Weather delays session next week as lawmakers prepare for State of the State Address
(NASHVILLE, TN) – Lawmakers wrapped up the second week of the 2026 legislative session as winter weather prompted the Senate to cancel floor sessions and committee meetings for the coming week. To keep the legislative process on track, the deadline to file bills was extended from Jan. 29 to Feb. 2, with proposals required to be submitted to the legal department by Jan. 29.
Senate staff is scheduled to return to the office Wednesday, and the General Assembly will resume regular business on Monday, Feb. 2, with a joint session for Gov. Bill Lee’s annual State of the State and budget address.
Legislation advances to protect 2nd Amendment rights for renters
To protect Second Amendment rights of renters, the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee passed Senate Bill 350 this week. Sponsored by Senator Bobby Harshbarger (R-Kingsport), the bill ensures that law-abiding renters in Tennessee can own and possess firearms in their home.
“This bill aims to secure Second Amendment rights for renters, ensuring law-abiding Tennesseans are not denied their constitutional freedoms simply because they choose to rent their home,” said Harshbarger. “Citizens do not surrender their constitutional rights when they sign a lease, and this legislation makes that clear.”
Currently, landlords are allowed to prohibit the possession of firearms on their property for renters. Under the legislation, landlords would no longer be able to prohibit tenants or their guests from lawfully possessing, carrying, or transporting a firearm on the property, ensuring that every Tennessean’s Second Amendment rights are fully protected, whether they choose to rent or own their home or business.
It also clarifies that tenants may lawfully possess a firearm in a vehicle parked on the property, ensuring their rights are protected not just inside their home or business, but also while coming and going on the premises.
Senate Bill 350 sets clear deadlines for compliance. Any lease in effect on July 1, 2025, that conflicts with the law will be void and unenforceable. Landlords must update those existing leases to follow the law by July 1, 2026.
The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Lawmakers receive update on Tennessee’s nuclear energy strategy
On Wednesday, the Senate Energy, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee received an update on the work of the Nuclear Energy Advisory Council, which was established in 2023 by Governor Bill Lee to strengthen Tennessee’s leadership in nuclear innovation.
Officials from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), which oversee the Council, briefed lawmakers on its progress and impact.
“The Nuclear Energy Advisory Council has delivered exactly what Tennessee needs to continue to lead the way in nuclear innovation by providing clear direction, smart policy, and real results,” said Chairman of the Energy Committee Shane Reeves (R-Murfreesboro). “With world-class research institutions, the TVA, a strong business-friendly climate, and forward-thinking leadership, Tennessee is uniquely positioned to advance nuclear energy. The Council has helped propel our state to the forefront of the industry while creating high-quality jobs and securing our energy future.”
By coordinating with state leaders, agencies, and industry, the Council has driven innovation and progress in advanced nuclear deployment, workforce and supply chain development, and policy frameworks, including the nation’s first regulatory structure for commercial nuclear fusion. Additionally, the Council is focused on building a comprehensive statewide workforce development plan to support Tennessee’s growing nuclear energy and supply chain sectors.
Guided by the Council’s recommendations, Tennessee has made strategic investments, including:
Up to $50 million to support TVA’s Clinch River Small Modular Reactor project, with an additional $20 million added in the past two fiscal years
$20 million in federal grant matching funds for Tennessee universities and businesses
$10 million for the Tennessee Nuclear Energy & Supply Chain Fund
$10 million for vocational education supporting nuclear career pathways
$2.6 million to establish the nation’s first state regulatory framework for commercial nuclear fusion
These efforts are already producing national firsts. On May 20, 2025, TVA became the first U.S. utility to apply for an SMR construction permit, and Tennessee now leads the nation in fusion regulation.
Today, Tennessee is home to 229+ nuclear companies across 350+ locations, earning recognition from the American Nuclear Society as “the epicenter” of U.S. nuclear energy.
Senate honors life and legacy of conservative leader Charlie Kirk
Senate Republicans this week passed Senate Joint Resolution 539 honoring the life and legacy of conservative activist, author, and media personality Charlie Kirk, recognizing his lasting impact on the conservative movement and his commitment to free speech, civic engagement, and public service. At the age of 31, Kirk’s life was cut short in a political assassination while speaking on campus at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025.
Charlie Kirk was the founder and CEO of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), a conservative student organization launched in 2012 that quickly grew into a national force on college campuses, raising substantial support and promoting conservative principles across the country.
