The pace accelerates as lawmakers navigate a surge of key bills
(NASHVILLE) This week, the Education Committee completed its business for the year with many key bills advancing in the Senate. Lawmakers are expected to continue wrapping up committees, with several more committees anticipated to close next week. As the legislature moves closer to adjournment, the General Assembly will turn its attention to budget negotiations as Governor Bill Lee’s administration prepares to introduce his amendment to the original budget proposal.
Senate passes recycling market reforms to drive economic growth and reduce landfill pressure
On Monday, the Senate approved legislation to strengthen Tennessee’s recycling marketplace, positioning the state to better compete for investment while addressing growing landfill capacity challenges. Senate Bill 1793, sponsored by Sen. Shane Reeves (R–Murfreesboro), takes a market-driven approach to improving recycling outcomes without imposing new mandates, taxes, or regulatory burdens.
“Tennessee currently ranks near the bottom nationally in recycling, while landfill pressures continue to grow—especially in fast-growing regions like Middle Tennessee,” said Reeves, Chairman of the Senate Energy, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. “What we’re hearing loud and clear from both industry and local communities is that the issue isn’t willingness—it’s the lack of a strong, reliable marketplace. This bill is about fixing that gap and positioning Tennessee to compete for the kind of private investment we’re currently missing.”
The legislation strengthens the Office of Cooperative Marketing for Recyclables (OCMR) within the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) by modernizing its role to support a statewide recyclable materials marketplace. The office will maintain information on recyclable material supply to better connect communities and businesses with end users, improving coordination and transparency across the system.
Senate Bill 1793 also establishes a Recycling Market Development and Diversion Advisory Council, a public-private partnership composed of industry leaders, recycling professionals, state agencies, legislators, and local government representatives. The council will evaluate Tennessee’s current recycling landscape, identify opportunities to recruit recycling-related businesses, research best practices from other states, and provide recommendations to strengthen the state’s recycling economy.
Importantly, the measure does not expand TDEC’s regulatory authority or create new requirements for businesses. Instead, it enhances coordination and collaboration, ensuring Tennessee can better attract investment and build a more efficient recycling marketplace.
“This is a pro-growth, pro-business solution that treats recycling as an economic development opportunity—not a regulatory burden,” Reeves added. “There are no new mandates, no new taxes, and no expansion of regulatory authority. Instead, we’re bringing the right partners to the table—state government, private industry, and local communities—to build a system that works. If we get this right, we can reduce pressure on our landfills, create jobs, and turn recyclable materials into real economic value for Tennessee.”
Senate protects Second Amendment rights of foster parents
The Senate passed legislation this week to safeguard the constitutional rights of foster families. Senate Bill 2459, sponsored by Sen. Paul Bailey (R-Sparta), ensures that law-abiding foster parents are not subject to unnecessary government intrusion regarding legally owned firearms.
“Law-abiding Tennesseans should never have to choose between answering the call to foster a child and exercising their Second Amendment rights,” said Sen. Bailey. “This bill stops government overreach, protects private property, and reaffirms that constitutional freedoms do not disappear when you open your home to serve others.”
The legislation prohibits the Department of Children’s Services (DCS) from creating an inventory of firearms in foster homes. While DCS may still ask whether weapons are present and verify that they are stored securely, the department is barred from requiring foster parents to open locked storage compartments during routine inspections. These provisions do not apply in cases where DCS is conducting a formal investigation into allegations of child abuse or neglect.
Expansion of public school choice passes Senate
The Senate passed legislation this week to strengthen open enrollment policies and give families greater access to public school options across Tennessee. Senate Bill 328, sponsored by Sen. Adam Lowe (R-Calhoun), ensures a more transparent and consistent process for students seeking to attend schools outside their zoned district.
“Parents know what’s best for their child, and they deserve the freedom to choose a school that meets their needs,” said Sen. Lowe. “This legislation removes unnecessary barriers, empowers parents with more choices, all while ensuring schools have the resources to support every student who walks through their doors.”
