Senate drives Make America Healthy Again agenda as ‘Yes on 2’ campaign launches
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Senate advanced key legislation this week focused on improving health outcomes, strengthening public safety, protecting taxpayers and supporting first responders and families across Tennessee. Lawmakers moved forward a prevention-first “Make America Healthy Again” agenda centered on better nutrition and removing harmful ingredients from school meals, while also launching the campaign to permanently ban a state property tax. Committees additionally approved measures to hold violent offenders accountable, expand Safe Haven protections for newborns and continued investment in the state’s volunteer firefighters. The action reflects the General Assembly’s continued commitment to conservative leadership, strong communities and a better quality of life for Tennesseans.
Tennessee advances legislation as part of agenda to Make America Healthy Again with focus on nutrition
Senate committees advanced key legislation this week as part of Tennessee’s Make America Healthy Again agenda that emphasizes prevention, better nutrition and the removal of harmful ingredients from foods served to students.
The Senate Health and Welfare Committee passed Senate Bill 2239, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R- Franklin) and Speaker Pro Tempore Ferrell Haile (R-Gallatin), to ensure physicians receive continuing education on topics related to nutrition. The measure reflects a growing focus on addressing chronic disease through food and lifestyle rather than treatment alone.
“Good health starts with what we put on our plates,” said Haile. “By equipping physicians with meaningful, evidence-based nutrition training, we are giving patients practical tools to prevent disease, improve quality of life and reduce long-term health costs across Tennessee.”
Building on that prevention-first approach, the Senate Education Committee passed Senate Bill 2423, sponsored by Senate Health Committee Chairman Rusty Crowe (R-Johnson City), to prohibit seven petroleum-based food dyes from school nutrition programs.
“We are confronting a real and growing crisis in children's health, with this generation facing unprecedented rates of diabetes, depression and ADHD,” said Crowe. “We cannot ignore the role these synthetic chemicals play in that health crisis. The federal government is moving, major food companies are moving, and Tennessee is leading to protect children while giving schools and suppliers a clear, workable path forward.”
Last year, the General Assembly enacted a statewide ban on Red 40 food dye in public schools. This legislation expands that effort by prohibiting six more synthetic food dyes from school nutrition programs that have been identified by federal health officials as concerning for children's health.
The legislation mirrors action at the federal level, where the US Department of Health and Human Services has announced a nationwide phase-out of these dyes by the end of 2026.
The measure gives districts until Aug. 1, 2027 to transition to new contracts for foods without these dyes while manufacturers move to natural alternatives being fast-tracked by the FDA.
Research cited by lawmakers — including findings from the Cleveland Clinic and the National Library of Medicine — has raised concerns about links between certain petroleum-based dyes and hyperactivity, behavioral issues and other health risks in children.
Senate Bill 2239 moves to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
'Yes on 2' launches to ban state property tax
Tennessee voters on Nov. 3 will have the opportunity to vote on a constitutional amendment that would permanently prohibit the Tennessee General Assembly from levying a state-level tax on property.
A statewide campaign, "Yes on 2," officially launched to promote and bring awareness to the measure.
Although Tennessee no longer collects a statewide property tax, it could be adopted by a future General Assembly. Tennessee collected a property tax until 1949 when the General Assembly set the rate to zero. The proposed amendment, sponsored by Sen. Ferrell Haile (R-Gallatin) through Senate Joint Resolution 1 in 2025, would close that door permanently by making it unconstitutional for the state to impose a property tax in the future.
“Tennessee has built one of the strongest economies in the nation by keeping taxes low and predictable, and this amendment locks that promise into our Constitution,” said Haile. “I’m proud to help lead the ‘Yes on 2’ effort in Middle Tennessee alongside a broad coalition of farmers, businesses and homeowners who understand that a statewide property tax would be a step in the wrong direction. This is about certainty, stability and protecting the Tennessee way of life for generations to come.”
The Yes on 2 campaign is being led by a coalition that includes Tennessee Farm Bureau, Tennessee Realtors, Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and other business groups, with Gov. Bill Lee serving as statewide chairman. Senator Ferrell Haile serves as chair for Middle Tennessee, with House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R- Crossville) serving as East Tennessee chair, and Rep. Tandy Darby (R-Greenfield) serving as West Tennessee chair.
