Housing

signed · Tennessee · House May 8, 2025

HB 1306: Economic and Community Development - As enacted, clarifies that certain definitions concerning housing facilities and developments with regard to industrial development corporations include affordable and workforce housing; authorizes a municipality or county to approve amendments to an economic impact plan when approving the plan. - Amends TCA Title 7, Chapter 53; Title 9, Chapter 21 and Title 9, Chapter 23.

HB 1306 clarifies that Tennessee's definitions of housing facilities for economic development include affordable and workforce housing, explicitly expanding eligibility for industrial development corporation projects. It modifies housing definitions in multiple statutes to cover multifamily, single-family, condo, and townhome developments intended for low-to-moderate-income, elderly, or disabled residents. The bill also streamlines approval processes by allowing municipalities to amend economic impact plans without new public hearings, reducing administrative barriers for housing projects. This directly affects local governments, housing developers, and residents of affordable housing developments across Tennessee.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingExplicitly expands eligibility for affordable/workforce housing in economic development definitions and streamlines approvals for qualifying projects.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Community Development Property Development

introduced · Tennessee · House Feb 10, 2025

HB 1029: Correction, Dept. of - As introduced, adds the availability of services relating to housing as an issue that must be addressed in the orientation that the department is required to conduct before an inmate is released from confinement. - Amends TCA Title 39 and Title 40.

HB 1029 amends Tennessee law to require correctional departments to address housing services during mandatory pre-release orientation for inmates. The bill changes the existing requirement from covering "education, employment" to including "housing, employment" as essential topics. This policy directly affects inmates transitioning from confinement by ensuring they receive information about housing resources before release. The change applies to Section 40-35-505 of Tennessee Code Annotated, which governs inmate orientation protocols. The bill does not alter other aspects of correctional services or funding.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAdds housing services to pre-release orientation, addressing a key reentry barrier to reduce recidivism and support rehabilitation efforts per bill's explicit mandate.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingExplicitly adds housing services information to mandatory pre-release orientation for inmates, aiding housing transition for formerly incarcerated individuals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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signed · Tennessee · Senate Apr 6, 2026

SB 350: Landlord and Tenant - As enacted, generally restricts a landlord from prohibiting a residential tenant from lawfully possessing, carrying, transporting, or storing a firearm, any part of a firearm, or firearm ammunition in the tenant's residential property; a vehicle located in a parking area provided for tenants or tenants' guests; or other locations controlled by the landlord necessary to enter or exit any such location in leases entered into, amended, extended, or renewed on or after January 1, 2027. - Amends TCA Title 66.

SB 350 prohibits Tennessee landlords from banning tenants from lawfully possessing, carrying, or storing firearms, firearm parts, or ammunition in their leased homes, apartments, or businesses, or in vehicles parked on landlord-controlled property. It directly affects tenants and landlords statewide, requiring lease agreements to comply with this rule starting July 1, 2025, with existing leases needing amendment by July 1, 2026. The bill voids any lease terms conflicting with this prohibition after July 1, 2025, and allows tenants to sue landlords for damages if they violate the law. It applies to all residential leases governed by Tennessee Code Annotated Title 66.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits landlords from banning tenant firearm possession, directly strengthening tenant protections per housing policy topic description.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Tenant Rights

passed · Tennessee · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SB 244: Housing - As introduced, requires multi-family facilities, buildings, and structures constructed under a voluntary attainable housing incentive program to be deed-restricted to ensure that the attainable housing continues for at least 30 years, instead of in perpetuity. - Amends TCA Title 13, Chapter 3.

SB 244 would change Tennessee's housing law to require that affordable housing units built under the state's voluntary attainable housing program remain restricted for at least 30 years, rather than indefinitely. This applies specifically to multi-family housing developments constructed through this incentive program. The bill amends existing law by replacing the phrase "in perpetuity" with "for at least thirty (30) years" in the deed restriction requirement. This adjustment shortens the mandatory affordability period while maintaining a significant commitment to long-term accessible housing.

Topics ✗ HousingOpposes HousingShortens deed restriction period from perpetuity to 30 years, weakening long-term affordability protections for attainable housing units.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SJR 27: Taxes, Exemption and Credits - Authorizes the allocation by the Tennessee housing development agency, and credit by the department of revenue, of the tax credit created by the Tennessee Rural and Workforce Housing Act against a taxpayer's liability for premium tax, retaliatory tax, franchise tax, and excise tax; authorizes $10 million per year to be allocated in credits for the next three calendar years. -

SJR 27 authorizes the Tennessee Housing Development Agency to allocate $10 million annually in tax credits for low-income housing projects, applicable against premium tax, retaliatory tax, franchise tax, and excise tax liabilities. These credits are specifically for projects meeting criteria under the Tennessee Rural and Workforce Housing Act, with at least 50% of funds required to support housing in eligible rural areas. The resolution directs the agency to use these credits for the 2026-2028 calendar years, building on existing state law (Public Chapter 971 of 2024). It directly affects housing developers and property owners who qualify for these credits, providing a financial incentive to build or rehabilitate affordable housing. The bill does not create new taxes but modifies how existing tax credits can be applied.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates $10M/year in tax credits for low-income housing projects, providing tax relief and directly funding affordable housing (an essential public service) through fiscal policy, aligning with support indicators.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingAuthorizes $10M annual tax credits for low-income housing projects under Tennessee Rural and Workforce Housing Act, directly funding affordable housing development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Tax Credits Tax Incentives Affordable Housing Housing Finance Property Development

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signed · Tennessee · Senate May 13, 2025

SB 110: Disabled Persons - As enacted, authorizes a residential facility for persons with disabilities to operate in the eastern grand division of this state under an existing residential pilot program authorizing such facilities to operate in the western and middle grand divisions of this state that is administered by the department of disability and aging. - Amends TCA Title 33 and Title 52.

