Senate committee work nears completion as two more committees close
(NASHVILLE) As the General Assembly is nearing adjournment in the coming weeks, lawmakers are focused on wrapping up legislative business and finalizing budget negotiations. Committee work is largely complete, with nearly all committees now closed, including the Senate Health and Welfare Committee and the State and Local Government Committee, which finished their business for the 114th General Assembly this week.
In the weeks ahead, attention will remain on refining key priorities and reaching agreement on the state’s budget before adjournment.
No more taxpayer-funded transgender reassignment treatment in Tennessee
To ensure TennCare focuses on core healthcare needs and responsible use of taxpayer dollars, the Senate passed legislation sponsored by Senator Adam Lowe (R-Calhoun).
Senate Bill 2118 prohibits TennCare from covering treatment costs associated with transgender reassignments. The legislation aims to keep the state’s public insurance program centered on treatments that are clearly tied to physical health and medical necessity.
“This bill is about making sure TennCare stays focused on real healthcare needs,” said Lowe. “We want to protect patients while also being good stewards of taxpayer dollars, ensuring funds are used for treatments that are clearly tied to health and wellness.”
The bill makes clear that TennCare will continue to cover legitimate medical care, including treatment for congenital conditions, early puberty, disease, or physical injury. It also allows individuals already undergoing treatment prior to the bill’s effective date to continue receiving care through March 31, 2027, if a doctor determines that stopping treatment would be harmful
Senate passes legislation to restore separation of powers and return policymaking authority to the General Assembly
The Senate passed legislation this week aimed at restoring the General Assembly’s authority to make public policy without politically motivated lawsuits undermining the legislature's constitutionally designated powers. It requires lawsuits against state law be based on a specific injury rather than hypothetical claims.
“When the judiciary is used as a political tool to block laws passed by the legislature, it undermines the constitutional balance of powers,” said Stevens. “This legislation restores that balance and ensures policy decisions remain where they belong—with the people’s elected lawmakers.”
In 2018, a change in state law significantly expanded who can challenge state statutes in court, allowing individuals to file lawsuits against laws passed by the General Assembly, even if they have not suffered a direct or personal injury. This change opened the door to politically driven litigation designed to block or delay laws enacted by the legislature.
Senate Bill 1958, sponsored by Sen. John Stevens (R-Huntingdon), would restore Tennessee’s judicial review standards to the framework that existed prior to 2018 by requiring plaintiffs to demonstrate a direct and particularized injury before challenging a state law in court.
“If someone is suing because they’re worried something might happen someday, courts should say: come back when there’s a real problem—or when real harm is imminent” Stevens added. “Tennessee’s laws should be debated and decided by the people’s elected representatives, not rewritten through politically motivated lawsuits. Courts exist to resolve real disputes, not hypothetical scenarios brought by activist groups.
In these frivolous lawsuits, courts rely on testimony from so-called “experts” to guide decisions that can ultimately shape statewide policy. Supporters of the legislation argue that these experts frequently bring their own political biases into the courtroom, allowing major policy decisions to be influenced by unelected individuals rather than the representatives chosen by voters.
“These are the same experts whose guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic led to prolonged school closures, sweeping mask mandates, and vaccine mandates that affected families across Tennessee,” said Stevens. “Many of these same experts also promote irreversible gender transition procedures on children as settled science. Those kinds of policy debates should happen in the legislature, where elected officials are accountable to the people, not in courtrooms driven by activist lawsuits.”
Senate Bill 1958 preserves the ability for individuals directly affected by a law to challenge it in court and clarifies that laws in violation of the Tennessee or US Constitution can still be challenged.
Cracking down on illegal commercial drivers and rogue employers
To enhance roadway safety and ensure commercial vehicles on Tennessee highways are operated by lawfully authorized drivers, the Senate passed Senate Bill 1587. Sponsored by Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin), the legislation makes it a Class A misdemeanor for a person unlawfully present in the United States to operate a commercial motor vehicle in Tennessee.
“This legislation is about keeping Tennessee roads safe,” said Johnson. “Operating a commercial motor vehicle requires training, accountability, and compliance with the law. When individuals who are in this country illegally get behind the wheel of large commercial vehicles, it creates serious risks for the traveling public. This bill holds both illegal drivers and the employers who knowingly enable them accountable so Tennesseans can travel our highways safely.”
