Tennessee Bills

SB 2657 proposes a process for Tennessee's legislature to declare federal laws, regulations, or executive orders unconstitutional and nullify them. It requires the General Assembly to formally find that a federal action violates the U.S. Constitution's separation of powers or exceeds federal authority. The bill establishes specific steps for such declarations, including legislative resolutions. This would directly affect how Tennessee interacts with federal government actions it deems overreaching, without altering current federal law.

SB 1675 amends Tennessee property tax law to allow county assessors to send notifications about changes in property classification or assessed value via email, with the notification being effective when electronically sent. This replaces the previous requirement that such notifications must be sent by U.S. mail and effective upon mailing. The bill directly affects property taxpayers in Tennessee who receive these official tax notices, as it introduces email as a valid alternative to physical mail. The change ensures email notifications carry the same legal effect as mailed notices from the moment they are sent.

SB 2034 requires Tennessee state agencies to disclose records and information to legislators upon written request, enabling them to assess compliance with state laws or identify needed legal changes. To access records, legislators must submit a written request with relevant details, sign a confidentiality agreement, and review materials only on-site at the agency. The bill mandates that all reviewed records remain in the agency's possession and does not alter existing confidentiality protections. This procedural bill affects state governmental entities and legislators by establishing specific protocols for legislative oversight access.

HB 1721 would prevent courts from charging defendants with court costs in Tennessee criminal cases under three specific circumstances: when a defendant is found not guilty (by jury or judge on all charges), when the state dismisses charges or enters a "nolle prosequi" (a formal decision not to prosecute), or when a court dismisses the charges. This directly affects individuals who are acquitted or have their criminal cases dropped without conviction. The bill amends Tennessee law to require courts to waive all court costs in these situations, eliminating financial penalties for cleared defendants. It takes effect on July 1, 2026.

SB 1996 increases the monthly office expense allowance for Tennessee General Assembly members from $1,250 to $2,251, effective November 3, 2026. It directly affects legislators by raising their base allowance for office-related costs. The bill requires this allowance to be automatically adjusted each month based on changes to the consumer price index (CPI) to maintain purchasing power. This amendment modifies Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 3, Section 3-1-106(f)(1). The change is a procedural budget adjustment, not a substantive policy shift.

SB 1721 requires state executive branch employees (such as department staff or governors' liaisons) to swear under oath that their testimony before legislative committees or their submitted fiscal documentation is truthful. If false statements are suspected, committee chairs or fiscal directors must notify legislative leaders, who may refer cases to district attorneys for potential perjury charges (classified as a Class C misdemeanor). The bill applies to all state departments and committees handling legislative measures or fiscal notes, directly affecting how executive branch staff provide information to lawmakers. It amends Tennessee Code Sections 3-3-121, 39-16-702, and related titles to establish this requirement and enforcement process. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

HR 144 is a Tennessee House resolution urging the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to immediately release remaining Epstein-related files required by law, including flight logs, communications, financial records, and identities of individuals connected to Epstein's crimes. It directly addresses the federal government, citing the DOJ's failure to meet a court-ordered deadline for disclosure. The resolution emphasizes that transparency is essential for justice, protecting victims, and upholding Tennessee's values regarding accountability for sexual exploitation. While non-binding, it calls on Tennessee's congressional delegation to support federal efforts to compel the file release.

HJR 133 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would limit Tennessee House and Senate members to 12 consecutive years in office. It applies to all current and future legislators, with the term limit beginning after a member's current term expires. If passed, this amendment would require a constitutional change to enforce the 12-year consecutive service cap. (Note: This is a proposed resolution, not yet enacted.)

HB 1160 requires Tennessee's Department of Health to compile and submit a report by January 1, 2026, listing all psychotropic medications (as defined by current law) along with their documented side effects. The report must be sent to the chairs of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee and the relevant House health committee. This bill does not change medication regulations but mandates a specific data collection and reporting requirement for the Department of Health. It affects the Department of Health directly by creating a new administrative task, with no immediate impact on patients or providers.

SB 1029 amends Tennessee's absentee voting rules under the federal Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA), directly affecting Tennessee citizens living overseas. It creates new definitions for "civilian overseas voters," "federal-only voters," and "military voters" and requires applicants for absentee ballots to submit specific documentation proving U.S. citizenship and overseas residence. The bill mandates proof like a U.S. passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate for overseas voters, and a foreign lease or property title for overseas residence. These changes aim to align Tennessee's process with federal voting requirements for citizens abroad.

HB 1043 deletes obsolete sections (c) through (h) from Tennessee Code Annotated Section 49-1-228, which relates to the school grading system implementation. This is a procedural cleanup bill that removes outdated language from existing education law without changing current grading procedures or affecting schools. The bill amends specific code sections to eliminate redundant or inactive provisions. It does not create new requirements or impact how schools are evaluated.

HB 1159 requires Tennessee voters to select a political party affiliation (or choose "Unaffiliated") when registering to vote or during the registration period. This change affects all voters who wish to participate in partisan primary elections, as they must now formally designate a party preference to vote in that party's primary. The law amends voter registration forms and records to include this requirement, with "Unaffiliated" as the default option if no choice is made. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and is currently pending in committee.