SB 110 expands an existing residential pilot program for people with disabilities to include the eastern part of Tennessee, which previously only covered the western and middle regions. It requires one facility in each grand division (eastern, middle, western) and sets specific eligibility rules for eastern division participants, including a minimum 26-acre property in a county with 108,600-108,700 residents (per 2020 census), offering services for up to 60 additional adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities, and dedicating 25% of homes to inclusive housing. Applications for eastern division participation must be submitted by March 31, 2026, with facilities needing completion by June 30, 2028. The bill modifies licensing and reporting requirements for these facilities under Tennessee’s disability and aging department.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingExpands housing access for disabled persons via new facilities in eastern TN, aligning with housing development support under targeted housing programs.90% confidence

Tags People with Disabilities

signed · Tennessee · House May 8, 2025

HB 496: Treasurer, State - As enacted, removes the restriction that earnings in an achieving a better life experience account may only be expended for a student's education expenses; redefines "disability certification" and "eligible individual" to have the same meaning as in the Internal Revenue Code and all rules and regulations released by the United States treasury. - Amends TCA Section 71-4-803 and Section 71-4-806.

HB 496 amends Tennessee's ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) account rules to allow account earnings to be used for non-education expenses, such as housing or transportation, rather than being restricted to education costs. It aligns Tennessee's definitions of "disability certification" and "eligible individual" with federal Internal Revenue Code standards. The bill directly affects Tennesseans with disabilities who use ABLE accounts to manage savings without losing federal benefits. Key changes include removing the education-only spending restriction and updating account ownership rules to match IRS guidance. The law became effective May 2, 2025, with some provisions taking effect January 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly permits ABLE account earnings for housing expenses (not just education), expanding affordability options for disabled Tennesseans using these savings accounts.95% confidence

passed both · Tennessee · Senate Mar 20, 2025

SB 305: Human Rights - As introduced, prohibits an organization or entity receiving financial assistance from this state for programs or activities from denying benefits to, excluding from participation in, or discriminating against a person otherwise eligible for the program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, or national origin. - Amends TCA Title 4.

SB 305 prohibits organizations receiving state financial assistance for programs or activities from denying benefits, excluding participants, or discriminating against eligible individuals based on race, color, religion, or national origin. This law directly affects state-funded programs, such as those providing social services, housing, or community support. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, to establish this non-discrimination requirement as a legal standard. It applies to all entities receiving state funds, ensuring equal access to services for all eligible residents. The bill passed the Tennessee Senate unanimously on March 17, 2025, but remains pending in the House.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits discrimination in state-funded housing programs, directly protecting tenants from exclusion based on protected classes per bill's explicit application to housing.95% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationProhibits discrimination based on national origin in state-funded programs, directly protecting immigrants from exclusion/denial of services under state assistance.85% confidence

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 18, 2025

SB 1088: Landlord and Tenant - As introduced, reduces the time period, after which a landlord may terminate a rental agreement, from 14 days to seven days following notice to the tenant of a material breach of the rental agreement for the nonpayment of rent, the cost of repairs, damages, or another amount due the landlord under the rental agreement, or for an act of violence or other behavior that poses a real and present danger on the premises. - Amends TCA Title 66.

SB 1088 shortens the notice period landlords must provide tenants before eviction for nonpayment of rent or violent behavior from 14 to 7 days. For property damage beyond normal wear and tear, the notice period remains at 14 days. The bill applies to new or renewed rental agreements starting July 1, 2025, directly affecting landlords and tenants in Tennessee residential leases. It amends Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 66-28-505 and 66-7-109 to change specific eviction notice requirements.

Topics ✗ HousingOpposes HousingShortens eviction notice period for nonpayment from 14 to 7 days, weakening tenant protections under landlord-tenant law.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 24, 2026

SB 961: Housing - As introduced, enacts the "Affordable Housing and Tenant Protection Act"; allows local governments to adopt ordinances and resolutions to control rent for private residential rental units; creates the increased housing program and increased housing fund; authorizes the Tennessee housing development agency to make grants from the fund to eligible developers and first-time homebuyers to assist in gap financing and down payment assistance. - Amends TCA Title 7, Chapter 53; Title 9; Title 12; Title 13; Title 66 and Title 67.

SB 961, the "Affordable Housing and Tenant Protection Act," allows Tennessee local governments to adopt rent control ordinances for private residential properties after conducting housing supply assessments and establishing local rent agencies. It creates the "Increased Housing Program" administered by the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA), which provides gap financing to developers building affordable housing and down payment assistance to first-time homebuyers for owner-occupied homes. The program prioritizes communities affected by recent federally declared disasters and requires annual reporting on program outcomes. This bill directly affects renters, landlords, and developers in localities that adopt rent control, while expanding state-level support for affordable housing construction and homebuying.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates rent control for tenants, funds affordable housing via THDA grants, and provides down payment assistance - directly advancing housing access and protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Renters Tenant Rights

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