Under current Tennessee law, individuals who are unlawfully present in the United States are already prohibited from receiving commercial driver licenses. However, some other states issue commercial licenses to illegal immigrants, and those drivers frequently travel through Tennessee while operating large commercial vehicles. As part of the ‘IMMIGRATION 2026’ legislative package introduced in January, this bill ensures that individuals unlawfully present in the United States cannot legally operate commercial motor vehicles on Tennessee roads.
The bill also takes direct aim at employers who enable these violations. It creates a Class A misdemeanor offense for direct employers who knowingly employ and allow a person unlawfully present in the United States to operate a commercial motor vehicle in this state.
The legislation requires law enforcement to notify federal immigration authorities upon arrest and establishes strict civil liability when a person unlawfully present in the United States causes personal injury or property damage while operating a commercial motor vehicle. It holds direct employers who knowingly permit such driving—and state officials who recklessly issue commercial driver licenses—jointly and severally liable for resulting damages.
Strengthening employment verification and combating illegal immigration
To properly verify the work status of prospective government employees, the Senate passed Senate Bill 1922, sponsored by Senator Richard Briggs (R-Knoxville). The legislation requires all state and local government employers to verify the work authorization status of each prospective employee through the federal E-Verify program prior to employment.
“This bill ensures state and local governments properly verify the legal work status of new hires,” said Briggs.
The legislation also authorizes the attorney general to investigate credible allegations or complaints that a local government or LEA is in violation of this act. If a government employer is found to be in violation, they could lose state funds. Any employer currently using a third-party vendor for Form I-9 verification has until January 1, 2027 to begin using the E-verify program.
Senate passes Procurement Protection Act to safeguard Tennessee’s infrastructure from foreign adversaries
This week, the Senate passed Senate Bill 377, sponsored by Senator Paul Rose (R-Covington), to protect public funds from being used to purchase certain products from foreign adversaries of the United States.
Known as The Tennessee Procurement Protection Act, the bill prohibits state agencies or political subdivisions from procuring final technology products from a foreign adversarial country, as defined by the U.S. Department of Commerce. These include China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea and Russia.
“At its core, this is about protecting Tennessee’s infrastructure and taxpayer dollars from foreign adversaries,” said Rose. “This bill makes sure we’re not buying sensitive technology from countries that don’t have our best interests in mind. It’s a straightforward step to strengthen our supply chains, protect critical systems, and keep the Volunteer State secure.”
The legislation requires the Department of General Services' chief procurement officer (CPO) to certify that no contract is awarded to companies primarily located in or controlled by an adversarial government, with limited exceptions. It also includes companies that are majority-owned by an entity controlled by an adversary.
Technology and software would include communication and networking devices, personal computing devices, industrial and critical infrastructure devices, financial and payment systems, automotive and transportation systems, or any other device or software deemed high-risk by the CPO.
Cracking down on drink spiking and strengthening safeguards
To combat drink spiking and improve safety, the Senate passed Senate Bill 2372. Sponsored by Senator Paul Rose (R-Covington), the legislation makes it a Class D Felony to tamper with food, drinks, or medicine with the intent to intoxicate, harm, seriously injure, or kill another person, with penalties increasing based on the severity of the harm.
“Drink spiking is a serious threat to public safety and too often connected to sexual assault,” said Rose. “Studies indicate that one in five sexual assaults involve drink spiking, highlighting the need for stronger protections. This legislation strengthens penalties for tampering with someone’s drink and ensures customers have access to tools that can quickly detect if their beverage has been compromised.”
The measure also requires licensees that sell or offer samples of intoxicating alcoholic beverages to maintain drug-testing devices so customers can quickly test beverages.
Tennessee Nursing Integrity and Oversight Act
This week, the Senate passed legislation to strengthen oversight of out-of-state nursing education programs operating in Tennessee and protect access to clinical training opportunities for Tennessee nursing students.
Sponsored by Senator Rusty Crowe (R-Johnson City), Senate Bill 2013, known as the Tennessee Nursing Integrity and Oversight Act, places a two-year moratorium on the acceptance and approval of applications from nursing education programs located outside Tennessee that seek approval from the Board of Nursing to operate, enroll students, or place students for clinical experiences in the state.
"We need to get a handle on the number and quality of out of state online nursing education programs we allow, that enroll and place students in clinicals throughout our state,” said Sen. Crowe, Chairman of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee. “These out of state schools are taking up so many of the openings for gaining clinical experience that there are not enough proctors or senior nurses to supervise these clinical experiences required for licensure."
