Senate Education Committee moves to expand Education Freedom Scholarships amid surging demand
To build on the Education Freedom Act, passed by the General Assembly last year, the Education Committee passed Senate Bill 2247. Sponsored by Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin), the legislation expands the Education Freedom Scholarships to allow 40,000 parents to have choices on where their students go to school.
“Last year, the General Assembly took a historic step by passing the Education Freedom Act and putting parents back in the driver’s seat of their children’s education,” said Johnson. “The overwhelming demand we’ve seen from Tennessee families makes it clear that parents want more choices and more opportunities for their students to succeed. By expanding the number of Education Freedom Scholarships, this legislation ensures that more families—not just a limited few—can access the educational options that best meet their child’s needs and help them reach their full potential.”
Currently, the Education Freedom Act provides scholarships for up to 25,000 students per year. The demand for the program has far exceeded that capacity, with 57,000 applicants for this upcoming school year alone. This legislation recognizes the growing demand and desire for school choice throughout the state.
Education Freedom Scholarships allow students in grades K-12 to receive a scholarship to go toward education expenses, while enrolled in grades K-12 at registered Category I, II, or III non-public schools located in Tennessee, prioritizing tuition and fees.
The bill now heads to the Finance Committee for fiscal review.
Proposal to ensure Tennessee drivers understand the rules of the road moves ahead
The Senate Transportation Committee passed legislation this week to ensure drivers licensed in Tennessee can understand traffic laws and road safety information written in English.
Senate Bill 1889, sponsored by Senator Brent Taylor (R-Memphis), is part of the ‘IMMIGRATION 2026’ agenda and would require applicants who cannot read and speak English to receive a restricted driver license for one year and retake the written driver license exam in English before obtaining full driving privileges.
“Driving in Tennessee isn’t a right—it’s a privilege, and that privilege comes with the responsibility to understand our laws and the signs that keep people safe on the road,” said Sen. Taylor. “If you want the privilege of driving here, you should be able to read the rules of the road in English. We need to remember that even ET learned English when he was here before he went home. This is about common sense, public safety, and making sure everyone operating a vehicle on Tennessee roads understands the laws they’re expected to follow.”
Current Tennessee law allows individuals who are lawfully present in the United States to obtain a driver license, and the measure maintains that eligibility while establishing an additional requirement to promote roadway safety. The bill also requires proof of U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residence, or temporary lawful resident status prior to registering a vehicle.
The bill now moves to the Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee for further consideration.
Ensuring truck drivers can communicate on Tennessee roads
Another bill that advanced this week aimed at ensuring commercial truck drivers operating in Tennessee can read and speak English well enough to understand traffic signs, communicate with law enforcement, and complete required safety records. Senate Bill 1748, sponsored by Senator Janice Bowling (R-Tullahoma), would prohibit employers from allowing drivers with a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) who cannot meet federal English-language safety standards to operate commercial motor vehicles.
If an officer determines during a safety inspection that a driver cannot communicate sufficiently in English, the driver would be issued an out of service (OOS) order, preventing the vehicle from being operated until a qualified driver is available. Employers who knowingly allow the violation could face a $500 fine. The legislation also requires the Tennessee Department of Safety to suspend a CDL until the driver demonstrates sufficient English proficiency by passing a state-administered test that aligns with federal language requirements.
Measure strengthening cooperation with federal immigration authorities moves forward
To continue efforts to combat illegal immigration, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 1486, sponsored by Brent Taylor (R-Memphis). The legislation requires local law enforcement agencies to honor immigration detainers issued by federal authorities, such as ICE, by holding certain illegal alien detainees for up to 48 hours so federal officials have time to take custody.
“If someone is here illegally and ends up in our jails, they shouldn’t be walking right back out the door before federal authorities have the chance to take them into custody,” said Taylor. “Tennessee will not be a safe haven for illegal immigration. This bill makes sure our law enforcement can work hand-in-hand with federal officials to enforce the law and keep our communities safe. After all, even Heaven has an immigration policy.”