Voters will decide on this and two other constitutional amendments related to crime victims' rights and bail restrictions in the November 2026 general election.
Bill mandating intervention programs for domestic abusers advances
To strengthen Tennessee’s response to domestic assault, stalking, and other related offenses, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 673, sponsored by Senator Brent Taylor (R-Memphis). Known as the “Comprehensive Assault Crime Intervention Act”, the bill requires individuals convicted of domestic assault, stalking, or certain assault offenses to complete a certified batterer’s intervention program lasting between 26 and 48 weeks. If a certified program is available within the offender’s county, participation is mandatory, and the defendant is responsible for paying the cost. Successful completion is required as part of sentencing.
“If you raise your hand against someone you claim to love, Tennessee law is about to come down on you harder than the snow when you clip your ski pole in the winter Olympics, but with no helicopter coming to rescue you,” said Taylor. “No more watered-down charges, no more clean-slate loopholes and no more pretending domestic assault is anything less than violent crime.”
The legislation also closes a legal loophole by preventing a person from expunging a misdemeanor assault conviction if the individual was originally charged with domestic assault but later convicted of or pleaded guilty to simple assault.
The bill now heads to the Finance Committee for fiscal review.
Strengthening pro-life Safe Haven Law for mothers in crisis to safely surrender newborns
To expand safe surrender options for newborns, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 1773. Sponsored by Senator Becky Massey (R-Knoxville), the legislation updates Tennessee’s Safe Haven Law by broadening the list of locations where an infant may be safely surrendered. In addition to current approved facilities, the bill adds additional emergency locations, including ambulance stations, to ensure parents in crisis have greater access to safe, secure surrender options.
“Every child deserves a chance at life, and parents in crisis should have safe, accessible options,” said Massey. “By expanding safe surrender locations, including ambulance stations, we are strengthening Tennessee’s Safe Haven Law and ensuring newborns receive immediate care and protection when it matters most.”
The legislation would also clarify monitoring requirements for Safe Haven Baby Boxes by codifying safeguards that have been standard practice into state law. The devices must be continuously monitored, equipped with an on-site alarm, and automatically notify 911 when activated to ensure immediate emergency response and rapid transport for medical care and Tennessee Department of Children’s Services notification.
More than 141 infants have been safely surrendered in Tennessee since 2001, when the Safe Haven Law took effect.
Senate Bill 1773 now heads to the Senate Floor for further consideration.
Legislation advances to reinforce support for volunteer firefighters
To strengthen support for volunteer firefighters, the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee passed Senate Bill 1865. Sponsored by Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin), the legislation codifies the Volunteer Firefighter Equipment and Training (VFEAT) grant program into law.
In 2019, the General Assembly passed legislation, which established the VFEAT grant program to provide critical equipment and training funding to volunteer fire departments across Tennessee. Since 2022, the Department has also provided grant funding to rescue squads through the budget process.
“Volunteer firefighters are the backbone of emergency response in many of our counties throughout Tennessee,” said Johnson. “These brave men and women step up to serve their communities while balancing their full time jobs and families. When we invest in reliable equipment and training resources we are strengthening their safety and protecting communities across the Volunteer State.”
The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for further consideration.
Legislation advances to strengthen protections for law enforcement
In an effort to protect Tennessee’s first responders, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 1900. Sponsored by Senator Paul Bailey (R–Sparta), the legislation increases the penalty for assaulting a first responder.
“Our first responders put their lives on the line every single day to protect our communities,” said Bailey. “ This legislation sends a clear message that assaults against them will not be tolerated. By strengthening penalties and aligning them with those for assaults on law enforcement officers, we are making sure these brave men and women receive the full protection of the law.”
Under current law, assaulting a first responder is a Class A misdemeanor. This bill increases the penalty for assaulting a first responder from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony, with a mandatory minimum fine of $10,000 and a mandatory minimum sentence of 60 days incarceration. First Responder is defined as a firefighter, emergency services personnel, or other person who responds to calls for emergency assistance from a 911 call, but does not include a law enforcement officer. Under current TCA, it is already a felony to assault a law enforcement officer. This penalty enhancement will align first responders with law enforcement officers.
