Tennessee Bills

HB 2587 would reduce the required notice period for public hearings on zoning ordinances or amendments from 21 to 14 calendar days. This change directly affects all local governments in Tennessee that adopt or amend zoning rules, requiring them to notify the public 7 days sooner. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated sections related to property development to implement this shorter notice period. The policy change only modifies the timing of public notice, without altering zoning content or requirements.

SB 2446 establishes Tennessee's participation in the "Interstate Massage Compact," creating a multistate licensing pathway for massage therapists. It directly affects licensed massage therapists seeking to practice in multiple participating states, while improving public access to services and safety. Key provisions include forming an interstate commission to manage licensing, share disciplinary information between states, and allow therapists to practice across state lines with a single license. The compact also specifically aims to support military members and spouses relocating, and requires therapists to maintain continuing competence. This bill does not replace existing state licensing but adds a new, streamlined option for cross-state practice.

House Resolution 149 (HR 149) is a formal statement condemning Nashville Electric Service's (NES) response to the January 2026 ice storm, which caused widespread, prolonged power outages affecting tens of thousands of customers across multiple counties. The resolution specifically criticizes NES for inadequate communication, inaccurate outage estimates, and poor leadership during the crisis, which worsened hardships for vulnerable residents and businesses. It urges NES's Board of Directors to review the storm response, consider replacing the CEO if needed, and develop a public corrective action plan focused on grid improvements and better communication. This resolution does not create new laws but formally expresses the Tennessee House's disapproval and calls for NES leadership accountability.

HB 2392 creates the "Tennessee Data Center Impact Review Act," requiring permits for data centers over 20 megawatts (MW) starting January 1, 2027. It mandates applicants to submit detailed water usage projections, drought plans, and assessments of impacts on residential, agricultural, and public water supplies. The review board must prioritize residential water access over industrial use and evaluate wastewater discharge compatibility with municipal systems. This directly affects large data center developers, water utilities, and communities near proposed sites by requiring comprehensive environmental reviews before operation.

HB 2201 creates Tennessee's participation in the "Interstate Massage Compact," allowing licensed massage therapists to practice across participating states without obtaining separate licenses. It directly affects licensed massage therapists in Tennessee and future member states by establishing a multistate licensing pathway. Key mechanisms include forming an Interstate Massage Compact Commission to manage licensing, requiring background checks, enabling states to share disciplinary information, and prioritizing safety through standardized regulations. The compact aims to improve public access to massage therapy, enhance safety protections, prevent fraud, and support military members relocating with their families. This bill does not change Tennessee's existing massage therapy laws but adds a new cross-state licensing option.

HB 2098 establishes a new reporting procedure for Tennessee state employees who suspect improper government conduct (such as fraud, theft, or conflicts of interest) or a crime. It requires employees to report concerns to their supervisor, who must then promptly forward the report and any relevant evidence to the Attorney General and Reporter. The bill prohibits supervisors from taking adverse employment actions against employees making good faith reports and mandates that all state agencies adopt written policies on reporting. Supervisors who fail to report can face a Class B misdemeanor charge.

This resolution (HJR 869) urges the U.S. Congress to reinstate mandatory country of origin labeling for all meat products. It seeks to require clear labeling indicating whether meat was born, raised, and slaughtered in the United States versus imported, addressing current labeling that allows foreign meat processed in the U.S. to be labeled "Product of the USA." The resolution directly affects American farmers, ranchers, and consumers by promoting transparency in food origins. It does not create new law but formally requests congressional action to restore labeling rules repealed in 2015, citing consumer demand and support for domestic agricultural competitiveness.

HB 2479, the "Freedom to Farm Act," would allow Tennessee adults aged 21+ to grow marijuana for personal use under strict limits. Registered adults could cultivate up to 15 plants (max 5 mature flowering plants) at home, store no more than 16 ounces of dried trim, and use related paraphernalia, all while keeping cultivation locked and out of public view. The bill explicitly excludes concentrates, oils, and commercial activity, requiring registration with the Department of Agriculture ($100 fee, 3-year validity) and prohibiting use near minors. It does not change existing laws regarding marijuana concentrates or recreational sales, and remains pending before the Criminal Justice Subcommittee.

SB 2387 requires private schools participating in Tennessee's education savings account programs (including individualized education accounts and education freedom scholarships) to publish specific information on their websites, such as lesson plans, library collections, and academic standards. It mandates that educators in these schools hold valid teaching licenses and undergo evaluations using the same process as public school teachers. The bill also requires participating students to take standardized tests (like TCAP) and reading screeners annually, with results reported to parents. Additionally, the state Department of Education must assign letter grades to these private schools based on performance. These requirements apply directly to private schools enrolled in state-funded education choice programs.

HB 2192 requires Tennessee food retailers to place clear warning labels on products containing specific chemical ingredients (like artificial colors, trans fats, bromated flour, and certain preservatives) when the U.S. FDA mandates disclosure for human consumption. It directly affects food manufacturers and retailers selling these products within Tennessee, mandating labels stating: "WARNING: This product contains a chemical ingredient not recommended for human consumption by the FDA." The law excludes products for non-human use, restaurant sales, USDA-regulated items, and drugs/supplements. The rule takes effect January 1, 2027, and is preempted by federal law if federal regulations override it.

HB 2346, the "Fair Background Check and Due Process Act," prevents consumer reporting agencies from sharing unproven criminal charges (like arrests or pending cases without a conviction) with employers, landlords, or licensing agencies. It allows reporting only for convictions or specific "excluded offenses" (such as theft, fraud, or violent crimes directly related to job safety). The bill directly affects job seekers, renters, and license applicants who face denials based on unproven allegations. It does not stop employers from asking job-related questions or conducting required background checks. The bill is currently pending in the Criminal Justice Subcommittee.

HB 2463, the "Bring Your Own Generation Act," targets large data centers in Tennessee with a peak demand of 100 megawatts or more. It requires these facilities to source 50% of their electricity from new onsite carbon-free energy (like solar or wind) and imposes a 100% surcharge on them to fund clean energy grid upgrades. The surcharge revenue funds the Tennessee Environmental Protection Fund, while prohibiting fossil fuel power contracts from qualifying for state economic incentives. This bill directly affects major data center operators and aims to accelerate clean energy integration without shifting costs to residential customers.