Tennessee Bills

SB 1406 requires Tennessee state departments and agencies to submit annual reports on achieving economic efficiency to both the governor and legislative committees. This bill amends Tennessee Code Sections in Titles 3, 4, 8, and 9 to add the legislative committee reporting requirement to existing annual reporting obligations. The key change is directing agencies to share progress reports with the governor *and* the relevant legislative committees, not just the governor as previously required. This policy change focuses on enhancing transparency in government efficiency efforts through updated reporting procedures.

HB 942 amends Tennessee law to allow metropolitan governments (like Nashville) to issue retail package store licenses in their "general services districts" after a local option election approves off-premises liquor sales. It specifically changes code sections to remove previous restrictions preventing such licenses in these districts. The bill directly affects metropolitan governments that hold local votes on liquor sales and retailers seeking to operate package stores within those areas. This creates a new pathway for liquor package stores in all parts of a metropolitan government, not just urban service districts, following community approval.

HJR 92 proposes amending Tennessee's constitution to establish parents' inherent right to direct their child's education, including home-based schooling. It prohibits the state or local governments from creating or enforcing laws that restrict this right or impose regulations on home education. The amendment explicitly states that accepting public education funds (like scholarships or vouchers) does not waive this parental right. This proposal is still under review by the Education Committee's K-12 Subcommittee and would require voter approval if passed by the legislature.

SB 1396 updates Tennessee's bail bond laws to allow professional bondsmen to provide and retain receipts for payments in digital format, replacing the current requirement for paper receipts. The bill directly affects licensed bail bondsmen by changing their administrative record-keeping procedures under Tennessee Code Annotated §40-11-304(a). Key provisions permit digital receipts and require digital copies of all receipts to be maintained, modernizing the process while keeping the same legal requirements. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, with no substantive changes to bail procedures or eligibility.

HB 1267 modifies Tennessee election law by extending the deadline for municipalities to submit ordinances requiring nonresident property owners to vote by absentee ballot. Specifically, it changes the filing requirement from 60 days to 75 days before an election with the county election commission. This bill directly affects Tennessee municipalities that have adopted such absentee ballot rules for nonresident property owners. The key change is solely the 15-day extension of the filing deadline, with no other policy changes to voting procedures.

SB 1995 requires the Tennessee governor to declare a statewide day of mourning and order the state flag flown at half-staff over the capitol whenever a current or former state legislator dies, unless the legislator had a felony conviction. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, to establish this specific protocol for honoring deceased legislators. It does not apply to other deaths or alter existing flag display rules, focusing solely on legislative members' passing. The governor must act under this requirement for eligible deaths, with the felony exception being the only condition exempting the protocol.

HB 2605 allows individuals who suffer injury, death, or property damage due to a federal immigration agent's negligence during enforcement actions to sue the federal agency responsible for the agent's actions. It enables claimants to seek financial compensation for their losses and recover attorney fees and court costs. The law requires claims to be filed within one year of the injury occurring. This bill directly affects people harmed by negligent federal immigration enforcement, creating a new legal pathway for redress against federal agencies.

HB 2254 allows Tennessee's Attorney General to submit the annual consumer affairs report electronically instead of in paper form. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 47-18-5002(3) and related titles to permit electronic submission of this report. It directly affects the Attorney General's office (which prepares the report) and the General Assembly (which receives it). This is a procedural change with no impact on consumer protection laws or regulations.

HB 2164 would allow the Tellico Village Property Owners Association (a nonprofit community association created in 1985) to place its water and wastewater services under the Tennessee Board of Utility Regulation. The bill amends state law to create a new category for qualifying associations that serve at least 5,000 residential lots, provide emergency services, and exclusively serve their members with utility services. It requires the association's governing board to formally request regulation by the board. This bill specifically affects Tellico Village's utilities and establishes a procedural pathway for similar associations meeting the defined criteria. The change would shift regulatory oversight from local governance to the state board for these services.

SB 2648 amends Tennessee law to extend the deadline for commercial drivers to appeal a license suspension or revocation from 10 to 15 days. This change directly affects commercial drivers who receive an order suspending or revoking their license. The bill modifies Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 55, Section 55-19-108(c), updating the appeal window without altering other provisions. The law would take effect upon enactment, providing affected drivers an additional five days to file their appeal.

SB 2486, the "Freedom to Farm Act," would allow registered Tennessee adults (21+) to grow up to 15 marijuana plants (max 5 mature) at their private residence, with specific restrictions. Key provisions include requiring registration with the Department of Agriculture ($100 fee, 3-year validity), limiting stored marijuana trim to 16 ounces, and prohibiting resin/concentrates. The bill directly affects registered adult residents who own or lease their homes, requiring secure, locked cultivation areas not visible to the public. It explicitly excludes resin, oils, and concentrates from legal personal use, maintaining their regulation under existing law (TCA Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 4).

HB 2611 modifies Tennessee's Uniform Commercial Code to change which state law governs certain securities transactions. It replaces the current rule requiring application of the "local law of the securities intermediary's jurisdiction" with Tennessee law for transactions involving investment securities. Key changes include removing specific subsections, clarifying priority rules (so investors' claims get priority over creditors if funds are insufficient), and adjusting provisions for commodity contracts. This bill directly affects financial institutions and investors handling securities transactions within Tennessee, effective July 1, 2026.