Under the bill, the Center for Nursing Advancement at East Tennessee State University will work in collaboration with the Tennessee Board of Nursing to develop and recommend standards for the approval of out-of-state nursing education programs that utilize Tennessee-licensed preceptors or clinical sites located within the state.
The measure also requires the Center for Nursing Advancement to publish a report by June 30, 2027, detailing its recommended standards and submit the report to the Chief Clerks of the Senate and House of Representatives, the Legislative Librarian, and the Board of Nursing.
Additionally, the Center will be required to publish an annual report by June 30 of each year identifying out-of-state nursing programs that use clinical sites in Tennessee.
Committee advances Toxic-Free Medical Device Act to improve patient safety
To continue efforts to “Make America Healthy Again”, the Senate Health and Welfare Committee advanced Senate Bill 2594. Sponsored by Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin) the bill aims to improve patient safety and reduce exposure to harmful chemicals in medical settings.
Known as the “Toxic-Free Medical Device Act”, the legislation prohibits the manufacture, sale, or distribution of certain intravenous (IV) solution containers—used to deliver fluids directly into a patient’s bloodstream—made with intentionally added DEHP beginning January 1, 2030. The bill also phases out DEHP in IV tubing beginning January 1, 2035, with limited flexibility for compliance through 2032.
“Protecting the most vulnerable Tennesseans is at the heart of this legislation,” said Johnson. “By phasing out harmful chemicals like DEHP from critical medical devices, we are taking a proactive step to ensure safer care for patients across our state.”
DEHP is a chemical plasticizer used to make plastics more flexible that studies show can enter the bloodstream during medical treatments and may pose greater risks to vulnerable populations, such as infants and patients requiring long-term IV care.
The legislation also prevents manufacturers from replacing DEHP with other similar chemicals. Certain products, including blood collection and storage bags along with specialized therapy kits, are exempt from the measure
Senate Bill 2594 moves to the Senate floor for further consideration.
Helping patients get medications quicker
To streamline access to federally approved medications and align state drug scheduling with federal standards, the Senate Health and Welfare Committee advanced legislation establishing automatic state scheduling for certain controlled substances.
Sponsored by Senator Shane Reeves (R‑Murfreesboro), Senate Bill 2556 ensures that any drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and scheduled by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is automatically placed in the same schedule in Tennessee. This applies unless the drug is classified differently by the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (DMHSAS).
“This bill will help patients get the medications they need faster while keeping Tennessee’s drug regulations aligned with federal standards,” said Reeves. “By automatically recognizing FDA-approved medications in our state schedule, we’re making sure patients have timely access to safe, effective care without unnecessary delays.”
The legislation also allows licensed healthcare prescribers authorized to prescribe controlled substances to begin prescribing these medications immediately upon state scheduling, as long as it is within their lawful scope of practice and the drug is not classified as Schedule I.
Senate Bill 2556 now heads to the Senate Floor for a final vote.
Ensuring open honest doctor patient conversations
To clarify confidentiality protections and support open communication in healthcare settings, the Senate Health and Welfare Committee advanced legislation related to quality improvement efforts. Sponsored by Senator Bo Watson (R-Hixson), Senate Bill 2413 ensures that when healthcare providers or organizations share information in good faith with patients or their families about quality improvement committee (QIC) activities, those conversations do not waive existing legal protections.
“This legislation brings much-needed clarity after the Castillo v. Rex decision created uncertainty for providers,” said Watson. “We want to make sure doctors and hospitals can have open, honest conversations with patients and their families without fear, while still maintaining accountability and continuing to improve the quality of care.”
The bill makes clear that these discussions are separate from official QIC proceedings and are not considered an admission of liability. It also maintains that the findings and conclusions of a QIC must remain confidential and cannot be disclosed in legal or administrative proceedings unless required by law.
Senate Bill 2413 now moves to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Creating guardrails for stem cell therapy
To ensure safe and responsible use of stem cell therapy, the Senate Health and Welfare Committee advanced 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.
“This legislation is about putting patients first by expanding access to innovative treatments while ensuring strong safety and ethical standards,” said Jackson. “We’re creating a clear framework that allows physicians to responsibly offer regenerative therapies, with transparency, informed consent, and proper oversight.”
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 Bill 2586 advances to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Reducing red tape, empowering pain clinics and doctors
To strengthen patient safety while reducing government overreach and unnecessary red tape for doctors, the Senate Health and Welfare Committee passed Senate Bill 2279 sponsored by Senator Richard Briggs (R-Knoxville). The measure updates regulations for high-risk prescribers and licensed pain management clinics, ensuring oversight is focused on protecting Tennesseans rather than burdening healthcare providers.