“The loss of Charlie Kirk leaves a significant void in the conservative movement, but his message, leadership and dedication to engaging the next generation will continue to shape American politics for years to come,” said Senator Kerry Roberts (R-Springfield), sponsor of the resolution. “Not only did Charlie inspire young Americans to embrace conservative values; he also helped lead many to Christ. The full impact of his work cannot be measured because it lives on in the spiritual transformation of countless young people which will influence generations to come.”
In the resolution, lawmakers praised Kirk not only for his political influence, but also for his character as a devoted family man. The Senate extended its condolences to his family, friends and supporters across the nation. Kirk is survived by his wife, Erika Kirk and their two children.
Legislation aims to require DAs to report reduced felony charges from Memphis Safe Task Force
Senator Brent Taylor (R-Memphis) has filed legislation to increase transparency and accountability when felony charges tied to the Memphis Safe Task Force are reduced, dismissed or resolved through plea agreements. Senate Bill 1467, known as the Memphis Safe Task Force Accountability Act, would require district attorneys in judicial districts with Operation Viper or the Memphis Safe Task Force to report such actions within 24 hours when felony charges from these initiatives are reduced, dismissed, declined for prosecution, or resolved through a plea agreement.
"Memphis is done with excuses. Our officers are risking their lives to arrest violent criminals, and taxpayers are investing millions to make our city safer," said Taylor. "If those cases are being dropped, reduced or quietly swept aside, the public has a right to know. This bill demands transparency, accountability and real answers because public safety isn't a social justice experiment."
Reports would be submitted to the Tennessee Attorney General and Reporter, the speakers of the House and Senate, the District Attorneys General Conference and the United States attorney with jurisdiction in the district.
The Memphis Safe Task Force is a multi-agency law enforcement initiative launched in September 2025 that brings together local, state and federal agencies to combat violent crime in Bluff City. The task force includes the U.S. Marshals Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), local police and support from the Tennessee National Guard.
The Memphis Safe Task Force has reported more than 5,283 total arrests, seized 853 illegal firearms and located 148 missing children since its launch in September 2025 through Jan. 15, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.
Senate 1467 is expected to be heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee in the coming weeks.
In Brief…
Department of Safety reviews CDL documentation to ensure lawful status – The Senate Transportation and Safety Committee received an update this week from the Tennessee Department of Safety on its efforts to ensure only individuals lawfully present in the United States hold Commercial Driver’s Licences (CDL) in Tennessee. President Trump issued an executive order in April 2025 mandating that all CDL drivers be lawfully present in the US, a standard Tennessee has long upheld. A recent records review found that documentation was not always retained for licenses issued before 2001. As a result, the department discovered about 8,800 drivers’ files lacked proof of lawful presence. The Department noted that this does not indicate these individuals are unlawfully present, only that documentation was not on file. The Department has since mailed notices requiring affected drivers to submit proof of lawful status by April 6 to maintain their CDL.
Demand for Education Freedom Scholarships surges across Tennessee – More and more Tennessee families want school choice for their children. Interest continues to grow for Tennessee’s Education Freedom Scholarships (EFS), with 50,300 new and renewal applications already submitted for the 2026-27 school year, according to the Department of Education. Applications have surpassed last year’s total by more than 7,500 and growing, with families encouraged to continue applying through the Jan. 30 deadline. Almost 100% of previously enrolled families have applied to renew, indicating strong parent satisfaction. The growing interest in school choice is being met with increased participation from schools. Eighteen additional schools have already registered to take part in the program for the 2026-27 school year. The full list of participating schools is available here.
Vehicle Auction Exemption for Nashville Superspeedway – The Finance Ways and Means Committee passed legislation that creates an exemption for high profile vehicle auctions at the Nashville Superspeedway. Sponsored by Senator Mark Pody (R-Lebanon), Senate Bill 1069 allows the selling of previously titled antique cars and unique vehicles without requiring a dealer license. To help ensure financial stability, the seller of the vehicle must have a minimum net worth of $25 million. The exemption is set to expire on June 30, 2027. The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for a vote by the full Senate.
January recognized as Human Trafficking Awareness Month - The Judiciary Committee passed Senate Joint Resolution 543, sponsored by Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin). The resolution looks to recognize January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month. The entire month will focus on community education on the harmful effect of human trafficking and offering support to survivors. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reports that the Volunteer State is ranked among the best in the nation for its approach to this crime. The General Assembly is committed to passing legislation to end this modern day slavery.
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