Senate tackles DEI in state government, election integrity and child predators as final weeks begin
(NASHVILLE, TN) -- With many committees closed and the few remaining working their final calendars, the Senate's focus moves increasingly to floor sessions as the chamber begins its final weeks.
This week, the Senate worked to strengthen election integrity, removed diversity, equity and inclusion requirements from state board appointments and made it easier for prosecutors to charge and incarcerate those who abuse children.
Senate votes to eliminate DEI from state board appointments
The Tennessee Senate this week passed legislation aimed at promoting merit-based appointments and eliminating race-based selection policies on state boards.
Senate Bill 1235, sponsored by Senator Paul Rose (R-Covington), prohibits exclusion from state regulatory and health-related boards based on immutable characteristics such as race, color, ethnicity or national origin.
“This bill ensures that membership on Tennessee boards is based on merit, not racist DEI policies,” said Rose. “The Supreme Court has made it clear that race-based admission policies are unconstitutional, so this legislation ensures Tennessee is in compliance with federal law.”
The legislation reinforces the state’s alignment with the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling in Students for Fair Admissions Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College, which found that race-based admissions policies violate the Equal Protection Clause.
Under the bill, state boards are prohibited from establishing or operating under race-based criteria when determining membership. It also creates a private cause of action, allowing individuals to bring legal claims against boards that violate the statute.
The House companion bill has also passed and now heads to the governor’s desk for signature.
Senate committee advances bill to strengthen voter eligibility verification
In a continued effort to safeguard the integrity of Tennessee’s elections, the Senate State and Local Government Committee has advanced legislation to strengthen the verification process for voter eligibility. Senate Bill 133, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin), aims to ensure only eligible individuals are added to the state’s voter registration rolls.
The bill authorizes the proactive verification of U.S. citizenship status and felony convictions before an individual can be registered to vote in Tennessee. Under current law, voter eligibility checks by the Coordinator of Elections are conducted after a person is registered, leaving a window during which ineligible individuals may temporarily appear on the rolls.
Senate Bill 133 would close that gap by requiring the Coordinator of Elections, the Department of Safety, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) to develop a secure electronic portal for real-time eligibility verification. Once a county election commission receives a voter registration application, the applicant’s information would be automatically cross-checked against Department of Safety and TBI records. If the data indicates the applicant is not a U.S. citizen or has a disqualifying felony conviction without rights restoration, the registration would be halted. The bill also provides for an appeals process for those affected.
“This legislation is about protecting the sanctity of our elections and giving Tennesseans greater confidence in the voter registration process,” said Senator Johnson. “By closing potential loopholes, we’re taking a commonsense step to ensure that only eligible voters are added to our rolls—before they’re registered, not after.”
Senate Bill 133 now moves to the Senate Finance Committee for fiscal review.
Legislation advances to protect primary voter participation in local elections
In a move to bring greater consistency, transparency, and fairness to Tennessee’s election process, the Senate State and Local Government Committee advanced legislation that would ensure primary elections remain the standard method for political parties to nominate candidates in local races. Senate Bill 799, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin), passed out of committee this week.
Since 1937, Tennessee law has required political parties to use primary elections to nominate candidates for state and federal offices such as governor, General Assembly, Congress, and U.S. Senate. However, when it comes to local elections, parties are currently allowed to choose nominees through other methods—including caucuses and conventions—which often involve only a small number of participants.
Senate Bill 799 would align local election procedures with state and federal standards by requiring political parties to use primary elections for local offices. The legislation reinforces a practice already followed in more than 90 of Tennessee’s 95 counties.
“Primary elections are the most fair and transparent way to nominate candidates, and they already work well in the vast majority of Tennessee counties,” said Johnson. “Caucuses and conventions shut out thousands of voters—especially in larger counties—by limiting the decision-making to just a handful of people. If a political party wants its candidates on a public ballot, those candidates should be chosen through a public process.”
The bill seeks to maintain each county's existing practice for local election party nominations. It allows the handful of small counties that currently use a caucus to continue doing so, while requiring those that currently hold primary elections to continue that method.
“This legislation doesn’t disrupt what’s working—it simply ensures we don’t move away from a transparent nomination process,” Johnson added.
Senate Bill 799 now moves to the full Senate for further consideration.
Savanna’s Law aims to create a domestic violence registry
Senate Bill 324, sponsored by Senator Becky Massey (R-Knoxville), was passed by the Senate Judiciary Committee this week to create a persistent domestic violence registry. The registry would provide public access to offender information including their name, birthdate, conviction date and photograph while protecting sensitive details like addresses or Social Security numbers.
The offenders will be required to register with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) following their second and subsequent domestic violence offenses. The fees paid by the offender to register will be used for violence prevention efforts across the state.