Under the bill, the Department of Health (DOH) must post the criteria for identifying a prescriber as high-risk on its website. A prescriber can have that designation removed once they complete a required course on opioid risks and show compliance over time. This ensures that doctors following best practices aren’t unfairly labeled as high-risk because of past overdoses.
“We can protect patients while supporting the doctors who care for them,” said Briggs. “We’re cutting unnecessary red tape, updating outdated rules, and giving healthcare providers the flexibility they need so they can stay in Tennessee and keep serving their communities safely.”
It further requires DOH to publish inspection standards and allows the Commissioner to issue advisory rulings to provide clarity for providers without setting binding precedent.
Regulatory Freedom Act of 2026
This week, the Senate State and Local Committee advanced Senate Bill 2199, sponsored by Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin) and carried by Senator Adam Lowe (R-Calhoun), which enacts the “Regulatory Freedom Act of 2026.”
The bill gives Tennesseans and businesses more say in the rules that affect them by creating a stop-gap to prevent regulatory overreach. The legislation requires state agencies to notify the people and industries impacted by a proposed rule, post it online at least 45 days before a public hearing, and allow feedback on the real-world and financial impact. If a rule has a negative fiscal impact, agencies must create a fiscal impact statement and report it to lawmakers. Rules expected to have a negative financial impact of $1 million or more must be approved by the legislature before taking effect.
“This bill gives agency back to constituents – whether you’re a hairdresser, a farmer, or a teacher – by making sure agencies reach out to the people and industries directly affected by new laws,” said Lowe. “It ensures the voices of real Tennesseans are heard and that elected lawmakers, not bureaucrats, are making the decisions that impact our communities.”
Senate Bill 2199 moves to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Party registration for primaries
To provide more structure and transparency in Tennessee’s election process, the State and Local Government Committee advanced Senate Bill 777, sponsored by Senator Adam Lowe (R-Calhoun). The bill creates a system for voter party registration, requiring voters to be affiliated with a political party in order to participate in that party’s primary election. Voters may choose a party or remain unaffiliated when registering, with party affiliation recorded by county election commissions.
“This bill gives voters a clear choice and a clearer process,” said Lowe. “By requiring party affiliation for primary participation, we’re making sure each party’s nominees are selected by voters who truly identify with that party and bringing the state one step further in election integrity.”
Party affiliation can be updated, but changes must be made at least 30 days before an election to participate in a party primary. The bill also allows currently registered individuals to select a party during the standard registration period and requires election officials to update records if a minor party loses official recognition.
The legislation advances to the Senate Finance Committee for fiscal review.
Aligning local elections with state elections
The Senate 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.
Positioning Tennessee as a national hub for nuclear energy innovation
To further solidify Tennessee’s leadership in securing America’s energy dominance, the Senate passed Senate Joint Resolution 887. Sponsored by Lt. Governor Randy McNally and carried by Senator Ken Yager (R-Kingston), the resolution expresses support for Tennessee’s response to the United States Department of Energy Request for Information on Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses.
“This resolution reinforces Tennessee’s commitment to leading the nation in advanced energy innovation,” said Sen. Yager. “With Oak Ridge’s unmatched expertise and infrastructure, we are uniquely positioned to support the full nuclear lifecycle and help secure America’s energy independence for generations to come.”
On Thursday, Governor Bill Lee announced that Tennessee has submitted a comprehensive proposal to the United States Department of Energy positioning Oak Ridge as the premier location for a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus. The proposed campus would advance next-generation nuclear technologies and strengthen domestic energy production by supporting a full-cycle nuclear ecosystem—from research and development to deployment and recycling.
Raising the floor on second degree sentencing
To strengthen sentencing requirements for those that commit second degree murder, the Senate passed Senate Bill 1930. Sponsored by Senator Brent Taylor (R-Memphis), the legislation establishes a minimum threshold, requiring those who commit second degree muder to be sentenced as at least a Range II offender.
“If you take a life in Tennessee, you’re not getting a discount on your sentence, and there’s no coupon code for 15 years anymore,” said Taylor. “This bill makes sure second-degree murder comes with second chances for no one. We’re raising the floor so justice is certain, serious, and puts victims first.”
Second degree murder is a Class A felony, with sentencing ranges determined by a defendant's criminal history and judicial discretion. Under current law, Range I sentences span 15-25 years in prison, Range II sentences span 25-30 years, and Range III sentences span 40-60 years.
