Motor Vehicles, Titling and Registration - As enacted, clarifies that stuttering and other types of communication disorders are qualifying medical conditions for purposes of the "2021 Precious Cargo Act," which authorizes drivers who have certain medical conditions to apply for a designation in the Tennessee Vehicle Title and Registration System (VTRS) database of a need for assistance in communicating with first responders during traffic stops. - Amends TCA Title 55, Chapter 21, Part 3.
SB 1635 expands the definition of "medical condition" under Tennessee's 2021 Precious Cargo Act to include communication disorders like stuttering, speech issues, and language disorders. This change allows drivers with these conditions to qualify for a special designation in the state's Vehicle Title and Registration System (VTRS), alerting first responders during traffic stops that the driver may need communication assistance. The bill amends Tennessee Code §55-21-303(a)(2) to explicitly list these disorders as qualifying medical conditions. The provision will take effect on July 1, 2026, directly benefiting eligible drivers in traffic interactions with law enforcement.
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Feb 2026
Senate Passage
Mar 2026
House Passage
Mar 2026
Signed into Law
Apr 2026
Introduced Jan 14, 2026
Signed Apr 1, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
19
Key actions
7
Committee
3
Apr 1, 2026
Signed into law
Signed by Governor.
lower
Mar 19, 2026
Lower · Passed
Signed by H. Speaker
lower
Mar 18, 2026
Upper · Passed
Signed by Senate Speaker
upper
Mar 16, 2026
Lower · Passed
Passed H., Ayes 93, Nays 0, PNV 0
lower
Feb 19, 2026
Upper · Passed
Passed Senate, Ayes 31, Nays 0
upper
Feb 11, 2026
Lower · Passed
Recommended for passage, refer to Senate Calendar Committee
lower
Feb 4, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Transportation and Safety Committee calendar for 2/11/2026
lower
Jan 15, 2026
Committee
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Transportation and Safety Committee
upper
Jan 14, 2026
Introduced
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Raumesh Akbari
DDemocratic
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