The bill now heads to the Finance Committee for fiscal review.
In brief…
Protecting sexual assault victims -To improve protections and accountability in sexual assault cases, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 920. Sponsored by Senator Kerry Roberts (R-Springfield), the bill allows minor victims of sexually oriented crimes to receive a forensic medical examination without requiring parental consent. It also requires the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to report to lawmakers on forensic evidence processing times and ensures sexual assault kits are tested within established timeframes. The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Stopping bail system abuse - In an effort to curb coordinated criminal activity and prevent abuse of the bail system, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 1708. Sponsored by Senator Brent Taylor (R-Memphis), the bill allows a person to only bail out 3 people from jail, unless they are a bail bondsman or a family member.
The measure is intended to prevent gang-affiliated individuals or organized groups from repeatedly bailing out associates while preserving the ability of families and professional bondsmen to assist defendants through the legal process.
The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Improving certification and training for local jails - To regulate how local jails are trained and certified, the Senate State and Local Government Committee passed Senate Bill 1589. Sponsored by Senator Ferrell Haile (R- Gallatin), the proposal strengthens the Tennessee Corrections Institute’s (TCI) authority to regulate the training and certification of correction officers. The bill also expands the use of a plan of action, allowing jails to remain temporarily certified and operational while fixing issues. Currently, a plan of action applies only to overcrowding, but under the new measure, it would broaden the allowable deficiencies for which jails may remain certified, so long as safety is not compromised. Senate Bill 1589 now goes before the full Senate for a vote.
Amending Tennessee’s hands-free driving law - To amend Tennessee’s hand-free driving law, the Senate Transportation Committee passed Senate Bill 1591, sponsored by Senator Ferrell Haile (R-Gallatin). Current law caps court costs for penalties of the hands-free driving law at $10. The legislation would remove the cap and instead allow the assessment to be set at 50% of the applicable litigation tax.
The change follows testimony that Tennessee averages more than 12,000 hands-free convictions each year. Senate Bill 1591 now moves to the Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee for further consideration.
Expanding access to eye care services - To expand access to eye care services in Tennessee, the Senate Health and Welfare Committee passed Senate Bill 2076. Sponsored by Senator Bo Watson (R-Hixson), the bill authorizes optometrists to perform certain laser procedures within their level of education and training, provided they meet specific education and training requirements. It establishes standards to ensure optometrists are properly trained before performing these procedures. Senate Bill 2076 advances to the Senate Chamber for a full Senate vote.
Evaluating Tennessee’s 911 services - To evaluate the potential for statewide uniformity in 911 services, the Senate State and Local Government Committee passed Senate Bill 1898. Sponsored by Senator Page Walley (R- Savannah), the bill directs Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR) to conduct a comprehensive study of the costs and organizational structures of Tennessee’s emergency communication systems to identify ways to improve effectiveness and efficiency. The measure now advances to the Senate floor for a final vote.
Ensuring reliable blood supply for vulnerable patients - To ensure reliable blood supply for patients, the Senate Health and Welfare Committee passed Senate Bill 1947, sponsored by Senator Janice Bowling (R-Tullahoma). The bill clarifies that blood banks must provide physician-ordered blood and respect the right of patients or donors to direct donations. The legislation helps avoid inconsistent interpretations across hospitals and blood banks and gives peace of mind to vulnerable patients. The proposal advances to the Senate Floor for a final vote.
Extending no-cost retirement credit - To allow members of the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) to earn no-cost retirement credit for periods of disability, the Senate State and Local Government Committee passed Senate Bill 2017, sponsored by Shane Reeves (R-Murfreesboro). The bill extends the no-cost retirement credit previously available to state police officers to all TCRS members subject to mandatory retirement, including those in the Highway Patrol, TBI, TWRA, and Alcohol and Beverage Commission. The legislation now goes before the full Senate for a vote.
