Tennessee Bills

SB 2494 prevents Tennessee's governor from deciding to leave or not join the federal Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) program - commonly known as SUN Bucks - without prior approval from the Tennessee General Assembly. The bill directly affects the governor’s authority, requiring a joint resolution from both legislative chambers to authorize any decision about the program’s enrollment. Key provisions mandate that the governor cannot act unilaterally on this program, which served over 700,000 children in 2024. The law amends Tennessee Code Title 71 to establish this requirement, ensuring legislative oversight for participation in the federal benefit program.

SB 2676 increases the annual limit for unlicensed child care programs from 14 to 21 days per year. It specifically affects community organizations (like churches or schools) hosting occasional "Parents' Night Out" or similar special events without needing a state license. The bill amends Tennessee law to allow these programs to operate for up to 21 days annually under existing exemptions, effective upon enactment.

HB 2501 is a procedural bill that amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 16, by changing the deadline for a judicial districts advisory task force to submit its report. Specifically, it delays the submission date from January 1, 2027, to January 15, 2027. The bill does not alter the task force's responsibilities or create new policies; it only adjusts the timeline for an existing reporting requirement. This change affects the task force's schedule but does not directly impact citizens or change judicial district boundaries.

HB 2563 changes the notice period required for the president of a district public defenders conference to call a meeting, extending it from 10 calendar days to 10 business days. This bill directly affects the president of each district public defenders conference, who must provide written notice to conference members before convening meetings. The key provision amends Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 8-14-204 and 9-4-101 to specify "business days" instead of calendar days for this notice requirement. The change takes effect on July 1, 2026, and is purely procedural with no new services or funding.

SB 2570 would create a new pathway for licensed doctoral-level psychologists in Tennessee to prescribe certain medications for mental health conditions, subject to specific requirements. To qualify, psychologists must complete a specialized master's program in psychopharmacology (including 450+ patient contact hours), pass a national exam, and complete a one-year supervised fellowship evaluating at least 100 patients. The bill establishes an "advanced certificate to prescribe" and requires ongoing continuing education for renewal. This proposed legislation directly affects psychologists seeking expanded prescribing authority, pending approval by the Tennessee General Assembly.

HB 2241 reduces the wholesale tax on hemp-derived cannabinoid products from 2 cents to 1 cent per milligram and allows licensed retailers to deliver these products directly to consumers, including through licensed delivery services. The bill requires delivery services to verify customers' age (21+ with ID) at the time of delivery, maintain detailed delivery records, and limit deliveries to within 50 miles of the retailer's location in the same or contiguous counties. It also mandates that delivery services must derive at least 50% of their gross sales from food delivery and operate under a written agreement with the retailer. These changes apply specifically to licensed retailers and delivery services handling hemp-derived cannabinoid products in Tennessee.

HB 2410 (Tennessee) allows public schools and charter schools to install continuous video surveillance in special education classrooms to enhance safety, but only with written consent from parents of a majority of students in those classrooms. The bill requires schools to adopt policies governing footage retention and restricts access to recordings: parents may view footage for their child under privacy laws, and teachers may view it only if evidence of assault is suspected. It specifically applies to self-contained special education settings where 50% or more of students receive special education services during instructional time. The law takes effect for the 2026-2027 school year, with funding intended to come from existing school safety grants.

SB 1853 requires Tennessee's Department of Human Services to apply for federal summer food benefits by January 1, 2027. The bill mandates applying for the federal Summer EBT program to provide nutrition assistance via electronic benefit cards during summer months for eligible children who rely on school meals. This directly affects low-income children in Tennessee who would otherwise lose access to meals when school is not in session. The key provision is the deadline-driven application for existing federal funding, amending Tennessee Code Titles 49 and 71 to implement this requirement.

HB 1824 requires Tennessee's Department of Transportation (TDOT) to ensure every public safety rest area with restrooms includes at least one family restroom by 2028. The bill mandates TDOT to submit a construction schedule by July 2026 and complete at least one family restroom at a safety rest stop by July 2028. This policy directly affects TDOT's infrastructure planning and travelers using rest areas, particularly families with young children or caregivers needing accessible facilities. The law amends Tennessee Code sections related to transportation and rest area standards, focusing on concrete accessibility improvements without speculative outcomes.

House Resolution 143 honors Dr. Ashleigh Elain McKinzie, a tenured sociology and women's studies professor at Middle Tennessee State University who was fatally shot on December 4, 2025. The resolution extends condolences to her family, students, colleagues, and the university community, recognizing her contributions to education and advocacy for social justice. It does not create new laws or affect any group through policy changes, as it is a non-binding memorial statement. The resolution was introduced by Representative Johnson and referred to the Criminal Justice Subcommittee in January 2026.

HB 1939 (amending TCA Section 37-5-132) changes Tennessee's child welfare caseload rules by limiting case managers to no more than 12 active cases involving 12 families (for initial investigations) or 20 monitored children (for ongoing services). It requires the Department of Children's Services to resolve each active case within 12 months, and if unresolved, mandates a juvenile court hearing to set specific resolution steps. This directly affects child welfare case managers, families involved in ongoing cases, and juvenile courts handling unresolved cases. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

HB 1474, the "No Pride Flag or Month Act," prohibits Tennessee state agencies and political subdivisions from displaying LGBTQ flags or emblems (like rainbow or transgender flags) on state property or recognizing Pride Month (June) or other LGBTQ-related observances. It directly affects state employees, volunteers, and government buildings by banning such displays or acknowledgments during work hours. The bill creates a private right of action, allowing citizens to sue state entities for violations and seek damages, injunctions, or attorney fees. Exceptions include off-duty conduct, First Amendment-protected speech, and existing laws not related to this ban.