Tennessee Bills

SB 1156 requires food containing human-made nanotechnology capable of collecting and transmitting data to be clearly labeled. It bans the sale, delivery, or holding for sale of such unlabeled food. The bill defines nanotechnology as structures under 100 nanometers designed to collect and transmit data. This applies to food products sold in Tennessee starting July 1, 2025. The law directly affects food manufacturers and retailers producing or selling products containing this specific type of nanotechnology.

SB 617 would change Tennessee campaign finance law to allow candidates and committees to use campaign funds to pay fines, fees, or penalties from violations of campaign finance or ethics rules. This directly affects campaign committees that face enforcement actions under Title 2, Chapter 10 or Title 3, Chapter 6 of Tennessee law. The bill amends Section 2-10-114(a) by adding a new provision (subdivision (9)) explicitly permitting this use of funds, while removing an existing restriction. The change would remove the current prohibition against using campaign money for such penalties. This is a policy adjustment to campaign fund usage, not a new enforcement mechanism.

HB 867 creates a pilot program for pregnant TennCare recipients with hypertension or diabetes, using remote patient monitoring to improve maternal health outcomes. The program requires technology vendors to provide devices that track blood pressure, glucose, and other health data, deliver devices directly to participants, and train them on use - ensuring functionality without broadband access. A nursing team and healthcare provider must monitor data, provide health coaching, and establish emergency protocols. The pilot aims to serve at least 300 participants across selected counties and must launch within 180 days of vendor contracts. The bill is currently pending review by the Finance, Ways, and Means Committee.

HB 225 replaces Tennessee’s "Tennessee Community Schools Act" with the "Tennessee Full Service Community Schools Act." It requires local school districts to partner with community organizations to create schools offering integrated services like academic support, health care, and family resources - directly affecting public schools, students, families, and community partners. The bill establishes a grant program administered by the University of Tennessee starting in 2026, funding partnerships that develop long-term operational models through formal agreements with community groups. Schools receiving grants must coordinate services through stakeholder committees and conduct community needs assessments to align support with student and family requirements.

SB 1471 requires retail food stores and restaurants to clearly tell customers whether fish is imported and whether it is farm-raised or wild. This applies to whole fish or seafood items sold directly to consumers (not fish used in processed foods like canned products). Businesses must display this information using visible labels, signs, or markings at the point of sale, with specific size and placement requirements. Violations could result in escalating fines, starting at $100 for a second offense. The bill directly affects food retailers and restaurants selling fresh fish in Tennessee.

This bill is a House Joint Resolution that commemorates the tenth anniversary of Gift Horse, a local gift and stationery shop in East Nashville, and honors its owner Jessica Maloan Vastagh. The resolution recognizes Vastagh's contributions to the Nashville arts community by supporting independent artists through her business, which sells affordable art and locally made gifts. It formally acknowledges her role in founding Porter Flea and establishing a permanent brick-and-mortar store to provide a space for local creators to sell their work. The measure is a ceremonial recognition without any changes to laws or government operations.

SB 2625 prohibits railroad companies from blocking a railroad crossing for more than 30 consecutive minutes at locations serving hospitals, residential neighborhoods, or occupied homes (based on traffic counts). Railroad companies face $1,000 civil penalties for first violations and up to $3,000 for repeat offenses within 18 months at the same crossing. Collected penalties fund local railroad crossing improvements: 85% goes to counties/municipalities for projects on public roads, while 15% covers administrative costs. The law also removes railroad immunity for injuries caused when emergency vehicles are blocked due to violations. It takes effect July 1, 2026.

SB 2643 requires Tennessee courts to order additional parenting time for a parent who was denied visitation due to unproven abuse allegations. It specifically applies when a court finds the other parent intentionally made or participated in false abuse claims, and an investigation or protective order did not result in a finding of abuse or neglect. The additional time must match the denied visitation (e.g., weekends or holidays), cannot disrupt the child’s school, and must occur within two years of the denial. This law aims to restore lost parenting time without creating legal claims against child welfare agencies.

SB 2350 allows Tennessee rail service authorities to submit their annual reports electronically instead of in physical form. This change directly affects rail service authorities across the state by simplifying their reporting process under Tennessee law. The bill amends multiple sections of Tennessee Code (Titles 5, 6, 7, 45, 49, 54, and 67) to permit electronic submissions. The key provision removes the requirement for paper-based annual reports, making the process more efficient for these local government entities. The bill takes effect immediately upon becoming law.

SJR 634 is a procedural resolution confirming Governor Bill Lee's appointment of Dr. Phil Roe to the Austin Peay State University Board of Trustees. It formally approves his six-year term (expiring June 30, 2031), as required by Tennessee law for gubernatorial appointments to state university boards. The resolution does not create new policy or affect any specific programs - only confirming an existing appointment.

SB 2050, known as "Katherine's Law," creates a new criminal offense called "aggravated domestic assault" for specific severe domestic violence acts. It defines this as intentionally or knowingly assaulting a domestic abuse victim (per Tennessee law) while using a deadly weapon, displaying one, strangulating, or causing serious injury or death. This offense is classified as a Class B felony, a serious criminal charge. The law applies to incidents occurring on or after July 1, 2026, and directly affects domestic violence victims and perpetrators committing these specific acts.

HB 1573 extends the existence of Tennessee's Department of Disability and Aging until June 30, 2028, by amending two sections of Tennessee Code (Title 4, Chapters 29 and 3). The bill makes technical updates to reference the department's creation and authority within state law. This extension ensures the department can continue operating its existing programs and services for Tennesseans with disabilities and older adults without interruption. The bill does not change the department's current responsibilities or funding structure - it only delays the department's statutory sunset date.