Naming the official frontier cookware - This week, The Senate State and Local Government Committee passed Senate Bill 2252. Sponsored by Senator Mark Pody (R-Lebanon), the bill names the cast iron cookware as the official frontier cookware of Tennessee. Known as the “Original Frontier,” Tennessee honors its heritage and celebrates the traditional cooking methods that shaped life on the early American frontier. The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for consideration.
Expanding homestead protections for disabled adults - To strengthen housing stability for Tennesseans with disabilities, the Senate Judiciary Committee has advanced Senate Bill 1935. Sponsored by Senator Shane Reeves (R-Murfreesboro), the legislation expands Tennessee’s homestead exemption to include adult children age 18 and older with developmental or intellectual disabilities, so they can maintain a portion of equity in their parents’ home following the death of a parent.
The homestead exemption protects a portion of a homeowner’s equity in their primary residence. Under this bill, an adult child with a developmental or intellectual disability will be eligible for those protections following the death of a parent or head of household. If the property must be sold, the legislation guarantees $35,000 from the sale proceeds to a surviving spouse, minor children, or an adult child with a disability to reinvest in a new home or receive as a cash settlement.
The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Increasing respite care services for family caregivers - To increase the availability of respite care services for spouses and family members caring for loved ones with dementia, the Senate Health and Welfare committee passed Senate Bill 1581, sponsored by Ferrell Haile (R- Gallatin). The legislation increases the number of patients that an adult respite care service can care for from 15 to 20 and extends weekly service hours from 12 to 16. Respite care services allow family caregivers to rest, work or attend appointments while their loved ones are cared for. The proposal now moves to the Senate Floor for a full vote.
Hosting virtual community meetings - To provide transparency in government, the Senate State and Local Government Committee passed Senate Bill 1944, sponsored by Senator Richard Briggs (R-Knoxville). The measure allows local government bodies to host virtual community meetings, provided they notify the public in advance about the meeting format and offer opportunities for public participation when applicable. Recordings of the meetings must remain available on the appropriate local agency website for at least one year. Senate Bill 1944 now moves to the full Senate Chamber for consideration.
Streamlining and clarifying TCRS procedures - To streamline administrative processes and clarify system procedures for the Tennessee Consolidation Retirement System (TCRS), the Senate State and Local Government Committee passed Senate Bill 2018, sponsored by Senator Bobby Harshbarger (R-Kingsport). The legislation simplifies the legal process by allowing TCRS to submit certified copies of records when subpoenaed, rather than requiring a record custodian to in person. The bill also clarifies that retirees who die without designating a beneficiary will have their final payment issued to their estate. Beneficiaries receiving payments who die are issued a check for the month in which they passed.
Finally, the measure addresses temporary reemployment and tax compliance issues between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2027. If TCRS determines a retiree returned to work too quickly, their benefits must be classified as an in-service distribution for tax purposes, and the retiree must wait the required separation period before returning to work.
Senate Bill 2018 now advances to the full Senate for consideration in the Senate Chamber.
Streamlining short term rental licensing - To clarify training and licensing requirements for licensed real estate professionals, the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee passed Senate Bill 1786. Sponsored by Senator Shane Reeves (R-Murfreesboro), the bill ensures that affiliate and principal brokers who are already fully licensed and trained, are not required to complete additional classroom hours or obtain a separate license in order to manage vacation lodging services as long as the affiliate broker is acting under the supervision of their principal broker. The legislation now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Realtors Relief Foundation Offers Up to $1,000 in Assistance for Tennessee Homeowners Impacted by Disaster — Tennessee residents who have experienced damage to their primary residence due to a recent disaster may be eligible for financial assistance through the Realtors Relief Foundation. Qualified applicants can receive up to $1,000 to help cover housing-related expenses during recovery. Assistance is available statewide in Tennessee for individuals whose primary residence was damaged by the disaster. Funds may be used to help offset immediate housing needs such as mortgage payments, rent, temporary lodging, or other essential housing costs. Applicants do not need to be members of the real estate industry to qualify. Eligibility is based on residency, location of damage, and verification that the affected property is the applicant’s primary residence. Applications must be submitted by Friday, April 3, 2026. Assistance is limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to qualified applicants. For more information about eligibility requirements and to apply, visit https://tnrealtors.com/rrf/.
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