HB 414 Tennessee House · 114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Codes - As introduced, allows an existing place of worship to be used for educational purposes without reclassification of the building's occupancy type if certain conditions are met. - Amends TCA Title 49 and Title 68, Chapter 120.

HB 414 allows existing religious buildings (places of worship) in Tennessee to host educational programs - like classes or youth activities - without needing to reclassify the building's occupancy type, provided they meet specific fire safety upgrades. Key requirements include installing interconnected smoke detectors with battery backup, audible/visual alarms for hearing-impaired individuals, clearly marked exits, and fire extinguishers on each floor. Buildings meeting these standards are exempt from mandatory automatic fire sprinkler systems. The bill directly affects religious organizations offering educational services and local fire marshals enforcing safety compliance, effective July 1, 2025.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 3, 2025 Last action Feb 5, 2025
Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
4
Key actions
0
Committee
2
Feb 5, 2025
Committee
P2C, ref. to State & Local Government Committee
lower
Feb 5, 2025
Committee
Assigned to s/c Cities & Counties Subcommittee
lower
Feb 3, 2025
Introduced
Intro., P1C.
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Elaine Davis
Elaine Davis
RRepublican
TN
18