Currently, under the 287(g) program, local law enforcement must notify ICE when an individual in custody is unlawfully present, but they may release that person shortly after providing notification. SB 1486 closes that gap by allowing law enforcement to maintain custody for a limited period while federal authorities respond.
The bill now heads to the Finance Committee for fiscal review.
Lawmakers advance effort to protect churches from destruction and disruption
The Judiciary Committee advances legislation this week to strengthen protections for churches and religious congregations across Tennessee. Senate Bill 2468, sponsored by Senator Paul Bailey (R-Sparta), establishes stricter criminal and civil penalties for individuals who vandalize houses of worship or intentionally disrupt religious services.
“Recent incidents around the country, including protests targeting churches like those seen in Minnesota, make it clear that we must remain vigilant in protecting the right to worship freely,” said Bailey. “In Tennessee, we will always stand up for religious liberty and ensure our churches and houses of worship are protected from intimidation, violence, and vandalism.”
The bill criminalizes the use of force, threats, or physical barriers to intimidate or harm individuals practicing their faith and makes the intentional destruction of religious property a felony offense. A first violation would be a Class E felony; a second violation elevated to a Class C felony; and interfering with services or gatherings would be classified as a Class A misdemeanor. The legislation also requires offenders to pay a mandatory fine of at least twice the amount of property damage, loss, or restoration costs resulting from the offense.
Senate Bill 2468 now heads to the Senate Floor for final vote.
Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act advances to encourage instruction on the Biblical values that shaped the founding of America
To highlight the historical role of religion in the founding of the United States, the Education Committee passed the “Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act”, which allows educators to discuss the historical influence of Judeo-Christian values in key moments of American development.
“From the Pilgrims seeking religious freedom to the faith leaders who helped guide the Civil Rights Movement, religion has played a profound role in shaping our nation’s story,” said Rose. “This legislation ensures educators have the freedom to teach students about these historic influences so they can better understand the values and principles that helped form the United States.”
Senate Bill 1828, sponsored by Senator Paul Rose (R-Covington), authorizes local education agencies, public charter schools, public school teachers, and faculty at public institutions of higher education to provide instruction on the positive impacts of religion on American history when teaching the subject.
The bill heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Requirement for civics course at public colleges and universitiesadvances
To continue efforts to strengthen civics education, the Education Committee passed Senate Bill 1077. Sponsored by Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin), the bill requires the Institute of American Civics to develop materials for a three-semester hour American government or history course that will be required for a bachelor’s degree at public colleges and universities in Tennessee.
“An understanding of our nation’s founding principles is essential for the next generation of leaders,” said Johnson. “This legislation ensures Tennessee students graduate with a strong foundation in the documents, ideas, and debates that shaped our republic while giving institutions flexibility to incorporate the course without adding extra costs or credit hours for students.
The course will cover foundational documents including the U.S. Constitution, Declaration of Independence, selections from the Federalist Papers, the Emancipation Proclamation, the Gettysburg Address, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” along with another document related to the African American freedom struggle. The requirement must not add additional credit hours to degree programs and may be satisfied through qualifying AP, International Baccalaureate, or dual credit courses.
The bill now heads to the Finance Committee for fiscal review.
Committee clears protections for parental rights in children's healthcare
To ensure parents remain involved in sensitive healthcare discussions involving their kids, the Commerce and Labor Committee passed Senate Bill 1664. Sponsored by Senator Paul Rose (R-Covington), the legislation prohibits health insurers and healthcare providers from requiring or asking minors certain gender-identity or transgender-related questions unless a parent is fully informed and provides written consent and the questions are directly related to diagnosing or treating a specific condition.
“This legislation protects children from being pushed into conversations about gender identity or transgender ideology without their parents’ knowledge,” said Rose. “In Tennessee, we believe parents—not insurance companies or activists—should guide these deeply personal decisions involving their children.”
The measure also prevents insurers from penalizing providers for not asking these questions and requires that parents have full access to any intake forms or questionnaires given to their minor child. Healthcare providers who violate the law could face disciplinary action from their licensing board.
