SB 171 Tennessee Senate · 114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Tattoos and Piercings - As enacted, enacts "The Ink of Hope Act"; requires tattoo operators and tattoo artists to complete up to one hour of training on recognizing and reporting signs of human trafficking. - Amends TCA Title 62, Chapter 38.

SB 171, "The Ink of Hope Act," requires tattoo operators and artists in Tennessee to complete one hour of free, nonprofit-approved training on recognizing and reporting human trafficking signs before obtaining or renewing a license. The training covers identifying trafficking indicators, responding appropriately, referring clients to victim resources, and reporting to the Tennessee Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline. Existing license holders must complete this training by December 31, 2028, to maintain their license. The law also provides legal immunity for licensed individuals who report trafficking signs or refer clients to resources, protecting them from civil or criminal liability.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Feb 2025
Senate Passage
Mar 2025
House Passage
Mar 2025
Signed into Law
Mar 2025
Introduced Jan 16, 2025 Signed Mar 12, 2025
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
22
Key actions
7
Committee
3
Mar 12, 2025
Signed into law
Signed by Governor.
lower
Mar 6, 2025
Lower · Passed
Signed by H. Speaker
lower
Mar 5, 2025
Upper · Passed
Signed by Senate Speaker
upper
Mar 3, 2025
Lower · Passed
Passed H., Ayes 90, Nays 0, PNV 0
lower
Feb 20, 2025
Upper · Passed
Passed Senate, Ayes 32, Nays 0
upper
Feb 11, 2025
Lower · Passed
Recommended for passage, refer to Senate Calendar Committee
lower
Feb 4, 2025
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Commerce and Labor Committee calendar for 2/11/2025
lower
Jan 27, 2025
Committee
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Commerce and Labor Committee
upper
Jan 16, 2025
Introduced
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Becky Massey
Becky Massey
RRepublican
TN
6