Tennessee Bills

SB 420 prohibits insurers, pharmacy benefits managers, and third-party administrators in Tennessee from altering health plan coverage terms - such as cost-sharing or benefit design - based on whether a patient has access to prescription drug assistance programs (like manufacturer coupons or patient aid). This directly affects health plan enrollees who use such programs to lower drug costs. The bill requires insurers to calculate cost-sharing contributions based on actual patient payments, not external assistance, and applies to plans entered into or renewed on or after January 1, 2026. It aims to prevent insurers from penalizing patients for utilizing available drug cost-saving resources.

HB 1394 requires the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) to maintain copies of all original investigative materials - such as audio/video recordings, transcripts, documents, and digital media - with each case file. This applies to all materials generated by the TBI that are relevant to an investigation. The bill mandates this record-keeping for every TBI investigation, amending specific Tennessee Code sections to formalize the requirement. The policy change directly affects the TBI's internal procedures for handling case documentation.

HB 1395 restores voting rights for Tennessee residents convicted of an "infamous crime" once their sentence (including incarceration, probation, or parole) ends, without requiring them to pay restitution, court costs, or be current on child support. The bill removes previous barriers by automatically reinstating voting rights upon sentence completion, rather than requiring court approval or full citizenship restoration. It specifically affects individuals with such convictions who have served their sentences, clarifying that only voting rights - not full citizenship - are restored. The law updates voter registration forms and election codes to reflect this change, ensuring eligibility is determined solely by sentence completion. This policy change applies to convictions both before and after May 18, 1981.

HB 1064 requires courts to order GPS monitoring for defendants accused of specific serious offenses as a condition of bail, including cases involving firearms, domestic assault, vehicle burglary, reckless driving, drag racing, or repeat offenses. It directly affects individuals charged with these offenses who are released before trial. Key provisions mandate GPS monitoring unless the court finds the defendant no longer poses a threat, require monthly court reporting on monitored defendants, and update bail condition procedures. The bill also modifies related laws to clarify victim protections and reporting requirements for violations.

HB 931 amends Tennessee law to create a legal presumption that a homeowner acted in self-defense when using force likely to cause death or serious injury against an armed intruder. This presumption applies specifically when the intruder is unlawfully on the property (but outside the main home structure) and armed with a deadly weapon. The bill directly affects homeowners who use force against such intruders, shifting the burden to prosecutors to disprove self-defense in these scenarios. It does not change general self-defense rules but adds this specific presumption for armed intruders on property outside the home's enclosed structure.

HB 625 creates an automatic presumption requiring emergency detention and mental evaluation for defendants charged with specific serious crimes (those carrying 85% mandatory sentence time before parole eligibility) who are ordered by a court to undergo a mental evaluation for competency or mental state at the time of the crime. This presumption can only be overturned by "clear and convincing evidence" showing the person poses no immediate risk of serious harm. The bill directly affects criminal defendants in Tennessee facing certain violent or severe offenses who are undergoing court-ordered mental health assessments. It amends Tennessee law in Titles 33, 40, and 52 to establish this new standard for emergency detention.

HB 1444 increases penalties for aggravated cruelty to animals in Tennessee, raising the offense from a Class E to a Class D felony. It also adds this crime to the list of offenses that can lead to juveniles being classified as "serious youthful offenders" under state law. The bill directly affects individuals convicted of severe animal cruelty (including juveniles) and takes effect July 1, 2026. These changes amend Tennessee Code Sections 39-14-212 (criminal penalties) and 37-1-131 (juvenile classification).

This Tennessee House Joint Resolution commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States Postal Service, which was established in 1775. The bill honors postal workers and expresses support for maintaining the service as a public institution. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as a formal recognition of the agency's history and role.

This bill designates the winner of the Miss Tennessee pageant as an official ambassador for the State of Tennessee during her one-year reign. The resolution applies to the individual crowned by the Miss Tennessee Organization, which is affiliated with the Miss America Opportunity. As an honorary and volunteer role, the designated ambassador would promote Tennessee's culture, tourism, and community initiatives at official and public events. The bill does not create new legal obligations or funding, but formally recognizes the pageant winner's role in representing the state.

This bill is a House Joint Resolution that formally recognizes March 31 as Transgender Day of Visibility in Tennessee. It honors the contributions, resilience, and dignity of transgender Tennesseans and acknowledges the historical and ongoing challenges they face. The resolution does not change laws or create new policies; it serves as a symbolic statement of recognition and support for the transgender community within the state.

This bill (HJR 881) is a procedural resolution confirming Governor Bill Lee's appointment of Drew Goddard to the Heritage Conservation Trust Fund Board of Trustees. It directly affects Goddard, who will serve a term expiring October 31, 2029, representing Middle Tennessee on the board. The resolution follows Tennessee law requiring legislative confirmation for this governor-appointed position. The bill itself does not create new policy or alter existing laws - it solely ratifies the appointment.

SB 2615 changes a deadline for taxpayers claiming excise tax exemptions in Tennessee. It extends the filing deadline from the 15th to the 20th day of the fourth month following the first tax year for which the exemption is claimed. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 67, Section 67-4-2008(f), replacing "fifteenth day" with "twentieth day" in the relevant section. This directly affects businesses and individuals eligible for excise tax exemptions under current law.