to restore focus on youth fitness in Tennessee schools
The Senate Education Committee this week advanced Senate Bill 1979, sponsored by Sen. Bo Watson (R-Hixson), to reintroduce competitive youth fitness assessments in Tennessee schools and place a renewed emphasis on student health and wellness.
The legislation requires schools to administer the Presidential Fitness Test to measure cardiovascular endurance and other key indicators of physical fitness while encouraging students to set goals and strive for personal achievement.
“Reinstating this program will put young Americans on a lifelong path toward health and wellness, improving their quality of life and helping prepare them for future service to our state and nation,” said Watson.
Originally created under President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956, the Presidential Fitness Test recognized excellence in physical education and was used nationwide for decades. The Obama administration replaced it with a less competitive test. Now, under President Trump, the Presidential Fitness Test program is being revived with a renewed focus on friendly competition, achievement, and strong physical conditioning.
Historically the test included events such as a one-mile run, push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, a shuttle run, and the sit-and-reach. Students who earn top scores will receive recognition for their accomplishments, reinforcing the value of discipline, goal-setting, and healthy lifestyles.
The assessment may be conducted during physical education classes or other required physical activity periods. Student results will not affect academic grades, and appropriate accommodations will be available for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or Section 504 plans. Participation will not be required in cases where it would be unsafe.
Consumer protection bill cracks down on hidden fees, strengthens privacy
Legislation approved by the Senate this week targets hidden fees in online purchases, strengthens protections for personal data and prevents out-of-state corporations from burying Tennessee taxpayers in expensive legal fishing expeditions. Senate Bill 1735, sponsored by Sen. John Stevens (R-Huntingdon), updates the state’s consumer protection laws to reflect the way Tennesseans shop and do business today.
“This legislation is about fairness and transparency for the people of Tennessee,” said Stevens. “When a price is advertised, you should be able to trust that’s the real price. At the same time, we are protecting taxpayers from costly litigation tactics, strengthening privacy protections for new technologies and making sure our Attorney General can act quickly when consumers are being taken advantage of.”
One key provision takes aim at “drip pricing” — a practice many consumers encounter when buying concert tickets, booking travel or making purchases online. A price is advertised as one amount, but mandatory fees are added at the last minute, driving up the total cost. The legislation gives the Attorney General clear authority to enforce full, upfront price disclosure so Tennesseans know the real cost before they click “buy.”
The bill also protects taxpayers from costly and overly broad legal demands by clarifying that the Attorney General cannot be forced to gather documents from every state agency when defending a case. This prevents large corporate defendants from using sweeping discovery requests that consume staff time and public resources — a tactic that ultimately drives up costs for taxpayers.
Additional provisions speed up the resolution of consumer protection cases, reinforce Tennessee’s ban on certain class-action lawsuits, and close a loophole in state law so biometric data, including information derived from photos and videos used for facial recognition, is covered by stronger privacy safeguards.
“By cutting red tape, increasing price transparency and modernizing privacy protections, this bill ensures Tennessee consumers keep more of their hard-earned money, while state government operates more efficiently and responsibly,” added Stevens.
Senate passes legislation to ensure swift resolution of critical legal questions
The Senate this week passed Senate Bill 1731 to strengthen the state’s ability to seek immediate appellate review of major constitutional and immunity-related rulings, ensuring fundamental legal questions are resolved quickly and efficiently.
The legislation, sponsored by Sen. John Stevens (R-Huntingdon), expands the state’s right to appeal to include trial court decisions involving the denial of sovereign immunity, the denial of qualified immunity for state officials, and rulings that allow challenges to the constitutionality of state laws, executive orders, administrative rules, or other government actions to proceed. These issues are threshold legal matters that determine whether a case should move forward at all and are best settled by appellate courts at the earliest stage.
“Taxpayers should not be forced to fund years of litigation when a case hinges on a fundamental legal question that potentially impacts millions of Tennesseans,” said Stevens. “These decisions can and should be decided up front. This legislation protects Tennessee’s sovereign interests and ensures constitutional challenges to state action are resolved as quickly and clearly as possible.”
Under current law, most interlocutory appeals are granted only at the discretion of the court. SB 1731 provides a clear, consistent path for immediate review in cases involving exceptionally important legal questions, helping prevent unnecessary litigation costs and providing faster certainty for the state and its citizens.
Legislation advances to establish statewide framework for subterranean transportation infrastructure
Legislation advancing in the Senate would establish Tennessee’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.
“As Middle Tennessee continues to expand into surrounding counties, we must think regionally about mobility,” Johnson said. “Underground transit can reduce surface congestion, connect our satellite communities more efficiently, and provide Tennesseans with a viable and affordable public transportation option — all without placing additional cost on 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 an eleven-member governing board that includes appointments by the Governor and the speakers of both legislative chambers, along with key state officials responsible for transportation, commerce, environmental protection, and fire safety.