The legislation extends the minimum open enrollment period from 30 to 45 days and establishes an appeals process for students who are denied admission—providing families with clearer, fairer opportunities to pursue the best educational fit for their child. Importantly, the bill allows state funding, including additional “weighted” dollars for students with unique learning needs, to follow the student—helping school districts better serve nonresident students without added financial strain.
Districts will not be required to accept additional students if capacity is limited and may continue charging tuition to nonresident students, ensuring local flexibility is preserved.
The measure builds on successful open enrollment practices already in place in parts of the state and reflects continued efforts by the General Assembly to expand educational opportunity while maintaining strong, locally controlled school systems.
Increasing standardized testing options for ESA students
To increase accountability and transparency in Education Savings Accounts (ESA’s), the Education Committee passed Senate Bill 1585. Sponsored by Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin), the legislation gives ESA students the option to take either the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) or a nationally standardized achievement test approved by the State Board of Education. Currently, ESA students are required to take the TCAP. This legislation gives parents more choices for standardized testing, while requiring participating schools to administer one of the approved assessments and provide results directly to parents.
“Parents know their children best, and they deserve the freedom to choose the education that sets them up for success,” said Johnson. “Education Savings Accounts are about expanding opportunity and putting students first, and this legislation strengthens that mission by ensuring transparency and accountability. It requires every student to be tested annually while allowing assessments to reflect what students are actually being taught in the classroom, rather than forcing them into a one-size-fits-all test that may not align with their curriculum. That is not weakening standards. It is making them more meaningful.”
The bill also directs the Department of Education (DOE) to select a statistical sample of ESA students to evaluate academic performance. Participating schools must submit student test results to the Office of Research and Education Accountability (OREA), which may be provided in a summarized format that does not include personally identifiable information, but must allow for analysis by grade level, household income, sex, and race.
OREA will use the data to produce an annual report for the House and Senate Education Committees, helping lawmakers better assess the program’s effectiveness.
The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Senate passes bill to strengthen opportunity charter schools and expand access for at-risk students
The Senate passed legislation this week to enhance accountability, transparency, and access for opportunity charter schools as Tennessee continues implementing the program statewide. Senate Bill 1931, sponsored by Sen. Ferrell Haile (R–Gallatin), makes targeted improvements to the opportunity charter school framework passed in 2024, ensuring the model is implemented effectively as new schools begin to open.
Opportunity charter schools are designed to serve at-risk students in grades 6–12, including those who are academically behind, chronically absent, involved in the juvenile justice system, or facing other significant life challenges. To maintain that mission, at least 75 percent of enrolled students must meet the statutory at-risk criteria, ensuring these schools remain focused on students who need alternative pathways to graduation and career readiness.
“This is about making sure we are not just creating new options, but delivering real results for the students who need them most,” said Haile. “Opportunity charter schools are designed specifically for young people who have fallen behind or faced serious challenges, and this bill ensures we are holding these schools accountable while giving those students a clear path to graduate and succeed.”
The legislation strengthens accountability by requiring the Department of Education to collect and publish additional data on student outcomes, including four-, five-, and six-year graduation rates, credit attainment progress, and expanded college and career readiness metrics. This added transparency will give families, educators, and policymakers clearer insight into how effectively these schools are supporting student success.
The bill also improves awareness and access by encouraging key adults who work with at-risk youth—such as school officials, juvenile court representatives, and Department of Children’s Services caseworkers—to provide students and families with information about opportunity charter school options in their area.
“Tennessee is already seeing strong momentum, with the first school approved in Nashville and additional applications in Memphis, including partnerships with nationally recognized organizations,” Haile added. “We want to build on that success and make sure every eligible student and family knows these opportunities exist and has access to them.”
Measure to strengthen domestic violence offender registry advances
To build on last year’s Savannah’s Law, which created a public registry of domestic violence offenders, the Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 1726. Sponsored by Senator Becky Massey (R-Knoxville), the legislation strengthens the tracking and registration of persistent domestic violence offenders.