“It is currently very difficult to locate domestic violence records,” said Senator Massey. “There are some channels available online but not all cities or counties are compiled in one place. This registry will collect that information, potentially saving lives.”
This bill is named Savanna’s Law after Robertson County Sheriff's Deputy Savanna Puckett. Puckett was murdered by her ex-boyfriend who had a history of domestic violence prior to their meeting. Puckett was unaware of these charges. Her family hopes this change will protect others from similar offenders.
Senate Bill 324 has been funded in the Governor’s amended budget and moves to the Senate Finance Committee.
General Assembly approves adding internet safety to state curriculum
Legislation that ensures Tennessee students have the tools they need to stay safe on the internet was approved by the Senate this week following its passage in the House of Representatives last week.
The Teen Social Media and Internet Safety Act, sponsored by Senator Bill Powers (R-Clarksville), requires public and charter schools to provide social media and internet safety lessons for students in grades 6-12. Lessons would be taught during the student’s health or gym classes.
“In today’s digital world, it’s essential that we prepare our students to navigate the internet safely and responsibly,” said Powers. “Our curriculum must address the real challenges young people face online, from social media pressures to cybersecurity threats. As both a father and grandfather, I’m proud to see our state taking steps to protect and educate the next generation through this important legislation.”
A 2023 report from the U.S. Surgeon General stated that up to 95% of teens ages 13-17 use social media platforms, with 64% reporting being often or sometimes exposed to hate content online.
The curriculum must cover topics such as time management, mental health effects, privacy, cyberbullying, online safety and the impacts of artificial intelligence and misinformation. Parents can excuse their child from part or all of the lessons by providing a written request to the school’s principal and those students would be assigned an alternative assignment.
Senate Bill 811 also prohibits students from accessing social media on the school’s internet unless it is authorized by a teacher for educational purposes beginning in the 2025-26 school year.
Upon the legislation being signed into law, the curriculum would be implemented in the 2026-27 school year.
Legislation advances to criminalize doxxing and increase penalties for threats of mass violence
The Senate Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 1296 this week, a measure designed to enhance penalties for threats of mass violence and criminalize doxxing. The bill, sponsored by Senator Jack Johnson (R-Franklin) and carried by Senator Ferrell Haile (R-Gallatin), establishes a Class E felony for making threats of mass violence. This charge is elevated to a Class D felony if the threat targets schools, government property, or public events, or if the offender is a repeat violator or takes substantial steps to carry out the threat.
The bill also addresses the growing issue of doxxing, or the act of publicly sharing someone’s personal information—such as their home address or phone number—without consent and with the intent to cause harm.
“Doxxing is a dangerous invasion of privacy that puts everyday Tennesseans at risk,” said Senator Haile. “It’s a deliberate attempt to intimidate, harass, or endanger individuals by exposing their personal information online.”
If passed, doxxing will become a Class B Misdemeanor. If the person being targeted is harmed, the charge can be escalated to a Class A Misdemeanor. These changes aim to protect Tennesseans from both physical and digital threats of violence.
Senate Bill 1296 moves to the Senate Finance Committee.
Measure targets abortion pills in Tennessee
The Senate Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 419 to crack down on abortion pills in the state. Sponsored by Senator Joey Hensley (R-Hohenwald), this bill allows for a wrongful death claim for the death of an unborn child at any stage of gestation if an abortion-inducing drug, specifically mifepristone or misoprostol, is sent directly to a patient by a defendant in violation of existing state law.
“In 2022 and 2023 over 2,000 abortions occurred in the state of Tennessee,” said Senator Hensley. “We are a pro-life state. By eliminating the use of abortion pills we can be sure we are protecting the lives of all Tennesseans.”
This bill does not prohibit any legal use of these drugs. Senate Bill 419 moves to the Senate Floor.
Extending statute of limitations for child sexual offenses
In order to protect the victims of child sexual offenses, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 1070. Sponsored by Senator Jack Johnson (R-Franklin), this bill will increase the time frame for bringing criminal charges for certain child sexual offenses from 25 years to 30 years after the victim turns 18.
“It is often difficult for victims of these crimes to come forward and press charges,” said Senator Johnson. “It is our goal to provide them more flexibility to come forward on their own terms and seek justice. The offenders should be held accountable, even 30 years later.”
The legislation, which also extends the statute of limitations from 15 to 30 years for civil actions, applies to crimes committed after July 1, 2025. It applies to many charges including rape of a child, sexual exploitation of a minor, and continuous sexual abuse of a minor.
Senate Bill 1070 moves to the Senate Floor for further consideration.
Prohibition on guaranteed income advances
To prohibit local governments from implementing a guaranteed income program, the Senate State and Local Government Committee passed Senate Bill 351 on Tuesday. Sponsored by Senator Brent Taylor (R-Memphis), the bill restricts local governments from adopting or enforcing a policy that provides regular, unconditional cash payments under a guaranteed income program.