Under this bill, individuals convicted of second degree murder must be sentenced within at least Range II, ensuring at least 25 years in prison, regardless of prior record, while still allowing judges to impose a higher sentence.
Strengthening school safety protections for students
To ensure schools respond quickly and effectively when a student is granted an order of protection, the Senate passed Senate Bill 2285. Sponsored by Senator Richard Briggs (R-Knoxville), the legislation requires schools to take immediate steps to safeguard students and create a clear plan for their safety.
Under the bill, when a school receives notice that a student has obtained an order of protection against another student, the school must develop a safety plan for the protected student within five days. The plan is created by the principal in consultation with the student’s parent or guardian and, when possible, the school’s safety team. The safety plan must include key protections, such as providing a copy of the order to school administration or a school resource officer, physically separating the students to the greatest extent possible, including in classes, lunch periods, and other school activities, documenting any contact or attempted contact, and notifying law enforcement if a violation is suspected.
Additionally, the measure ensures plans remain up to date. A parent or guardian must notify the school within 48 hours of any changes to the order of protection so the safety plan can be revised accordingly.
Preventing financial misuse of child care programs
To strengthen oversight and prevent misuse of publicly funded child care payments, the Senate Health and Welfare Committee passed Senate Bill 2198. Sponsored by Senator Bo Watson (R‑Hixson), the bill creates a pilot program from July 2026 through June 2028 focused on fraud detection, oversight, and payment integrity, using available TennCare reserve funds and support from a third-party vendor. It also requires interim and final reports to evaluate effectiveness and cost savings.
“This pilot program responds to concerns raised by cases like the Minnesota daycare fraud, where public funds were misused,” said Watson. “We want to make sure Tennessee families get the help they need while protecting taxpayer dollars from abuse and fraud.”
The legislation requires a report on the first year of the pilot and a final report by July 31, 2028, evaluating program effectiveness and cost savings.
Senate Bill 2198 now moves to the Senate Floor for a final vote.
In brief…
Studying the impact of ultra processed foods in schools - The Senate passed Senate Bill 2122 this week to study the impact and presence of ultra processed foods, artificial dyes, chemical additives, and similar substances in school nutrition programs. Sponsored by Senator Janice Bowling (R-Tullahoma), the legislation requires the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR) to produce a report identifying how common these ingredients are in school meals, summarizing research on their potential links to childhood obesity and metabolic dysfunction, and analyzing strategies to transition toward healthier, whole-food alternatives. This effort aims to provide lawmakers with data-driven insights to improve the quality and long term health outcomes of Tennessee’s school nutrition programs.
Teaching America’s founding - This week, the Senate passed Senate Bill 1960 to strengthen civil knowledge and ensure students have a deeper understanding of America’s founding principles and history. Sponsored by Senator Mark Pody (R-Lebanon), the legislation requires all public schools, including charter schools, to annually observe the Fourth of July during the school year. The bill directs schools to provide students with appropriate instruction on the founding of the United States, the separation of the 13 colonies from Great Britain, the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and related rights and freedoms. School districts and charter schools would determine the instructional program and methods based on grade-specific objectives. School districts may choose which day to observe the Fourth of July during the school year. If no day is designated, it will be recognized on the final day of the school year. The proposal requires instruction to be non-partisan and focus on historical facts, founding documents and underlying civic principles.
Strengthening parental notification and accountability for classroom evacuations - To ensure timely notification to parents when their child is evacuated from a classroom, the Senate passed Senate Bill 2087. Sponsored by Senator Rusty Crowe (R-Johnson City), the legislation requires school principals to notify parents or legal guardians of every student who was present in a classroom or instructional area during an evacuation—such as when a class is cleared due to the violent, aggressive, or severely disruptive behavior of another student—by the end of the same school day. If the evacuation involves an ongoing emergency or law enforcement investigation, notification may be delayed until the situation is resolved or it is determined that notice will not interfere with the investigation. The bill also establishes requirements for what must be included in these notifications, ensuring parents receive clear and consistent information. To ensure compliance, local boards of education and public charter school governing boards must adopt policies implementing both the notification and recordkeeping requirements.
Banning unauthorized drones from flying over schools - To ensure safety of students, the Senate passed Senate Bill 2434. Sponsored by Senator Rusty Crowe (R-Johnson City), the legislation makes it a Class C misdemeanor for flying an unmanned object, such as a drone, over school property without prior authorization.