“Savannah’s Law was an important step in protecting victims and increasing transparency, and this legislation builds on that foundation,” said Massey. “By improving how repeat offenders are tracked and ensuring accurate, timely reporting, we are strengthening accountability and helping keep Tennessee families safer.”
This bill enhances that framework by requiring courts to document the number of prior convictions when determining the length of an offender’s registration and by establishing a clear, comprehensive list of qualifying offenses, including comparable crimes committed in other states. The bill also streamlines the reporting process by requiring court clerks to submit final judgments to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), with the seven-day reporting deadline beginning upon receipt of the signed judgment.
The measure now heads to the Finance Committee for fiscal review.
Stronger sentences for child rape advances
To build on Tennessee’s recent law allowing the death penalty for child rape, the Judiciary Committee unanimously passed Senate Bill 1659. Sponsored by Senator Todd Gardenhire (R-Chattanooga), the legislation strengthens death sentencing guidelines by adding new aggravating circumstances for juries to consider in serious criminal cases of child rape.
“By expanding the list of aggravating factors, this legislation gives courts greater discretion to impose stronger penalties in the most serious and egregious cases,” said Gardenhire. “It ensures that the full weight of the law can be applied when circumstances warrant it, reinforcing Tennessee’s commitment to protecting victims and holding violent offenders accountable.”
In 2024, the General Assembly passed Senate Bill 1834, sponsored by Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin), which classified the rape of a child as a Class A felony, allowing the death penalty to be on the table for an adult who rapes a child.
This bill expands on the 2024 law, allowing juries to weigh additional aggravating factors when determining a defendant’s sentence, including whether the offense involved aggravated rape of a child under the age of four, incest, abuse of a position of trust, prior sexual offenses against minors, or the use of intoxicants or a deadly weapon.
Additional factors include whether the defendant recorded the offense, targeted a vulnerable victim, acted in an especially heinous or cruel manner, provided payment to gain access to the victim, or was convicted of multiple offenses involving other victims.
The measure now heads to the Senate Floor for a final vote.
Improving data collection to research potential links of mass violence and psychotropic medications
To strengthen research into causes of mass violence, the Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 2088. Sponsored by Senator Rusty Crowe (R-Johnson City), the legislation establishes a consent-based process for obtaining biological samples from those suspected of committing a mass shooting for drug testing, with a focus on psychotropic medications.
“I am convinced after discussion with Secretary Bobby Kennedy Jr. and others that the advent of the prescription of these psychotropic and gender changing drugs is certainly a piece of the puzzle as we investigate why we are having so many of these mass shootings,” said Crowe. “I appreciate the University of Tennessee Health Science Department as they will study the interaction of these drugs to see if we can find solutions."
Under the bill, if the suspect is a minor, consent must be provided by a parent or legal guardian. Test results will be submitted to the University of Tennessee Medical Center to support ongoing research into potential drug interactions and contributing factors in mass violence incidents. Findings from the study will be reported quarterly to the General Assembly.
Additionally, the proposal expands the definition of a mass shooting to include incidents where four or more individuals are injured or where there is a clear attempt to kill four or more people, regardless of whether fatalities occur.
The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Measure improving tools to prevent child abuse advances
To strengthen child protection efforts, the Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 2220. Sponsored by Senator Adam Lowe (R-Calhoun), the legislation establishes a standardized process for assessing child safety and determining the appropriate responses to reports of potential maltreatment.
“This legislation ensures we’re taking a smarter, more consistent approach to protecting vulnerable children,” said Lowe. “By standardizing how risk is assessed and how the state responds, we can intervene earlier, connect families with the right services, and focus resources where they are needed most. At the end of the day, this is about strengthening accountability while making sure every child in Tennessee has a safer, more secure future.”
The bill requires the Department of Children’s Services (DCS) to implement a standardized screening tool to assess the risk of child maltreatment, such as child or sexual abuse and guide its response. Based on the results, the department must choose from four defined actions: initiating a formal investigation, conducting an assessment with service referrals, making a direct referral to services without assessment, or taking no further action.
