Technology

HB 874, now Public Chapter 368, prohibits electronic communications service providers (like internet or email companies) from notifying account holders when a search warrant or subpoena is issued for investigations involving child sexual exploitation. The law directly affects these service providers by banning them from disclosing such legal requests to users or unauthorized individuals. Key provisions require providers to withhold notification during investigations under Tennessee's child exploitation statutes, aiming to prevent suspects from destroying evidence. This law focuses on preserving the integrity of ongoing investigations into child sexual exploitation cases.

This bill prohibits tech companies (like email or social media platforms) from notifying users when law enforcement searches their data for child sexual exploitation cases. It specifically bans service providers from alerting account holders or unauthorized individuals about search warrants or subpoenas related to these investigations. The law aims to prevent suspects from destroying evidence by alerting them to ongoing police activity. It applies directly to electronic communications services covered under Tennessee law and took effect on May 5, 2025.

HB 932 requires Tennessee public schools to create policies banning student use of phones, tablets, and other wireless devices during class time, except for specific educational purposes, health emergencies, or when required by a student's special education plan (IEP) or 504 plan. The policy must allow teachers to permit device use for learning, let students access devices in emergencies, and ensure parents can be contacted during crises. Schools must publish these policies online and may temporarily withhold devices from students who violate the rules. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, applying to all public schools and charter schools in the state.

HB 395, the "Tennessee Genomic Security and End Organ Harvesting Act," prohibits Tennessee health insurers from covering organ transplants or post-transplant care if the organ was sourced from China or procured through sale/donation originating in China. It also bans medical and research facilities from using genetic sequencing equipment or software produced by entities linked to "foreign adversaries" (specifically targeting China per the bill's context), requiring replacement within 180 days. Additionally, the bill mandates that all genetic sequencing data must be stored within the United States, with remote access from outside the country prohibited without approval from the state health commissioner. The law takes effect on January 1, 2026, directly affecting health insurers, hospitals, and research facilities operating in Tennessee.

HJR 65 is a Tennessee House Joint Resolution urging the U.S. Congress to pass the SCREEN Act, which would require age verification for online pornography to protect minors. It also calls on Tennessee to enforce its Protect Tennessee Minors Act and the U.S. Department of Justice to prioritize enforcing federal obscenity laws. This non-binding resolution, introduced in January 2025 and withdrawn in February 2025, does not create new laws but expresses legislative support for measures to restrict minors' access to online pornography. It references statistics about minors' exposure to online porn and the lack of enforcement of existing federal obscenity laws.