“When private companies have the ability to provide low-cost, safe, and efficient transportation options to our citizens — without costing taxpayers a dime — we should do everything in our power to encourage that private investment,” Johnson said.
The measure was advanced by the Senate Commerce Committee and will be considered in additional committees in the coming weeks.
Legislation advances to support rescue squads grants
To ensure that only legitimate rescue squads are receiving state grants and support, the Commerce and Labor Committee passed Senate Bill 1110. Sponsored by Senator Jessie Seal (R-New Tazewell), the bill enacts the “Rescue Squad Recognition Act”, allowing legitimate rescue squads to be officially recognized by the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
“Our volunteer rescue squads play a critical role in protecting lives across Tennessee,” said Seal. “This legislation ensures accountability and helps guarantee that state resources go to legitimate, properly organized emergency responders who are serving their communities.”
Under the bill, new rescue squads must receive approval from their local governing body and be recognized by the State Fire Marshal’s Office before operating. Existing rescue squads may continue operating but must comply with the new recognition requirements.
The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final vote.
Legislation aims to increase coverage for children’s prosthetics
To ensure that children have better access to prosthetics, the Commerce and Insurance Committee passed Senate Bill 422. Sponsored by Senator Shane Reeves (R-Murfreesboro), the bill ensures that children 17 and under who need a second prosthetic device will have that device covered by insurance.
“There is a real cost to doing nothing,” said Reeves. “For many kids, one prosthetic device isn’t enough to safely participate in sports, physical education, or everyday activities that keep them healthy and engaged. This legislation ensures children have the tools they need to run, swim, ride bikes, build strength, and live full, active lives. We should never allow a child’s quality of life to be limited because of insurance coverage. Tennessee families deserve better, and our kids deserve every opportunity to get off the sidelines and into the game of life.”
The bill now heads to the Finance Committee for fiscal review.
In Brief…
Cracking down on illegal gambling -In an effort to strengthen efforts to combat illegal gambling in Tennessee, the Commerce and Labor Committee passed Senate Bill 2136. Sponsored by Senator Ferrell Haile (R-Gallatin), the bill targets illegal casino-style games, sweepstakes operations, and unauthorized gambling machines by designating them as violations of the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act. This allows the state to pursue stronger civil penalties against unlawful operators.
The legislation also expands the authority of the Sports Wagering Council to investigate illegal gambling activity and strengthens the Attorney General’s investigative powers. The legislation authorizes the Attorney General to file civil lawsuits and seek court injunctions to shut down illegal gambling operations operating in Tennessee.
Senate Bill 2136 now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Streamlining historical sites agriculture lease agreements - To invest in rural economies and provide revenue to historical sites, the Senate passed a bill to cut red tape for historical boards, allowing them to lease land directly to local farmers without going through the State's formal procurement process. Sponsored by Senator Ferrell Haile (R-Gallatin), Senate Bill 1490 allows historical sites to generate self-sustaining revenue from the lease that must be reinvested into the historic site to pay for preservation of historic sites and structures. The measure now goes before the full Senate for final consideration.
Disclosing requirements for deepfakes in political advertisements - To provide transparency to viewers and potential voters, the Senate State and Local Government Committee passed Senate Bill 1624, sponsored by Senator Becky Massey (R-Knoxville). The legislation requires clear and plain-language disclosures on AI-generated political advertisements and on content that impersonates or depicts a candidate saying or doing something that did not occur. Under the amendment, broadcasters and online platforms are not held responsible for airing the content; instead, creators who fail to include the required disclosure are subject to a Class C misdemeanor and may be required to pay damages to the affected candidate in an amount equal to the harm caused by the violation. The measure now heads to the Senate Chamber for a full Senate vote.
Responding to the rise of political violence - To permit the use of campaign funds for personal security, the Senate State and Local Government Committee passed Senate Bill 2320, sponsored by Ferrell Haile (R-Gallatin). The measure responds to the alarming rise of political assassinations and threats against candidates, officeholders, and individuals of political influence. The legislation allows up to $12,000 of campaign money to be used for security expenses. Tennessee remains committed to holding anyone who attempts acts of political violence accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Senate Bill 2320 heads to the Senate Chamber for a vote before the full Senate.
Promoting public comment in community meetings - To promote public comment in governing body meetings, the Senate State and Local Government Committee passed Senate Bill 178, sponsored by Adam Lowe (R-Calhoun). The legislation ensures that community members have the opportunity to address an appointed body on issues listed on the meeting agenda and matters within the body’s jurisdiction of influence by requiring the body to reserve a public comment period for each meeting. The bill emphasizes that public comment remains a central part of the decision making process. Senate Bill 178 now advances to the Senate floor for a full vote.