These assessments must be completed in 90 days, include face-to-face contact with the child and relevant family members, and be fully documented in writing. While the department must offer community-based services, families retain the right to decline participation, though they must be informed that refusal may be considered in future evaluations.
The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Rural Health Transformation effort aims to expand access to pharmacist care
To expand access to affordable and convenient healthcare provided by pharmacists, the Senate Health and Welfare Committee advanced Senate Bill 2242, sponsored by Senator Jack Johnson (R-Franklin) and carried by Senator Shane Reeves (R-Murfreesboro). The bill is part of rural health efforts and gives pharmacists greater authority to issue prescriptions under certain circumstances.
“By cutting red tape and making better use of pharmacists, this bill gives families greater access to care, especially in rural areas where healthcare options can be limited,” said Reeves. “About 90% of Tennesseans live within five miles of a pharmacist, so this provides practical, local solutions that are more convenient and affordable, helping patients get the care they need when they need it. This approach makes our healthcare system work smarter, not harder, and ensures communities across Tennessee have reliable options close to home.”
The measure allows pharmacists, in limited cases, to write prescriptions, treat minor ailments, help reduce tobacco and nicotine use, and provide supplies, testing, and examinations for patients with already diagnosed conditions. It also removes unnecessary restrictions that have made it harder for patients to get care.
Pharmacists must keep records of each patient visit for at least 10 years, and the Board of Pharmacy can set rules to carry out the law.
Senate Bill 2242 moves to the Senate floor for final consideration.
Providing life saving care to injured K-9’s injured in the line of duty
To ensure working K-9’s receive vital care when injured in the line of duty, the Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 2069, sponsored by Senator Bo Watson (R-Hixson). The legislation creates a clear legal pathway for emergency medical services (EMS) personnel to provide care to military and law enforcement K-9’s injured in the line of duty.
“Tennessee’s working K-9s are not just animals—they are highly trained public safety partners,” said Watson. “They help locate missing children, detect drugs and explosives, and protect our officers in dangerous situations. When a K-9 is injured, every second counts, and this legislation ensures they can receive lifesaving care without delay.”
Currently, concerns about liability and unauthorized veterinary practice laws deter EMS professionals from assisting injured K-9’s. This bill provides legal protections for EMS providers who render aid in good faith, allowing them to act quickly in critical situations and support the animals that serve alongside first responders.
The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Legislation creating Cold Case Unit advances
To help bring answers to families and advance justice in unresolved cases, the Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 2649. Sponsored by Senator Kerry Roberts (R-Springfield), the legislation creates a Cold Case Unit within the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) that is dedicated to investigating unsolved homicides and missing persons cases that have remained open for at least ten years.
“Families who have waited years for answers deserve renewed attention on these heartbreaking cases,” said Roberts. “By establishing a dedicated cold case unit within the TBI, we can bring additional resources and expertise to investigations that might finally deliver justice and closure.”
The Unit will be staffed with at least five detectives and will work with law enforcement to review and investigate eligible cases. The legislation also allows local agencies to submit cases to the unit on a voluntary basis, while district attorneys general may submit cases for review at any time.
The bill now heads to the Finance Committee for fiscal review.
Committee advances legislation targeting foreign adversaries from using intimidation tactics
To protect Tennesseans from intimidation by foreign adversaries and terrorist organizations, the Judiciary Committee unanimously passed Senate Bill 2644. Sponsored by Senator Kerry Roberts (R-Springfield), the legislation, known as the “Crush Transnational Repression in Tennessee Act”, establishes criminal penalties for individuals acting on behalf of these entities who harass, intimidate or coerce residents in an effort to influence their behavior or suppress their protected legal rights.
“Foreign governments and terrorist organizations should never be allowed to intimidate or silence people living in Tennessee,” said Roberts. “This legislation strengthens our laws to ensure that anyone acting on behalf of these hostile entities will face serious consequences and that the constitutional rights of Tennesseans are fully protected.”
