Tennessee Bills

HB 2342 allows prison wardens or chief administrative officers to submit reports about crimes occurring within penal institutions to district attorneys electronically, rather than requiring paper submissions. This technical amendment modifies Tennessee Code § 39-16-202(a)(1) to explicitly permit electronic transmission of these reports. The change directly affects correctional facility staff and district attorneys handling criminal reports from prisons. It streamlines reporting procedures without altering criminal penalties or creating new legal requirements.

HB 2131 requires Tennessee's Health Commissioner to study how neighboring states regulate telehealth prescriptions, comparing their rules for prescribers (like doctors and nurses) to Tennessee's current restrictions. Using existing resources, the commissioner must compile findings into a report for the legislature by December 31, 2026. This study aims to identify potential gaps or differences in telehealth prescription rules without changing current law. It directly affects prescribers who issue medications via telehealth by providing data for future policy decisions.

HB 2336 updates Tennessee's security freeze notice requirements to allow consumers to submit identity theft complaints electronically to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Tennessee Attorney General, as specified by those agencies. This replaces the current requirement that complaints must be submitted only in writing or via agency websites. The bill directly affects consumers who use security freezes to protect their identities and the agencies receiving these complaints. It makes no changes to the content or requirements of the complaints, only modernizing the submission method.

HB 2448 changes the annual deadline for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) to report excess funds collected from background check fees charged to gun dealers, shifting the date from February 1 to February 15 each year. This procedural adjustment applies to multiple firearm-related sections of Tennessee law, including those governing background checks and fee reporting. The bill does not alter the background check process, fee amounts, or the calculation of excess funds. It solely modifies the TBI's reporting timeline without changing policy substance.

HB 2578 removes an obsolete requirement that the Tennessee Insurance Commissioner study whether state insurance laws create barriers for companies to cover individuals who used justified force (including deadly force) in self-defense or property protection. The bill deletes language mandating the commissioner to conduct this study and submit a report to the General Assembly by March 1, 2012. This change affects the Commissioner's administrative duties under insurance code sections but does not alter current insurance coverage rules or laws. The bill amends multiple Tennessee Code sections (Titles 4, 8, 56, 63, 68, and 71) related to commerce and insurance.

HB 2604 removes an outdated reference to July 1, 2000, from Tennessee's Medicaid (TennCare) application forms. This change affects applicants seeking TennCare uninsured or uninsurable coverage by updating the forms to reflect current requirements under the Medical Assistance Act. The bill amends multiple sections of Tennessee law (Titles 4, 7, 8, 12, 14, 33, 47, 52, 56, 62, 63, 68, and 71) to delete the obsolete date. It is a procedural update with no impact on Medicaid benefits or eligibility rules.

HB 2310 requires healthcare provider regulatory authorities in Tennessee to report quarterly to the Department of Health the number and type of disciplinary actions taken against providers who knowingly perform or offer prohibited medical procedures on minors. This applies specifically to disciplinary actions under existing laws governing prohibited procedures for minors, as amended in Titles 63 and 68 of Tennessee Code. The bill establishes a new reporting mechanism to increase transparency around disciplinary measures for violations involving minors' healthcare.

HB 2105 amends Tennessee law to extend the deadline for county legislative bodies to convene after a county mayor requests a meeting due to public necessity, increasing the timeframe from 48 to 72 hours. This change directly affects county legislative bodies and mayors across Tennessee who must coordinate emergency or urgent county business. The bill modifies specific sections of Tennessee Code Annotated (Titles 5 and 6) to update this procedural requirement. As a procedural amendment, it focuses solely on adjusting the timeline without altering substantive county governance policies.

HB 2417 increases the required notice period for for-profit corporations in Tennessee to hold meetings to elect directors or complete organizational processes. Specifically, it changes the notice requirement from two to three days before the meeting, applying when initial directors aren't named in the corporation's charter. This bill directly affects businesses organizing under Tennessee law by extending the advance notice they must provide to shareholders or members. The change modifies Tennessee Code Annotated Section 48-12-105(a)(2) and takes effect upon becoming law.

HB 2218 requires anyone seeking appointment to a county board of zoning appeals in Tennessee to have resided in that county for at least 12 months prior to their appointment. This rule directly affects individuals seeking these local government positions, including community members and professionals interested in zoning decisions. The bill amends Tennessee Code sections related to zoning (Titles 5, 6, 7, 12, and 13) to implement this residency requirement. The key change is a new eligibility standard for board members, replacing any existing rules that might have allowed shorter residency periods. This policy change aims to ensure appointed members have a demonstrated connection to the local community.

HB 2561 allows Tennessee's State Energy Policy Council to submit its annual energy sector assessment and policy plan reports electronically to the governor, Senate Speaker, and House Speaker, instead of requiring physical copies. This procedural change updates existing reporting requirements under Tennessee law without altering energy policies or affecting citizens or businesses. The bill amends specific sections of the Tennessee Code related to energy council reporting procedures. It does not create new policy obligations or impact energy regulations.

HB 2151 requires local governing bodies to post notice of hearings on creating airport authorities on their official websites for at least two weeks before the hearing date. This bill directly affects city councils, county commissions, or other local entities considering establishing new airport authorities. The key provision amends Tennessee law to mandate this online notice period, replacing or supplementing prior notice methods. The change applies to all proceedings under Title 42, Chapter 4 of Tennessee Code regarding airport authorities.