The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Senate passes legislation to prevent doxxing of law enforcement officers and operations
The Senate passed legislation this week to strengthen protections for law enforcement officers and sensitive operations. Senate Bill 1464, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R–Franklin), establishes new criminal penalties for public officials or individuals who release confidential information that could endanger officers or interfere with law enforcement activity, including federal immigration enforcement efforts. It also creates a removal mechanism for elected officials found to be in violation of the measure.
The legislation comes in response to concerns raised after the Nashville mayor’s office released information related to federal immigration enforcement officers, putting officers at risk.
“The people of Tennessee expect their elected leaders to protect law enforcement—not endanger them,” said Leader Johnson. “When public officials choose political activism over public safety, especially by interfering with federal immigration enforcement, they have no business holding office in this state.”
SB 1464 strengthens and creates several new protections for the unauthorized release of protected information, including:
● A Class E felony for a state or local government official who, through criminal negligence, releases confidential information related to the enforcement of federal or state immigration laws.
● A Class B misdemeanor penalty for any person to release confidential information related to a law enforcement officer or county corrections officer.
●A Class E felony for any person releasing the name of an undercover law enforcement officer when the information is legally required to remain confidential.
● A Class E felony for any person releasing confidential information that could identify or locate an undercover officer.
It also expands confidentiality protections under the Tennessee Public Records Act to cover undercover officers and sensitive law enforcement activity.
Self-defense protections for human trafficking victims advances
To support victims of human trafficking in self-defense claims, the Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 1225. Sponsored by Senator Paul Rose (R-Covington), the bill allows victims of human trafficking who use force against their trafficker to be presumed to have acted out of a reasonable fear of death or serious bodily injury.
“Too many times, victims of human trafficking are treated like criminals when they’re really fighting to survive,” said Rose. “This legislation makes it clear that if someone defends themselves against a trafficker out of fear for their life, the law should recognize that reality.”
The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final vote.
Measure to make it easier for law enforcement to prosecute organized retail crime moves ahead
In an effort to crack down on organized retail crime, the Judiciary Committee advanced Senate Bill 2265, sponsored by Senator Brent Taylor (R-Memphis), requires a 30-day-mandatory-minimum jail sentence if a firearm or anti-theft device is used in the action of organized retail crime.
“Organized retail theft rings have been treating Tennessee stores like their personal warehouse,” said Taylor. “This bill sends a clear message: if you make a business out of stealing, Tennessee will make sure your next address is the state penitentiary.”
The proposal also extends the timeframe used to combine stolen merchandise from 90 to 180 days, giving law enforcement more time to build cases against organized theft rings. In addition, it creates a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) registry of individuals convicted of organized retail crime.
The bill now heads to the Finance Committee for fiscal review.
Legislation advances to crack down on fraud in virtual currency kiosks
To address fraud and money laundering linked to virtual kiosks, the Commerce and Labor Committee unanimously passed Senate Bill 2251. Sponsored by Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin), the legislation creates a Class A misdemeanor offense for knowingly installing, allowing the installation of, placing, or operating a virtual currency kiosk in Tennessee.
“Cryptocurrency kiosks have increasingly been used by scammers to trick Tennesseans into sending money that is nearly impossible to recover,” said Johnson. “By prohibiting these machines, we are taking an important step to shut down a tool frequently used in fraud schemes and protect consumers across our state.”
Virtual kiosks, often referred to as Bitcoin ATM’s, can be used to quickly transfer funds that are difficult to trace which has made them a tool in certain fraud and money-laundering schemes. By prohibiting the installation and operation of these kiosks, the bill aims to prevent their use in illicit financial activities and protect consumers from scams.
The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final review.
Measure addressing relocation of homeless individuals between jurisdictions advances
To prohibit local governments from relocating homeless individuals to surrounding cities across jurisdictional lines, the Senate State and Local Government Committee passed Senate Bill 1788, sponsored by Senator Shane Reeves (R-Murfreesboro). The legislation requires that any relocation be coordinated with the receiving jurisdiction. If a local government relocates homeless individuals in violation of this measure, it authorizes the Attorney General to seek civil penalties for violations, enables the receiving jurisdiction to collect funds for damages, and allows a court order to stop the violations.