Under the bill, crimes committed on behalf of a foreign adversary or foreign terrorist organization would be punished one classification higher than the underlying offense. The measure also creates a new offense for attempting to enforce the laws of a foreign adversary or foreign terrorist organization in Tennessee without authorization from state or federal law enforcement. Violations would be punishable as a Class D felony, or a Class C felony if committed by an agent of a foreign adversary or foreign terrorist organization.
The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Cracking down on drink spiking and strengthening safeguards
To combat drink spiking and improve safety, the Judiciary Committee unanimously 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.
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.
“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 bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Updates to alcohol laws regarding celebrity endorsements advances
To modernize Tennessee’s alcohol laws while preserving the integrity of the three-tier system, the Judiciary Committee advanced Senate Bill 2163. Sponsored by Senator Richard Briggs (R-Knoxville), the legislation establishes a clear legal framework for celebrity endorsement agreements within the alcohol industry.
This bill allows manufacturers, wineries, and non resident sellers to maintain a direct or indirect interest in a licensed retail establishment if that interest is held in an irrevocable trust managed by an independent trustee. Individuals participating in the trust are prohibited from participating in daily operations of the business, while being allowed to enter into licensing agreements for use of their name, image and likeness. These agreements allow compensation through fixed fees or a percentage of the sales, not exceeding 10%.
Tennessee’s three tier system is the structure that separates the alcohol industry into three levels: manufacturers (breweries, distilleries, wineries, etc), wholesalers, and retailers. Under this system, each tier must operate independently, ensuring one tier cannot own or control a business in another tier.
The bill now heads to the State and Local Committee for further review.
Legislation advances aiming to prevent lawsuits funded with school dollars
To protect taxpayer dollars and keep resources focused on students, the Education Committee passed Senate Bill 712. Sponsored by Senator Brent Taylor (R-Memphis), the legislation prohibits local education agencies (LEA’s) and public charter schools from using public funds to file or maintain lawsuits against the state, state agencies, or state officials to challenge a school or district about accountability measures.
“This is about common sense and accountability,” said Taylor. “Taxpayer dollars should be spent educating our kids—not funding lawsuits against the very state responsible for setting standards. If the district disagrees with the policy, they can finish braiding each others’ hair and writing in their journals, then they can come to the table, not the courtroom.”
The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Legislation to create the Tennessee Family Advisory Board advances
To improve family contact with incarcerated individuals and ensure family members have a clear mechanism to report misconduct and concerns, the Senate Government Operations Committee passed legislation creating the Tennessee Family Advisory Board to give families a voice in prison safety communication. Sponsored by Senator Tom Hatcher (R-Maryville), Senate Bill 2531 provides families with a structured process to safely report misconduct and other concerns within Tennessee prisons.
“This legislation is about giving families a voice and improving transparency in our correctional system,” said Hatcher. “By creating a safe and structured way to report concerns, we can strengthen communication and support successful reentry for those leaving incarceration.”
The measure now advances to the Senate floor for further consideration.
Cracking down on drones over correctional facilities
To enhance security at correctional facilities, the Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 1631. Sponsored by Senator Tom Hatcher (R-Maryville), the bill increases the penalty for knowingly operating an unmanned aircraft, such as drones, over any portion of property that includes a correctional facility. The legislation raises the offense from a Class C misdemeanor to a Class C felony.
“Drones are increasingly being used to smuggle contraband into correctional facilities, putting correctional officers, inmates and the public at risk,” said Hatcher. “This legislation strengthens penalties for those who attempt to use this technology to bypass security and gives correctional staff the authority they need to protect our facilities while ensuring actions are taken in accordance with federal law.”
The legislation also grants correctional facility employees the authority to disable drones flying over prison property and provides liability protections when those actions are taken lawfully. Additionally, the proposal clarifies that military personnel, law enforcement officers and correctional facility employees may operate unmanned aircraft over correctional facilities while performing official duties.
The bill now heads to the Finance Committee for fiscal review.
Legislation advances to support families of fallen first responders
To ensure the families of fallen first responders are not denied benefits due to lengthy investigations or court proceedings, the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously passed Senate Bill 2212. Sponsored by Senator Brent Taylor (R-Memphis), the legislation extends the deadline for filing line-of-duty death annuity claims to three years following either the date of death or the official determination that the death occurred in the line of duty.