Expanding parental access to children’s health records - To protect parents rights and clarify access to children’s medical information, the Senate Health and Welfare Committee advanced legislation building on the Family Rights Responsibility Act passed in 2024. Sponsored by Senator Mark Pody (R-Lebanon), Senate Bill 259 lets a child’s parent, legal guardian, or legal custodian see and review all of the child’s health and medical records, including rehabilitation and prescription records. For minors age 16 or older with serious emotional or mental health conditions, parents can access mental health rehabilitation records, as allowed under federal privacy laws. The bill also allows parents or other legal decision-makers to access medical records for treatments given without parental consent, except when doing so could reasonably put the child’s life or safety at risk, such as in suspected abuse cases. Additionally, school employees and employees of public colleges can provide basic first aid or use bleeding control kits for minor injuries without needing parental consent first. Senate Bill 259 now moves to the Senate Floor for a final vote.
Expanding preventative care - To expand preventive care and reduce the risk of serious illness among older adults, the Senate Health and Welfare Committee 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. The legislation now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Paid training program for correctional officers - To support correctional officers, the Senate State and Local Government Committee passed legislation creating a new training incentive program. Senate Bill 2587, sponsored by Senator Ed Jackson (R-Jackson), provides an $800 annual bonus to full-time local correctional officers who complete at least 40 hours of approved in-service training and work a minimum of eight months during the year. The incentive mirrors a similar program already in place for sheriff’s deputies and is intended to encourage ongoing training that can help officers better manage facilities and prepare offenders to be more productive upon release. The supplement must be paid as a bonus and cannot replace regular salary or raises, and certain exceptions apply for military service or line-of-duty death. Senate Bill 2587 now moves to the Finance Committee for further consideration.
Privacy measures to recruit top talent - To protect the privacy of job candidates and allow local governments to recruit top talent, the Senate State and Local Government this week advanced Senate Bill 2162, sponsored by Senator Richard Briggs (R-Knoxville), authorizing confidential interviews for certain senior staff positions.
“The goal of this bill is to ensure local governments can attract the best candidates while respecting their privacy during the hiring process,” said Briggs. “It allows governing bodies to interview top-tier candidates confidentially, so only the name of the candidate who is chosen is made public.”
The legislation allows governing bodies to hold executive sessions when considering applicants for director-level positions, excluding chief of police roles, so candidates can be interviewed privately and maintain confidentiality throughout the process.
Senate Bill 2162 now moves to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Saving candidates time and money - To help candidates save time and resources during a campaign, the State and Local Government Committee passed Senate Bill 1757. Sponsored by Senator Richard Briggs (R-Knoxville), the legislation allows candidates who change their campaign treasurer to continue using existing printed campaign materials that list the former treasurer. This lets campaigns use existing signs and materials until supplies run out, reducing waste and costs. The legislation now moves to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Helping jumpstart redevelopment projects -To help redevelopment projects move forward faster, the State and Local Government Committee advanced Senate Bill 1760, sponsored by Senator Richard Briggs (R-Knoxville). The legislation authorizes housing authorities, industrial development corporations, and community redevelopment agencies to use taxpayer agreements to secure financing, with payments treated like property taxes and liens that can take priority with lender approval. It also ensures agreements are recorded and protects property owners from loan defaults tied to participation.
Senate Bill 1760 now moves to the Senate floor for consideration.
Preventing conflicts of interest in local government - To prevent conflicts of interest in local government, the State and Local Government Committee advanced Senate Bill 2591. Sponsored by Senator Richard Briggs (R-Knoxville), the legislation prohibits local government employees from serving on the legislative body of the same government. The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Protecting the elderly from financial abuse - To protect elderly and vulnerable adults from financial exploitation, the Senate Health and Welfare Committee 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. The bill now moves to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Increasing transparency in government litigation - To increase transparency and accountability in government litigation, the Senate passed Senate Bill 2418, sponsored by Senator John Stevens (R-Huntingdon), the legislation requires political subdivisions such as counties, cities, and towns, to hold a public meeting and justify the need for outside legal services and submit contingent fee contracts to the attorney general for review. The attorney general has 90 days to approve or deny the contract. Political subdivisions operate under the state’s authority, and this measure ensures greater oversight of taxpayer-funded litigation. The bill allows the attorney general to reject contracts that conflict with state investigations or fail to promote a fair resolution. It also limits public nuisance lawsuits by restricting damages to the actual cost of addressing the nuisance, rather than allowing claims for personal payouts, and requires all existing contingent fee contracts to be submitted for review by July 1, 2026.
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