“Nearby cities are dropping off busloads of homeless individuals in public spaces where there are no shelters, including areas in downtown Murfreesboro," said Senator Reeves. “We want these individuals to receive the help and resources they need through our local shelters and service providers, but without notice that individuals are being transported here, it becomes difficult to connect them with those services and ensure public spaces remain safe for everyone.”
Other parts of rural Tennessee are also suffering from bigger cities busing groups of homeless individuals without notice or providing proper care once transported. Relocations such as these can pose a financial burden, safety concerns, and a lack of accountability for local governments not addressing the issues of homelessness within their jurisdiction. Senate Bill 1788 will advance to the Senate floor for a final vote before the full Senate.
Community Workforce Housing Innovation Pilot Program advances to increase affordable housing
To help finance construction costs of affordable housing to serve working families across Tennessee, the Senate State and Local Government Committee passed Senate Bill 2410, sponsored by Senator Bill Powers (R-Clarksville). The legislation creates a Community Workforce Housing Innovation Pilot Program administered by the Tennessee Housing Development Agency, providing loans for construction or rehabilitation of workforce housing projects across all three grand divisions.
“This legislation supports working Tennesseans while leveraging private investment,” said Powers. “This program helps families access affordable homes without creating a permanent expansion of government, ensuring taxpayers are protected and projects are financially responsible.”
Housing must be affordable for households earning up to 150% of the area median income, with priority given to projects that reserve at least 80% of units for workforce housing. The pilot program runs through March 31, 2027, with THDA required to review its effectiveness by 2029.
Senate Bill 2410 now moves to the Senate Finance Committee for further consideration.
In Brief…
Levying a lower local sales tax on groceries - To give local governments more control over local grocery taxes, the Senate State and Local Government Committee passed Senate Bill 2160, sponsored by Senator Bo Watson (R-Hixson). The legislation allows metropolitan governments to levy a lower local sales tax on groceries than on other goods and services. The bill also removes outdated provisions in state law regarding the timing for reducing metropolitan council membership, a matter currently under review by the Tennessee Supreme Court.
Senate Bill 2160 now moves to the Senate Finance Committee for further consideration.
Extending property tax relief for disabled veterans - To provide more property tax relief for disabled veterans and their spouses, the Senate State and Local Government Committee passed legislation increasing the threshold eligible for property tax relief from $175,000 to $200,000 of the full market value of the property. Sponsored by Senator Bo Watson (R-Hixson), the measure comes at a time when property values are increasing across Tennessee. This update helps ensure disabled veterans and their families can continue to benefit from the tax relief they have earned through their service. The measure reinforces the Volunteer State’s strong support for the men and women who have served in our Armed Forces.
Senate Bill 1798 moves on to the Senate floor for a final vote.
Providing transparency of new large-scale industrial facilities - Legislation addressing the impact of large-scale industrial operations on nearby communities also advanced this week. The measure focuses on facilities such as rock quarries and cryptocurrency mining operations, which can generate significant noise, dust, traffic, and energy demands in rural areas. Senate Bill 2053, sponsored by Senator Ken Yager (R-Kingston), requires a local legislative body to approve the location of these facilities in a public meeting. Once approved by the body, notice of the approval and location must be published in local newspapers, on the local government’s website, and sent by first-class mail to residents living within 500 yards of the building. The measure now heads to the Senate Chamber for a final vote before the full Senate.
Setting guidelines for development plans - To set clear guidelines and reasonable timelines for local governments to review plans submitted by developers, the Senate State and Local Government Committee passed Senate Bill 2237, sponsored by Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin) and carried by Senator Richard Briggs (R-Knoxville). The legislation requires local governments to review and approve development plans within 60 days. If no action is taken within that timeframe, the application is automatically deemed approved.