“This bill ensures families of our fallen first responders are treated fairly and are not penalized when line-of-duty determinations take time,” said Taylor. “When someone makes the ultimate sacrifice protecting our communities, their loved ones deserve a clear and reasonable path to receive the benefits they have earned.”
In cases where a court or other authority makes that determination years later, the three-year filing window would begin at the time of that ruling rather than the date of death.
The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Targeting telecommunication fraudsters effort advances
To ensure Tennessee law addresses modern forms of theft, the Judiciary Committee unanimously passed Senate Bill 1920. Sponsored by Senator Jessie Seal (R-New Tazewell), the legislation targets individuals who use a telecommunication device to fraudulently obtain or exercise control over another person’s property without the owner’s consent and with the intent to deprive them of it.
“Tennessee will not be a safe haven for fraudsters who use technology to steal from hardworking citizens,” said Seal. “By strengthening penalties for telecommunication fraud, this legislation ensures our laws keep pace with modern criminal schemes and holds offenders accountable.”
Currently, this conduct may be charged as a Class A misdemeanor. This bill clarifies that when theft is committed through the use of a telecommunication device, the offense will be punishable as theft as a Class E felony.
The legislation now heads to the Finance Committee for fiscal review.
In Brief…
Stronger penalties for underage tobacco and vaping - To discourage underage tobacco and vaping use, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 1740. Sponsored by Senator Paul Rose (R-Covington), the legislation expands penalties for individuals under the age of 21 who unlawfully purchase or possess tobacco, vaping or other nicotine products.
Under the legislation, a first offense may result in community service, completion of a court-approved program, or a 90-day informal adjustment. For repeat offenses, courts may impose up to six months of probation in addition to community service and participation in a program focused on the dangers of tobacco and vapor products.
The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Limits on screen time and prioritizing in-person learning for young students – The Senate passed legislation this week to reduce excessive classroom screen time and reinforce in-person, teacher-led instruction for K–5 students. Senate Bill 2310, sponsored by Sen. Joey Hensley (R–Hohenwald), requires schools to adopt policies ensuring digital device use is age-appropriate and limited. Studies show younger students learn best through direct instruction and hands-on methods like writing with paper and pencil. This bill supports those approaches while also banning student access to social media on school internet during the day and increasing transparency for parents on device use. The measure maintains flexibility by allowing devices for accommodations, assessments, and targeted academic support, ensuring technology is used where it adds value but does not replace effective teaching.
Tougher consequences for unruly teens - To promote accountability among youth, the Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 2201. Sponsored by Senator Ferrell Haile (R-Gallatin), the legislation authorizes juvenile courts to suspend a student’ s driving privileges–or their ability to obtain a license–for up to a year if they are adjudicated unruly for certain offenses, such as truancy. The court has the discretion to impose this penalty in addition to any other existing legal consequences, providing courts with another tool to address disruptive or unlawful behavior. The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Banning unauthorized drones from flying over schools - To ensure safety of students, the Judiciary Committee 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. The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final vote.
Expanding workforce pathways in childcare – The Senate approved legislation this week to create new workforce opportunities for high school students while helping address child care staffing needs. Senate Bill 2525, sponsored by Sen. Tom Hatcher (R–Maryville), allows students ages 16 to 19 to work in child care centers if they have completed at least two courses in the education and training career cluster. Students may only work during school hours if participation is part of an approved work-based learning program, ensuring the experience remains structured and education-focused. The Department of Human Services is authorized to establish rules to implement the program. This measure strengthens Tennessee’s workforce pipeline by connecting students to hands-on career opportunities while supporting a critical need for qualified child care providers.
Expanding access to childcare for low income families - To address a freeze in child care funding that left nearly 10,000 families on the Smart Steps Program waitlist, the Senate Health and Welfare Committee passed Senate Bill 1921, sponsored by Senator Becky Massey (R-Knoxville). The bill ensures low-income working families regain access to affordable child care by directing the Department of Human Services (DHS) to use available Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds to cover families who were previously unable to participate.