Recognizing risks of linemen work and increasing benefits - To honor the brave linemen who died in the line of duty, the Senate State and Local Government Committee passed legislation requiring insurance companies to provide financial relief to families for up to two years, with benefits totaling up to $50,000 when a lineman is killed on the job. Senate Bill 1907, sponsored by John Stevens (R-Huntingdon), now advances to the Senate Finance Committee for fiscal review.
Cost free cancer screening for eligible state employees - To increase access to early detection cancer screenings for state employees and their families, the Commerce and Labor Committee passed Senate Bill 1626. Sponsored by Senator Richard Briggs (R-Knoxville), the bill ensures that employees who have a genetic predisposition to cancer, can access critical cancer screenings and genetic testing without paying out of pocket costs. Under the bill, eligible patients will not be required to pay copays, deductibles, or any other out of pocket costs. Early detection saves lives. By removing financial barriers, this bill ensures that high risk individuals can receive preventive care that they need before cancer progresses. The bill now heads to the Finance Committee for fiscal review.
Cancer protections for arson investigators - To ensure arson investigators receive the same health protections as firefighters, the Commerce and Labor Committee has passed Senate Bill 1616. Sponsored by Senator Ed Jackson (R-Jackson), the legislation adds arson investigators employed by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and deputies serving as arson investigators within county sheriff’s departments to Tennessee’s cancer presumption law. This recognizes that their exposure to hazardous fire scenes may cause cancer and allows them to seek workers’ compensation benefits if diagnosed with a qualifying illness. The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final vote.
Modernizing cash transactions - To provide businesses and consumers with clarity regarding the federal government not producing pennies, the Commerce and Labor Committee passed Senate Bill 1810. Sponsored by Senator Shane Reeves (R-Murfreesboro), the bill implements the Swedish rounding system in Tennessee, by allowing businesses that do not have exact change to round a purchase total up or down to the nearest five cents. This legislation only applies to cash payments, and does not affect debit, credit, or other online transactions.
If enacted, the bill rounds down for transactions ending in: 1, 2, 6, or 7 and down for transactions ending in: 3, 4, 8 or 9. This ensures, on average, no net loss for consumers.
The legislation now heads to the Finance Committee for fiscal review.
Expanding Insurance Coverage for Home and Farm Owners - To ensure homeowners can receive adequate insurance coverage for potential damages to their property, the Commerce and Labor Committee passed Senate Bill 2601. Sponsored by Senator Steve Southerland (R-Morristown), the bill increases the retained risk limit for a single risk covered by a county mutual insurance company from $100,000 to $250,000. A “single risk” can include property related losses such as plumbing damage, fire damage, storm damage, farm equipment losses, and similar covered property claims. The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Clear rules for digital asset transactions -To provide clear legal rules for digital assets, the Commerce and Labor Committee passed Senate Bill 1859. Sponsored by Senator John Stevens (R-Huntingdon), the legislation gives courts, businesses, and banks clear guidance on how digital assets may be owned, transferred, or used as collateral in commercial transactions. The proposal does not create cryptocurrency or regulate digital currency. The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Modernizing automobile franchise and regulatory law - To update and strengthen Tennessee’s motor vehicle and franchise laws, the Commerce and Labor Committee passed Senate Bill 608. Sponsored by Senator Paul Bailey (R-Sparta), the legislation authorizes the Commissioner of Commerce and Insurance to establish rules governing automobile clubs and associations, providing clearer oversight standards and consistent regulatory enforcement.
Additionally, the bill updates Tennessee’s motor vehicle franchise statutes governing the relationship between automobile manufacturers and licensed motor vehicle dealers. The bill clarifies manufacturer and dealer rights, refines notice and procedural requirements, and aligns Tennessee’s franchise framework more closely with protections adopted in many other states. The legislation does not affect consumer vehicle registration laws or regulate individual drivers.
The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Aligning local elections with state elections - The Judiciary Committee passed Senate Joint Resolution 551 to align local elections with state election cycles. Sponsored by Senator Ferrell Haile (R-Gallatin), the proposed constitutional amendment changes the general election date from the first Thursday in August to the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Assessors of property would not be affected.
Currently, many local elections hold their primary in May and their general election in August. This constitutional amendment would shift those elections to align with the state schedule, moving the primary to August and the general election to November.
Under the Tennessee Constitution, a proposed amendment must first pass by a majority vote in two consecutive General Assemblies before it can be placed on the ballot. It is then submitted to voters during a gubernatorial election year and must be approved to take effect. If approved this year, the next General Assembly must pass the amendment again before it can appear on the 2030 gubernatorial ballot for voter consideration.
The proposed amendment will head to the Senate Floor for further consideration.
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