SB 1916 redefines "movable structure" in Tennessee's property tax code to require mobile homes used as permanent residences to be classified as such for tax purposes, rather than as temporary structures. This change directly affects mobile home owners who use their units as primary residences, ensuring they are assessed under residential property tax rates. The bill amends Tennessee Code § 67-5-501(7) to specify that mobile homes must be "used permanently as a residence" to qualify for this classification, eliminating prior flexibility for temporary or mixed-use designations. The policy takes effect for tax years beginning January 1, 2026, impacting how these properties are assessed statewide.
SB 1749 upgrades certain trespass offenses to Class C felonies in Tennessee. It specifically targets situations where a trespasser enters property without permission and encounters the owner using or displaying a firearm in self-defense - this scenario becomes a Class C felony. The bill also changes general criminal trespass to a Class C felony and adds new conditions for aggravated trespass, such as causing fear for others' safety or damaging property barriers. These changes apply to acts occurring on or after July 1, 2026, and directly affect individuals committing trespass under these specific circumstances.
SB 1997 would allow Tennessee state senators with at least eight consecutive years of service and representatives with at least ten consecutive years to collect petition signatures from registered voters outside their specific legislative district, but only within the county where their district is located. This change directly affects long-serving members of the Tennessee General Assembly seeking re-election. The bill modifies election rules by expanding where they can gather required signatures for nomination petitions, moving beyond the current requirement to collect signatures solely within their district. The proposal does not alter voting eligibility or district boundaries but adjusts the signature collection process for eligible candidates.
SB 1994 prohibits Tennessee state agencies and local governments (counties, cities, or metropolitan governments) from entering new contracts or renewing existing contracts for private prison services. It directly affects private companies currently providing correctional services for inmates under the Tennessee Department of Correction or local government custody. The bill amends Tennessee law to ban all new or renewed contracts for these specific correctional services after the bill's effective date. This is a direct policy change banning future private prison contracts within the state's correctional system.
SB 2129 amends Tennessee law to require that notices of intended property seizure for unpaid taxes be mailed to taxpayers' last known address using certified, registered, or first-class mail. This bill directly affects property owners facing potential tax-related property seizure by ensuring they receive written notice via a reliable mail method. The key provision adds "certified, registered, or first class mail" to the existing requirement for delivering seizure notices. This is a procedural change focused on improving notice delivery, not altering tax rates or eligibility for seizure. The bill is currently pending in the Senate State and Local Government Committee.
SB 1946 updates Tennessee's notary public requirements by requiring the secretary of state to appoint notaries after meeting new standards. It mandates a 6-hour approved training course covering document authentication, identification verification, legal forms, and ethics, plus a written exam on these topics. Applicants must also pass a county commission review for character and fitness before the secretary of state approves their appointment. The bill aims to combat document fraud by strengthening standards for all new and renewing notaries in Tennessee.
SB 1769 prohibits Tennessee utilities from raising rates for customers aged 65 or older who verify their age through a process established by the Tennessee Public Utilities Commission (TPUC). It requires the TPUC to create an age verification and notification system by rule, with utilities then informing eligible customers about the rate cap within 90 days of the rule's finalization. The law applies to electric, water, wastewater, and natural gas services and takes effect January 1, 2027. Utilities failing to comply face sanctions ordered by the TPUC.
SB 2037, the "One America Act," requires undocumented immigrants who have lived in Tennessee for over 30 days to register with the state's Department of Safety and undergo an interview. If approved, they receive a one-year visa to leave the U.S., stay outside for at least 30 days, and re-enter legally; after one year without a criminal offense, they can apply for permanent residency. The Department of Safety must decide eligibility within 30 days of the interview, and denials require departure from the U.S. within 30 days. The bill's implementation depends on federal rules from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, with a 30-day delay after those rules are established.
SB 2097 requires Tennessee's secretary of state to place a specific ballot question on the November 2026 general election ballot asking voters whether the state should legalize medical cannabis sales, possession, and use. This directly affects all Tennessee voters who will cast a yes/no vote on the issue. The bill mandates that county election commissions include the question in the standard ballot format with clear "YES" or "NO" options. Results of this non-binding vote will be reported to the state legislature but will not automatically change state law.
HB 1458 requires all Tennessee public school districts to provide free breakfast and lunch to every enrolled student, starting with the 2026-2027 school year. It directly affects all students in Tennessee public schools and local school districts, mandating that school boards establish these meal programs. The bill specifies that the state will reimburse districts for meal costs after all available federal nutrition program funds (like the National School Lunch Program) have been applied. This policy change ensures universal access to free school meals without requiring additional local funding beyond federal reimbursements.
HB 154 deletes an outdated provision (TCA § 49-6-308) from Tennessee’s education code that related to a parent-teacher engagement pilot program ending after the 2020-2021 school year. The bill removes this obsolete section, which no longer applied, from state law. It does not create new requirements or affect any current programs or individuals. This is a procedural cleanup to eliminate redundant legal language. The bill is currently pending committee referral.
SB 961, the "Affordable Housing and Tenant Protection Act," allows Tennessee local governments to adopt rent control ordinances for private residential properties after conducting housing supply assessments and establishing local rent agencies. It creates the "Increased Housing Program" administered by the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA), which provides gap financing to developers building affordable housing and down payment assistance to first-time homebuyers for owner-occupied homes. The program prioritizes communities affected by recent federally declared disasters and requires annual reporting on program outcomes. This bill directly affects renters, landlords, and developers in localities that adopt rent control, while expanding state-level support for affordable housing construction and homebuying.