DHS will annually transfer the necessary funds – up to $25 million unless otherwise approved by the Governor – from the TANF rainy-day fund to the Child Care and Development Fund. The department is also required to publish an annual report online detailing fund balances, expenditures, and the number of children served in the Smart Steps Program.
Senate Bill 1921 advances to Senate Finance for fiscal review.
Protecting judicial candidates from doxxing - To protect the personal safety and privacy of judicial candidates, the Senate State and Local Government Committee passed Senate Bill 1720, sponsored by Senator Ferrell Haile (R-Gallatin). The bill makes home addresses listed on nominating petitions for candidates seeking judicial offices confidential. Senate Bill 1720 advances to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Accountability driven expungement framework - To provide a path to redemption for certain non violent offenders, the Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 1232. Sponsored by Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin), the legislation establishes new criteria for individuals seeking expungement of certain offenses following a prior DUI conviction.
Under the bill, individuals may qualify as an “eligible petitioner” to expunge a separate, non-DUI offense if at least ten years have passed since their DUI conviction, all sentencing requirements have been completed, and they have successfully graduated from a certified recovery court program. Petitioners must also have no more than one DUI conviction and no prior expungements.
The legislation provides an opportunity for individuals who have demonstrated long-term accountability and rehabilitation, while maintaining strict safeguards to ensure public safety.
The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Streamlining large construction projects to save local governments money - To save time and money for local governments building large projects, the Senate State and Local Government Committee passed Senate Bill 2334, sponsored by Todd Gardenhire (R-Chattanooga). The bill allows local governments to choose the construction project delivery method that best fits their needs. To qualify, the local government must employ a full-time purchasing or procurement professional and have general revenues of at least $150 million for counties or metropolitan governments, or $125 million for municipalities or other local governments, or receive approval from the comptroller. Contractors must be selected through a competitive proposal process defined by the bill, ensuring fairness while streamlining large construction projects.
Senate Bill 2334 advances to the Senate Floor for a final vote.
Proper collection of litigation taxes - To increase accountability and transparency in court fee collection, the Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 1099. Sponsored by Senator Ferrell Haile (R-Gallatin), the legislation strengthens reporting requirements for court clerks and clarifies their responsibility for collecting litigation taxes.
The bill requires clerks to submit quarterly reports to the state treasurer and commissioner of revenue detailing the total amount of privilege taxes collected and remitted. Reports must also include case-level information on taxes that were waived, reduced, or not collected, along with explanations for those decisions.
Additionally, clerks must provide documentation upon request outlining their collection practices, including waiver policies, notification procedures, and the use of third-party collection agencies. The legislation further clarifies that any uncollected or unremitted privilege taxes are considered a debt owed by the clerk.
The proposal now heads to the Senate Floor for final vote.
Restorative justice pilot program - To ensure victims of physical, emotional, or financial harm are aware of services that exist, the Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 2650. Sponsored by Senator Kerry Roberts (R-Springfield), the bill establishes a victim centered restorative justice pilot program in Davidson and Shelby Counties. The proposal requires certain entities, including court clerks and law enforcement agencies, to provide victims with standardized notices informing them about available restorative justice programs and emphasizing that participation is completely voluntary. The notices must include information about a restorative justice directory that lists participating programs, along with contact information and the types of services offered. The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final vote.
Reducing judicial caseload backlog - The Senate Judiciary Committee this week advanced legislation to help courts manage growing caseloads and improve efficiency in the criminal justice system. Senate Bill 2025, sponsored by Senator Adam Lowe (R-Calhoun), creates a pilot program allowing the 10 counties with the highest criminal court caseloads to establish criminal magistrate positions. If approved by the county’s legislative body, judges with criminal jurisdiction may appoint a magistrate to assist with key judicial functions, including arraignments, initial appearances, setting bonds, issuing warrants, and conducting preliminary hearings. Magistrates would serve four-year terms and be funded by the county. The bill now heads to the Finance Committee for fiscal review.
