HB 2608, the "PEEPS Act," regulates how Tennessee government agencies access historical location data (like cell phone or vehicle tracking records) to protect individual privacy. It requires government officials to obtain a search warrant for most access (except for specific exceptions like vehicle theft reports, emergencies, or traffic enforcement), prohibits sharing or selling this data to private companies, and mandates data destruction within 2-7 days unless preserved for a criminal case. Government entities must also encrypt stored data, maintain detailed access logs, and adopt security policies. This law directly affects all Tennessee government agencies and officials handling location data, while safeguarding the privacy of residents whose data is collected.
SB 2364 repeals outdated rules transferred from Tennessee's defunct Human Rights Commission to the Attorney General's office and strengthens privacy protections for people filing human rights complaints. The bill requires the Attorney General to keep all complaint records and investigation materials confidential without the filer's consent, except when shared with the complainant, respondent, their attorneys, or law enforcement agencies enforcing anti-discrimination laws. This directly affects individuals who file human rights complaints with the Attorney General’s office by ensuring their personal information remains private during investigations. The key provision prohibits disclosure of complaint materials to anyone else without explicit consent, clarifying existing protections under Tennessee law.
SB 2448, the "Tennessee Career Readiness Enhancement Act," requires public high schools (grades 11-12) to integrate free, nationally recognized career readiness tools into at least one career technical education course starting in 2026-2027. These tools provide stackable credentials in soft skills, employability, and digital literacy, with students earning up to three elective credits or a $100 micro-grant for obtaining three credentials. The bill mandates teacher training on these tools, establishes a pilot program (2027-2028) to gather employer feedback on credential relevance, and requires annual reporting of credential data by school district and student demographics. It directly affects Tennessee high schools, students, and local businesses through workforce-aligned education pathways.
SB 2400 clarifies that Tennessee's Age-Appropriate Materials Act of 2022 does not apply to materials available through the Tennessee Electronic Library (TEL). The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 49-6-3803 and 10-1-301 to explicitly exclude TEL resources from the Act's requirements. This directly affects the TEL's digital collection, ensuring its materials (like e-books and databases) remain exempt from age-appropriate content restrictions. The key provision adds a specific exemption to the law's coverage, maintaining access to these educational resources without requiring age verification. The bill does not change the Act's application to other public or school libraries.
SB 2234 creates two new laws: the "Critical Infrastructure Protection Act" and the "Protection of State Land from Foreign Adversaries Act." It requires state agencies to prohibit contracts with technology suppliers owned by foreign adversaries or using equipment on a federal "covered list," and to certify compliance via sworn statements. The bill also bans transfers of state-owned land to foreign adversaries or entities controlled by them, requiring prospective buyers to submit sworn affirmations. Exceptions exist only when no reasonable alternative exists for technology procurement, with written justification required. These provisions directly affect Tennessee state agencies, technology suppliers, and any entities seeking to lease or purchase state land.
SB 2617 requires Tennessee's District Attorneys General Conference to collect and analyze data on prosecutions and convictions for unlawful automated calls (specifically under TCA §47-18-1509) by December 15, 2026. The conference must submit a report to the governor, legislative leaders, and the legislative librarian, consulting with law enforcement agencies like the TBI and Department of Safety as needed. This bill directly affects district attorneys, law enforcement agencies, and state officials who will use the data to assess enforcement of anti-robocall laws. It does not change existing laws but mandates a formal review of current enforcement efforts.
SB 2203 clarifies that individuals using Tennessee's digital driver license system must report a lost or stolen electronic device directly to the Department of Safety, not to another entity. This bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-50-306(j)(1)(B) by adding "to the department" before the reporting requirement. It directly affects digital driver license participants who need to secure their accounts after device loss or theft. The change ensures reports are made to the correct state agency for terminating system participation. This is a procedural clarification with no new policy changes.
HB 2464 prohibits Tennessee electric utilities and high-performance computing (HPC) facilities from using transformers, parts, or equipment manufactured or sold by entities owned or controlled by "foreign adversaries" (as defined by federal regulations). The bill requires these entities to annually report equipment sources to the state comptroller, conduct internal compliance audits, and submit findings by March 1 each year. The comptroller must post all reports and audit results publicly by October 1. Violations trigger 30-day compliance notices, potential license suspension by local governments, and civil penalties of up to $25,000 per violation.
HJR 841 proposes adding a new section to Tennessee's state constitution that establishes a fundamental right to privacy for all residents. The bill would amend Article I by stating: "As a necessary part of a free society, the people have an individual and fundamental right to privacy." This constitutional change would directly affect every Tennessee citizen by enshrining privacy as a protected right under state law. The resolution is currently in committee review and requires further legislative approval before it could be submitted to voters for ratification.
SB 2523 clarifies that knowingly accessing cloud computing services (like email or online storage) for fraud or theft is a criminal offense. It directly affects individuals who misuse cloud accounts for financial gain or data theft, and law enforcement handling such cases. The bill amends Tennessee Code by adding "cloud computing service" to the list of protected systems under existing fraud and theft laws. This update ensures cloud-based services are explicitly covered under current criminal statutes without creating new penalties.
