SB 228, the "LESTER Act," requires Tennessee law enforcement to accept digital copies of vehicle registration as valid proof of registration, directly affecting drivers who use digital registration and police officers during traffic stops. It amends Tennessee law to clarify that displaying a digital registration does not grant officers permission to access other contents of a driver's electronic device. The bill also updates terminology from "motor-propelled vehicle" to "motor vehicle" in relevant sections. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.
HB 1316 prohibits the use of digital driver licenses or digital photo IDs for voter identification purposes in Tennessee. The bill amends state law to require physical driver licenses for voting verification, while regulating data handling for digital license systems: it bans geolocation tracking, limits data retention to three days, and restricts biometric data collection (like facial scans) to only verifying identity against a physical license photo. These provisions directly affect Tennessee residents using digital driver licenses for non-voting purposes. The law, effective April 24, 2025, also mandates explicit user consent for biometric data and prohibits selling or sharing such data beyond law enforcement needs.
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 321 requires all Tennessee state executive branch agencies to accept electronic document submissions instead of fax transmissions. It defines "electronic transmission" as digital communication that can be printed (e.g., email, online portals) and removes all references to "fax," "facsimile," or "email" from over 30 sections of state law. This change affects state agencies handling paperwork and individuals or businesses submitting documents to them, streamlining processes by standardizing digital submissions. The law takes effect January 1, 2026.
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.
HB 1011 requires online payment systems (like Venmo or PayPal, but excluding banks and credit unions) to provide users with written notice before freezing their funds. It mandates that notice be given to both the sender and recipient of a transaction, with exceptions for suspected financial exploitation or fraud. Violating this rule would be treated as an unfair or deceptive practice under Tennessee's Consumer Protection Act. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, applying to new or renewed agreements after that date.
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.