No more second chances for bond violations - To hold offenders accountable by strengthening bond eligibility, the Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 1945. Sponsored by Senator Ferrell Haile (R-Gallatin), the legislation allows courts to temporarily revoke a defendant’s bond and hold them without bail for up to ten days if they violate release conditions, commit a new offense, or interfere with court proceedings. Following a formal hearing, the court may permanently revoke the bond and require the defendant to remain in custody until trial if they were found to violate the conditions of the release. The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Tougher penalties for animal cruelty - To crack down on severe animal abuse, the Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 2133. Sponsored by Ferrell Haile (R-Gallatin), the legislation classifies the intentional starvation of a livestock animal resulting in death as aggravated cruelty, a Class E felony. It distinguishes legitimate farming practices from rare cases of extreme neglect, helping protect the reputation of Tennessee producers who properly care for their livestock. The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Strengthening penalties for aggravated animal cruelty - To enhance the penalties and hold offenders accountable for harming animals, the Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 1475. Sponsored by Senator Brent Taylor (R-Memphis), the legislation increases the penalty for aggravated cruelty for animals from a Class E felony to a Class D felony.
The legislation also adds aggravated cruelty to animals to the list of offenses that may require a court to classify a child age 14 or older as a serious youthful offender if certain criteria are met. In addition, if a juvenile is adjudicated delinquent for conduct that would constitute a Class B or Class D felony if committed by an adult, the court must impose an additional three-year disposition beyond the serious youthful offender’s 19th birthday
The bill now heads to the Finance Committee for fiscal review.
Increasing transparency in government litigation - To increase transparency and accountability in government litigation, the Judiciary Committee 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.
The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Expanding authority for fire investigators in arson cases - In an effort to strengthen arson investigations, the Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 2005. Sponsored by Senator Tom Hatcher (R-Maryville), the legislation authorizes state, municipal, and salaried county fire investigators to exercise police powers, including making arrests, in cases involving arson or suspected arson.
Investigators must be authorized by their department and maintain current certification from the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission to exercise these powers. Additionally, the bill also clarifies that investigators without POST certification may still conduct origin-and-cause investigations but may not perform law enforcement actions.
The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Extending the Ground Ambulance Service Provider Assessment Act - To ensure continued funding for emergency medical services, the Senate Health and Welfare Committee passed Senate Bill 2221, sponsored by Senator Ken Yager (R-Kingston). The bill extends the Ground Ambulance Service Provider Assessment Act through June 30, 2027, providing stability for TennCare’s funding of ground ambulance services.
The legislation also updates the delinquency penalty for unpaid assessments. Instead of a $50 per day fee, providers will now be charged five percent of the principal amount owed per month, making the penalty proportionate to the amount owed and simplifying enforcement.
“This legislation ensures our ground ambulance services remain fully funded while creating a fair and predictable system for providers,” said Yager. “It’s a commonsense approach that supports both Tennesseans and the hardworking emergency medical professionals who serve them.”
Senate Bill 2221 moves to the Senate Finance Committee for review.
Providing tax relief to teachers - To support teachers, the Education Committee passed Senate Bill 1919. Sponsored by Senator Jessie Seal (R-New Tazewell), the legislation exempts classroom supplies priced under $100 from sales tax when purchased by public school teachers. The exemption applies to school and instructional materials, but excludes items like clothing, computers, and personal-use goods.
Teachers must obtain a sales tax exemption certificate from the Department of Revenue to qualify, and eligibility is limited to licensed educators who spend at least 50% of their time instructing students.
The bill now heads to the Finance Committee for fiscal review.
Protecting the right to decline providing biometric data for professional licensure – The Senate passed Senate Bill 1150, sponsored by Senator Rusty Crowe (R-Johnson City), this week requiring accommodations for individuals who object to providing biometric data to take an exam or test for professional licensure, certification, registration or continuing education. The legislation ensures that fingerprints or government-issued photo identification can still be used to verify identity or conduct a criminal background check.
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