Tennessee Bills

HB 1478 amends Tennessee's public records law to add "provider reimbursement information provided to the comptroller of the treasury" to the list of proprietary data exempt from public disclosure. This change directly affects healthcare providers and service organizations that submit reimbursement details to the state comptroller, as this data will no longer need to be shared publicly. The bill modifies existing law (TCA Section 71-5-142) by expanding the definition of exempt information, without creating new reporting requirements. It is a procedural update to clarify which data types remain confidential under current public records statutes.

HB 1580 extends the existence of Tennessee's Health Facilities Commission until June 30, 2030, by amending Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 4-29-247 and 4-29-251. The bill removes a reference to a repealed provision and adds the commission as a defined entity in the code. This is a procedural extension that directly affects the commission's ongoing operations but does not create new policies, funding, or alter its responsibilities. The bill does not specify new requirements or impacts on healthcare providers, patients, or other stakeholders.

SB 1482 removes a requirement that Portland, Tennessee, hold a public referendum before selling, leasing, or disposing of its water or light plant assets. The bill deletes Section 11 of Chapter 568 (a 1939 law governing Portland), which previously mandated such referendums. However, the bill itself requires Portland's local government to approve it with a two-thirds vote of its legislative body before taking effect. This change streamlines the city's ability to manage its utility assets without additional public votes, while still requiring strong local approval.

This bill extends the deadline for Tennessee's Department of Revenue to submit annual reports on sales taxes collected from electronic nicotine delivery devices (e.g., e-cigarettes) from 2030 to 2031. It directly affects the Department of Revenue (which must file the reports) and the General Assembly (which receives the reports). The change is a technical amendment to Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 67, Section 67-6-106, adjusting the reporting timeline without altering tax rates or consumer obligations.

SB 496 clarifies that the monthly list of professionals delinquent in paying their professional privilege tax - sent by Tennessee's Commissioner of Revenue to licensing boards - is subject to restrictions the Commissioner determines. This bill directly affects licensing boards that receive these lists, as it gives the Commissioner authority to limit how the lists can be used. The key provision amends Tennessee law to explicitly state that the Commissioner may impose usage restrictions on the delinquency list. The bill does not change tax amounts or create new obligations; it simply clarifies administrative procedures for handling this specific tax-related information.

HB 469 prohibits landlords in Tennessee from banning tenants from lawfully possessing, carrying, or storing firearms, firearm parts, or ammunition in their rented homes, apartments, businesses, or vehicles parked on landlord-provided property. It directly affects all residential and commercial tenants and landlords statewide, requiring existing leases with firearm restrictions to be amended by July 1, 2026. The bill creates a legal remedy allowing tenants to sue landlords for damages, punitive penalties, and attorney fees if their lease violates this rule. The law takes effect on July 1, 2025, with a one-year grace period for adjusting current leases.

HB 369 clarifies that school employees do not commit a criminal offense for altering, creating, or duplicating a student's grade in school records when the change results from the student retaking a failed course, exam, or assignment through a designated program. This amendment to Tennessee Code Annotated Section 39-14-136 explicitly exempts such grade adjustments from the falsification of educational documents statute. The law directly affects school employees who update student records under retake programs, ensuring these routine administrative actions are not treated as criminal violations. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025, and amends TCA Section 39-14-136 and Title 49.

HB 36 modifies Tennessee's parole and furlough rules for state inmates. It removes the requirement that an inmate must be "chronically debilitated or incapacitated" for the corrections commissioner to certify them as parole-eligible, expanding eligibility to inmates meeting age (55+), time served (10+ years), and non-violent offense criteria. The bill also changes furlough rules, allowing the commissioner to grant furloughs if an inmate cannot perform at least one basic daily activity in prison due to a medical condition causing debilitation or incapacity. These changes apply to inmates not convicted of violent sexual offenses or multiple murders. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 40-35-501 and 41-21-227.

HB 687 modifies Tennessee's voting rights laws by removing permanent disenfranchisement for individuals convicted of first-degree murder, aggravated rape, treason, or voter fraud. It replaces the requirement to pay all past court costs with a simpler standard: voters must be compliant with current child support orders (not fully paid arrears). The bill also establishes a three-year waiting period after sentence completion for those convicted of the listed crimes before they can regain voting rights, provided they meet other eligibility criteria. This directly affects Tennessee residents with these specific convictions who were previously barred from voting permanently or required to settle all financial obligations.

This Senate Resolution commends Joel Cline for his exemplary service as a legislative intern for Senator Paul Rose during the 2026 session. The resolution recognizes Cline's contributions to constituent relations, bill tracking, and office duties while highlighting his academic achievements and dedication to public service. It formally acknowledges his performance and extends wishes for his future success without imposing any new policy requirements or affecting legislative operations.

HB 2162 modifies Tennessee state law to allow the comptroller of the treasury to submit the annual TennCare actuarial study and related comments to legislative committees in electronic format instead of paper. This change directly affects the state's financial officer (comptroller) and designated legislative committees handling healthcare oversight. The bill updates multiple sections of Tennessee Code (Titles 4, 33, 56, 63, 68, and 71) to formalize electronic reporting as an acceptable method. It does not alter TennCare program rules or healthcare access but streamlines how the state shares financial review data with lawmakers. The bill focuses solely on procedural reporting requirements.

HB 1853 amends Tennessee law to prohibit public schools and charter schools from selling, offering, or providing any food or beverage containing artificial food dye to students on school property. This expands the current ban (which only covered Allura Red AC/Red 40) to include all artificial food dyes. The change directly affects all Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and public charter schools operating under Tennessee's school nutrition program. The key mechanism is a simple amendment to the law's language, replacing "Allura Red AC" with "any artificial food dye" in the relevant statute.