Additionally, after an independent inspection occurs, the local government must approve the bond release or provide a written explanation of the work that still needs to be completed. The bill is intended to provide clear expectations and expedite the process at the local government level when developers are trying to get projects started. The bill now advances to the Senate floor for final consideration.
Honoring members of the General Assembly who pass away - To honor the lives of Tennessee General Assembly members upon their death, the Senate State and Local Government Committee passed Senate Bill 2530, sponsored by Senator Tom Hatcher (R-Maryville). The legislation authorizes the speakers of the Senate and House of Representatives to allow a deceased member or former member to lie in state at the state capitol building. This may occur at the request of an immediate family member or, if no request is made, at the discretion of the speakers. The time allowed for lying in state may not exceed one full day. The bill moves to the Senate floor for a vote.
Strengthening transparency and accountability in fiscal review - This week, the Senate State and Local Government Committee passed Senate Bill 2331 to strengthen transparency and accountability in the fiscal review process. Sponsored by Senator Todd Gardenhire (R-Chattanooga), the legislation streamlines fiscal review and allows committee staff to address areas of resource impact more efficiently. It removes the requirement for impact statements, which have been found to add little value, reducing unnecessary workload and allowing focus on fiscal notes. The bill also clarifies and strengthens state contracts to improve transparency, revises one-year contract provisions, and affirms the committee’s authority to review any state contract.
Senate Bill 2331 moves to the Senate Floor for further consideration.
Limiting high volume telemarketing calls - To curb excessive telemarketing calls, the Commerce and Labor Committee passed Senate Bill 2659. Sponsored by Senator Dawn White (R-Murfreesboro), the legislation limits the number of telephone solicitations a person or entity may make to Tennessee residential subscribers to 10,000 calls per month.
To ensure accountability, the bill also requires telemarketers to maintain monthly records of the number of calls made to residential subscribers and provide those records to the Tennessee Public Utility Commission or the Attorney General upon request.
The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Streamlining professional licensing for military families - To help military families transition into the workforce more quickly, the Commerce and Labor Committee passed Senate Bill 1692. Sponsored by Senator Becky Massey (R-Knoxville), the legislation, known as the “Military Families Licensing Recognition Act”, requires licensing boards to recognize certain professional and occupational licenses issued in other states for service members and their spouses who relocate to Tennessee under military orders.
Under the legislation, applicants must demonstrate their license is in good standing, has not been revoked or disciplined, and that no investigations are pending. Applicants must also provide proof of military orders and submit an affidavit affirming their eligibility.
The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Increasing penalties for hit and runs - To crack down on hit and run accidents, the Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 1736. Sponsored by Senator Dawn White (R-Murfreesboro), the bill increases penalties for leaving the scene of an accident.
Currently, leaving the scene of an accident resulting in injury is a Class A misdemeanor. This bill increases that to a Class E felony. It also raises the penalty for leaving the scene of an accident involving a death, from a Class E felony to a Class D felony, when the driver knew or reasonably should have known the crash resulted in a fatality.
The bill now heads to the Finance Committee for fiscal review.
Improving child abuse investigations - To protect kids and make it easier to gather evidence for abuse investigations, the Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 2402. Sponsored by Dawn White (R-Murfreesboro), the bill requires the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS) to confidentially record interviews via audio with children during investigations of abuse, dependency, or neglect. The legislation establishes a pilot program in one county to test the recording requirement and requires DCS to submit a report to the General Assembly by December 1, 2027 outlining the program’s results and potential improvements. The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final vote.
Strengthening protections for pregnancy resource centers - Harsher penalties for those who target pregnancy resource centers passed the Judiciary Committee. Senate Bill 1660, sponsored by Senator Todd Gardenhire (R-Chattanooga), makes it a Class B felony to commit arson at a pregnancy resource center. Currently, it is a Class C felony. The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Nitrous Oxide Abuse Prevention and Retail Sale Prohibition Act - The Senate Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 1843 to curb the misuse of nitrous oxide products. Sponsored by Senator Richard Briggs (R-Knoxville), the bill, known as the “Nitrous Oxide Abuse Prevention and Retail Sale Prohibition Act”, creates a Class E felony for the retail sale of these products when intended for recreational intoxication. The legislation also strengthens enforcement by limiting retail access and imposing civil penalties, ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 to possible revocation of retail sales licenses. The legislation now heads to the Senate Floor for final review.