“In addition to public safety, one of my top priorities as a state lawmaker is to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely to help better our communities,” said Taylor. “A guaranteed income program is a misguided use of resources. Instead of expanding the welfare state, we should focus on empowering Memphians to build a better future through opportunity, not dependency.”
Senate Bill 351 now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Reporting requirements for interactions with illegal aliens - The Senate Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 750, taking further action to combat illegal immigration into Tennessee. Sponsored by Senator Ken Yager (R-Kingston), this bill requires the Centralized Immigration Enforcement Division, which was established during the January 2025 special session, to compile a report on criminal enterprises and potential threats posed by illegal aliens in the state. This initiative aims to ensure coordinated and effective responses from law enforcement agencies across Tennessee. Senate Bill 750 moves to the Senate Floor for further consideration.
Protecting children from fentanyl - To protect children from the dangers of fentanyl, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 1415. Sponsored by Senator Richard Briggs (R-Knoxville), this bill will enhance the penalty to a Class E felony for knowingly placing a child in danger of death or injury by possessing any amount of fentanyl or its derivatives in their presence. It would be a Class B felony if the child exposed to the dangerous drug is under eight years old. Senate Bill 1415 moves to the Senate Floor.
Expanding protections for children who witness domestic abuse - The Senate Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 1241. Sponsored by Senator Ed Jackson (R-Jackson), this bill expands the definition of abuse to include cases where a person under 18 witnesses the abuse of another child or domestic abuse of a family or household member. The bill also establishes that, in cases when a child has been removed from the home in cases of abuse, reunification with the parent cannot occur unless the parent has fulfilled the requirements outlined in the permanency plan and the child has received mental health counseling when necessary. The goal of this legislation is to ensure that children are reunited with their parents whenever it is safe to do so. Senate Bill 1241 moves to the Senate Floor.
Increasing penalty for child abuse - The Senate Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 693 to increase the penalty for child abuse. Currently, a person who commits child abuse by knowingly harming a child between the ages of 9 and 17, will be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. Sponsored by Jack Johnson (R-Franklin), this bill will increase the charge to a Class E felony. Knowingly harming a child under the age of 9 is currently a Class D felony. Senate Bill 693 moves to Senate Finance committee.
Eliminating smurfing and regulating online political contributions - In an effort to eliminate “smurfing”, the Senate State and Local Government Committee passed Senate Bill 627, sponsored by Senator Brent Taylor (R-Memphis), to prohibit the practice. Smurfing is where individuals make multiple small donations to campaigns to bypass contribution limits. The bill prohibits candidates from accepting more than 50% of their total contributions for a primary or general election cycle through an online platform. Additionally, it prevents candidates from using unregistered online platforms. The legislation requires vendors using online platforms to register with the vendor registry and ensure that donors provide a card verification value (CVV) for credit or debit card contributions. It also establishes that anyone who knowingly uses a credit or debit card to make a political contribution without the card owner’s consent commits identity theft and fraud. Senate Bill 627 now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Expansion of Food Cottage Law makes it easier for farmers to sell perishable goods directly to consumers - A bill that allows farmers and small producers to sell homemade goods from their poultry and dairy farms passed the Senate this week. Senate Bill 484, sponsored by Senator Janice Bowling (R-Tullahoma), expands the Food Freedom Act of 2022 which allows Tennessee homemade food businesses to sell items like bread, candies, honey, jams and pastries directly to consumers. This year’s legislation broadens the range of homemade foods that can be sold directly to consumers to include the sale of perishable food items such as eggs and pasteurized milk. This legislation makes it easier for Tennesseans to buy and sell homemade goods, while fostering economic growth across the state.
Updating student search policies - The Senate Judiciary Committee has approved Senate Bill 290, legislation aimed at clarifying procedures for conducting student searches in schools. Sponsored by Senator Paul Bailey (R-Sparta), the bill mandates that searches of students or their property be carried out exclusively by school resource officers, school security officers, or trained administrators.
If a student is under 18 years old, the principal is required to notify the student’s parents or guardians and obtain consent prior to conducting the search. Additionally, the bill strengthens students’ rights by requiring local education agencies and law enforcement to offer orientation programs for school administrators on proper search procedures and student protections.
Senate Bill 290 now heads to the Senate Floor for further consideration.
Legislation creates new committee to study reinstating drivers licenses - Senate Bill 932, sponsored by Senator Paul Rose (R-Covington), was passed by the Senate Judiciary Committee. The bill establishes the Distance to Drive Study Committee to evaluate the feasibility of a program to reinstate suspended and revoked driver’s licenses for certain criminal defendants, analyze best practices from drug and mental health courts, and report findings with recommendations by 2026. Senate Bill 932 now advances to the Senate Floor.
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