Tennessee Bills

HB 2309 requires courts to impose a fine of at least twice the actual property damage or restoration costs when vandalism occurs at a house of worship, in addition to any other sentence. This applies specifically to offenses committed at religious buildings, directly affecting houses of worship that suffer damage and the courts sentencing offenders. The law amends Tennessee sentencing guidelines (TCA Title 39) to mandate this automatic double-fine calculation based on verified costs, overriding standard sentencing discretion for these cases. The bill would take effect on July 1, 2026, if passed.

SB 2283 shortens the deadline for Tennessee cities to report how they spend tourism-related occupancy taxes. Specifically, it changes the reporting period from 90 days to 60 days after each fiscal year ends. This affects cities that levy occupancy taxes under general law, requiring them to file detailed reports with the Department of Tourist Development about tourism spending. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 67-4-1403(c)(1) and related provisions to implement this deadline change.

SB 2537 extends the deadline for Tennessee property taxpayers to apply for tax relief from 35 to 45 days after taxes become overdue. This change directly affects homeowners and property owners who qualify for property tax relief but haven't yet submitted an application. The bill amends Tennessee law (TCA Title 67) to give eligible taxpayers an additional 10 days to file for a refund or credit voucher. The policy change is a straightforward deadline extension with no other provisions or requirements.

SB 2295 requires Tennessee's Alcoholic Beverage Commission to submit its biennial report on preventing underage drinking, drunk driving, and other harmful alcohol use to the General Assembly by February 1 (instead of February 15) each odd-numbered year. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 57-1-206(a) and related provisions to change this deadline. This shortens the submission timeline by two weeks, providing lawmakers earlier access to data on alcohol-related prevention efforts. The report directly affects the Commission (which must submit it) and the General Assembly (which receives it).

HB 2539 removes a reporting requirement from Tennessee's health code that was due to the Department of Health by December 15, 2022. Specifically, it deletes subsection (b) of Tennessee Code Annotated § 68-1-144, which concerned a report on the remote use of the WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program. This bill does not create new policy or affect program eligibility - it only eliminates a previously required, overdue administrative report. The bill is procedural in nature and has not yet been voted on by the full legislature.

HB 2119 shortens the deadline for Tennessee cities that collect tourism occupancy taxes to report spending to the Department of Tourist Development. Specifically, it changes the reporting window from 90 days to 60 days after the end of each fiscal year. The bill requires cities to detail how tourism funds were spent and designated for tourism development. This change directly affects all municipalities levying such taxes under Tennessee law.

HB 2207 extends the deadline for eligible taxpayers to apply for property tax relief in Tennessee. It increases the window from 35 to 45 days after taxes become delinquent to either apply for a refund or present a credit voucher. The bill directly affects property owners who qualify for tax relief but have not yet submitted their application. This change modifies Tennessee Code Annotated Title 67, Section 67-5-701(d)(1), to adjust the application timeline.

HB 2574 amends Tennessee law to clarify the driver's license revocation period for individuals convicted of DUI-related offenses involving an implied consent violation (such as refusing a breath test). It specifically sets a 1-year and 6-month revocation period for drivers without prior DUI convictions under Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-10-407(a)(1). The bill directly affects drivers who face license suspension due to DUI offenses, particularly those without prior convictions. This change clarifies the existing penalty duration without introducing new penalties or altering other aspects of DUI sentencing.

SB 2248 requires the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) and its director to provide written reports to the governor or the governor's designee during emergency conditions, in addition to any existing reporting methods. This directly affects TEMA and its director by mandating documented communication with the governor during crises. The bill amends Tennessee law to clarify that written reports must be submitted alongside other communication channels, ensuring all emergency updates are formally recorded. The change focuses on improving clarity and accountability in emergency management communications without altering substantive emergency response procedures.

HB 2552 requires Tennessee local governments (municipalities, counties, or metropolitan counties) to review development applications, plans, or site inspections within 30 business days. If they identify issues, they must provide a single consolidated report of deficiencies within that timeframe, with a maximum of two such reports allowed before denial. The bill also mandates written contract changes with developers/contractors and requires local governments to release bonds within 30 days after an independent inspector confirms project completion. These provisions directly affect developers, contractors, and local government agencies by streamlining approval processes and reducing delays.

SB 2640 amends Tennessee law to increase the mandatory license suspension period for first-time drivers convicted of DUI who refuse a chemical test (implied consent violation) from one year to one year and six months. This change directly affects individuals facing license revocation under these specific circumstances, as defined by the revised Section 55-10-407. The bill modifies the penalty structure without altering the underlying offense or adding new requirements.

HB 2223 changes Tennessee's fireworks permit deadline from 10 calendar days to 10 business days for public displays. It directly affects individuals or organizations applying for permits to host public fireworks events. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 68, Section 68-104-211(a)(3), to require written applications to be submitted 10 business days before a display, rather than 10 calendar days. This adjustment shortens the required lead time for permit applications. The change applies specifically to written permit applications for public fireworks displays.