Tennessee Bills

HB 1802 amends Tennessee law to lower the standard for using deadly force when protecting property. It allows individuals to use deadly force against others committing trespass, arson, property damage (including livestock), burglary, theft, robbery, or animal cruelty if they reasonably believe it is immediately necessary and non-deadly force would risk death or serious injury to themselves or others. The bill explicitly prohibits using deadly force against someone facing away from the defender. This directly affects property owners and residents defending their homes or belongings against certain criminal acts. The law changes existing self-defense protections by expanding the circumstances where deadly force is permitted for property protection.

SB 1793 requires Tennessee's Department of General Services and Department of Environment and Conservation to submit annual reports on their recycling activities to the state legislature by December 31 each year. The bill amends Tennessee law (specifically Titles 4, 5, 6, 7, and 68) to establish this reporting requirement for these two state departments. It does not change recycling practices or set new environmental standards, only mandating annual transparency on existing recycling efforts. The bill is procedural and focuses solely on reporting obligations, with no new policy changes for the public or businesses.

HB 1959, the "FAIR Rx Act," prohibits pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) from owning, controlling, or having any financial interest in pharmacies after January 1, 2027. It directly affects PBMs and pharmacies by banning arrangements like management contracts, revenue-sharing, or exclusive agreements that transfer operational control to PBMs. The bill requires pharmacies to disclose owners with 5%+ stakes and restricts limited-use pharmacy licenses from being sold to PBMs. These provisions aim to prevent conflicts of interest that could limit patient choice, increase costs, or undermine pharmacist independence in medication care.

SB 2061 requires Tennessee's Department of Finance and Administration to study how state funds from lawsuits and fines - including civil penalties recovered under the Protecting Children from Social Media Act - are used to support children's online safety and mental health programs. The study must be completed by January 2027 and reported to the legislature, detailing how these funds are allocated. It does not change existing laws or funding but directs state agencies to document current funding sources. This procedural bill affects state departments coordinating with the Attorney General's office.

SB 2136 classifies illegal online gambling operations - particularly those disguised as free social games using virtual currency - as violations of Tennessee's Consumer Protection Act. It specifically targets "online sweepstakes games" that mimic casino-style gambling (like slot machines or sports betting) by allowing players to buy virtual currency for real-world prizes, which the bill defines as unlawful. The bill expands the attorney general's authority to investigate these operations and grants the sports wagering council broader powers to combat illegal gambling. It also creates penalties under the Consumer Protection Act for operators who facilitate such activities, while exempting legally permitted gaming like the Tennessee Sports Gaming Act.

HB 1733 makes it a criminal offense for school employees (including teachers, administrators, and staff at public or private schools) to intentionally bully or cyberbully students. It defines bullying as acts causing physical harm, fear, or substantial disruption to learning, whether on school grounds or off-campus. The key provision requires that school employees found to have committed bullying or harassment must face dismissal or suspension. This law amends Tennessee education codes to clarify these consequences and applies to violations occurring on or after July 1, 2026.

Tennessee's SB 1667 increases penalties for drivers without auto insurance. It raises the first-time coverage failure fee from $25 to $500 and imposes a $1,500 fee for a second or subsequent failure within three years, requiring registration suspension or revocation. The bill also bars uninsured drivers from claiming non-economic damages (like pain and suffering) in lawsuits arising from vehicle use. Fees collected are distributed to county clerks, the Department of Safety, and a dedicated uninsured motorist fund.

SB 2040, the "FAIR Rx Act," prohibits pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) from owning, controlling, or having any financial interest in pharmacies in Tennessee after January 1, 2027. It requires pharmacies to disclose all owners with 5% or more stake and prevents PBMs from using contracts (like management or revenue-sharing agreements) to exert operational control over pharmacies. The bill directly affects PBMs, pharmacies (especially rural and community ones), and aims to prevent conflicts of interest that could restrict patient choice, increase costs, or undermine pharmacist independence. By separating financial control from patient care decisions, it seeks to improve transparency and affordability in prescription drug access.

HB 1878 allows Tennessee industrial development corporations to merge with other corporations using procedures already established for public benefit corporations under Tennessee law (Title 48, Chapter 61). This change directly affects industrial development corporations, enabling their boards to pursue mergers more efficiently to support economic development goals. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 7-53-103 and 48-61-101 to clarify this merger authority. It does not create new programs or impact specific communities or industries beyond these corporations' operational flexibility. The legislation focuses solely on streamlining the legal process for corporate mergers within the existing nonprofit framework.

SB 1772 allows the Megasite Authority of West Tennessee and local law enforcement agencies to create written agreements enabling sworn officers to enforce traffic laws on designated private roads within the West Tennessee Megasite. These agreements require property owners to install standard traffic signs and markings, post clear notices about enforcement, and describe the roads precisely. The bill clarifies that enforcing traffic laws on these roads does not make them public highways, transfer ownership, or change maintenance responsibilities. It directly affects the Megasite Authority, local police departments, and property owners managing private roads within the designated megasite area.

SB 1900 increases penalties for assaulting law enforcement officers in Tennessee by upgrading the offense from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony. This change mandates a $10,000 fine and a 60-day minimum jail sentence for assaulting police officers or other first responders, compared to the current $5,000 fine and 30-day minimum for assaulting nurses. The bill specifically amends Tennessee law to impose these stricter penalties for assaults on law enforcement, while keeping existing misdemeanor penalties for assaults on nurses. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2026, and directly affect individuals convicted of assaulting police officers or first responders.

SB 1747 creates a new Class A misdemeanor offense for recklessly firing a firearm into the air, ground, water, or nearby objects at public events with 25 or more people present. It directly affects individuals who engage in such reckless discharges in crowded public settings, such as concerts or festivals. Key exceptions include law enforcement officers acting in duty, wildlife officers, licensed hunters during open seasons, and defensive use against animal attacks. The law, effective July 1, 2026, aims to address public safety risks from negligent firearm discharge in crowded areas.