Stronger penalties for sex offenders who stay at campgrounds without proper notice - Under a proposal advancing in the Senate, sexual offenders attempting to evade reporting requirements will face harsher penalties. The Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 2030. Sponsored by Senator Adam Lowe (R-Calhoun), the legislation establishes stricter penalties for individuals who knowingly stay overnight at a campground without providing the required notice. The bill classifies the offense as a Class E felony and creates escalating penalties for repeat violations.
A first violation would carry a minimum $350 fine and at least 90 days in jail. A second violation would result in a minimum $600 fine and at least 180 days in jail, while a third or subsequent offense would be punishable by a minimum $1,100 fine and at least one year of imprisonment.
The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Child trafficking awareness and prevention education - To increase awareness and prevention of child trafficking, the Education Committee passed Senate Bill 1710. Sponsored by Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin), the legislation requires public schools to include child trafficking prevention and awareness education as part of health instruction for students in grades K-12.
Instruction must be age and grade appropriate and aligned with the state’s health education standards. Local school boards and public charter school governing bodies must adopt an implementation plan by August 1, 2026, with the requirement taking effect in the 2026–2027 school year.
The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Act - The Education Committee advances legislation this week to allow Tennessee families to benefit from a new federal education scholarship program. Senate Bill 2206, sponsored by Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin), creates a framework for Tennessee to participate in the Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Act. Under the bill, the Tennessee Department of Education would elect for the state to participate in the federal tax credit program and identify scholarship granting organizations (SGOs) operating in Tennessee.
Currently, Tennessee residents are unable to participate in the program. The bill establishes the structure needed so Tennesseans can access scholarships funded through charitable donations. The Department of Education will also be required to publish a list of approved SGOs on its website and ensure the state complies with federal eligibility requirements.
The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final vote.
Pet Raccoons - The Energy, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee unanimously passed Senate Bill 2354. Sponsored by Senator Joey Hensley (R-Hohenwald), the legislation allows for possession of a raccoon as a pet. The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final vote.
Cracking down on foreign adversaries acquiring land in Tennessee - To strengthen protections against foreign adversaries acquiring property in the state, the Energy, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee passed Senate Bill 2233. Sponsored by Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin) and co-sponsored by Senator Brent Taylor (R-Memphis), the bill applies existing restrictions on foreign ownership of agricultural and non-agricultural land to also include the acquisition of mineral rights, such as oil, gas, and coal.
The legislation also broadens the definition of a prohibited foreign party to include individuals or businesses designated as a foreign adversary by the U.S. Department of Commerce and lowers the ownership threshold that constitutes significant control of a business.
The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Limiting carbon emission lawsuits - To limit certain lawsuits related to carbon emissions from fossil fuel activities, the Energy, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee unanimously passed Senate Bill 2560. Sponsored by Senator Shane Reeves (R-Murfreesboro), the legislation restricts the ability of governments or private parties to seek damages or other remedies related to carbon emissions, except in cases where activities violate federal environmental laws. The bill now moves to the Senate floor for consideration.
Streamlining reporting for broadband - To streamline reporting requirements for broadband, the Senate State and Local Government Committee passed Senate Bill 1687, sponsored by Senator Jessie Seal (R- New Tazewell). The legislation removes duplicate reporting requirements for the Comptroller related to broadband services in historically unserved areas and the Tennessee Helping Heroes Scholarship Program, which provides financial assistance to veterans pursuing higher education. The bill also updates the information the Comptroller must submit to the General Assembly regarding the property tax relief program, requiring a review of all program parameters, and not just income limits, when evaluating costs and effectiveness.
The measure advances to the Senate Floor for a final vote.
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