SB 2065 removes a requirement that individuals seeking licensure as speech-language pathologists in Tennessee must be members of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). This change directly affects new applicants for speech-language pathology licenses by eliminating ASHA membership as an eligibility condition. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 63-17-110 and 63-17-111 to delete ASHA certificate requirements for provisional licenses and pending applications. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.
HB 1717 repeals a 2007 law that changed Roane County's chief executive title from "County Mayor" to "County Executive," aligning it with Tennessee's general law used in most counties. The bill directly affects Roane County officials and requires a two-thirds vote approval by the county's legislative body to take effect. If approved, the county would revert to using "County Mayor" for its chief executive, resolving confusion when coordinating with other counties that use that title under state law.
SB 1483 allows Tipton County's legislative body to create a specialized "Environmental Court" within its general sessions court. This court would handle cases involving alleged violations of local ordinances related to health, housing, fire, land subdivision, building, or zoning. The bill grants judges in this court the power to issue injunctions, order violators to correct violations at their own expense, and impose limited penalties (up to $50 or 10 days in jail) for failing to comply with court orders. The bill requires a two-thirds vote approval by Tipton County's legislative body to take effect.
SB 1489 amends the charter of the Town of Mason to update its governance structure. It revises rules for vacating offices (e.g., due to resignation, disability, or conviction), sets requirements for taking office (including an oath), and mandates 48-hour public notice for special meetings. The bill establishes formal meeting procedures using Robert’s Rules of Order, requires annual disclosure of financial interests by officials, and mandates an annual ethics policy. These changes directly affect Mason’s mayor, aldermen, town administrator, and town attorney, governing how the town conducts meetings, manages conflicts of interest, and administers its government.
This resolution ratifies a $1.86 statewide 911 surcharge rate approved by the Tennessee Emergency Communications Board, replacing the current $1.50 rate that has been in effect since 2021. It directly affects all telephone service users in Tennessee through increased charges on their monthly bills. The rate increase, set to take effect January 1, 2026, is intended to fund emergency communications services, including operational costs for emergency districts and the Tennessee Relay Services program, as required by state law. The resolution serves as the procedural step needed for legislative approval of the board's decision.
This Senate Joint Resolution officially commends Kermina Wadeh for her service as a legislative intern for Senator Janice Bowling. The measure does not alter existing laws or policies but serves as a formal recognition of her contributions during the 2026 legislative session. It authorizes the General Assembly to present a copy of the resolution to Wadeh as a gesture of appreciation for her work.
This Senate Resolution formally commends Lauren Milam for receiving the 2026 Dennis Washington Leadership Graduate Scholarship. The bill recognizes her as one of only five students nationwide selected for this award, which provides up to $250,000 for graduate study to individuals who have overcome adversity. Milam, a native of Waynesboro and University of Tennessee at Martin graduate, was chosen for her academic excellence and leadership while pursuing an MD/MBA at East Tennessee State University. The resolution expresses the Tennessee Senate's pride in her achievement and wishes her continued success in her future endeavors.
This legislative resolution honors Aubrey Zuniga, a student from Cornersville High School, for being named a Top Ten Senior in the 2026 graduating class. The measure formally commends her academic achievements and extracurricular involvement, recognizing her as an exemplary student within the Tennessee General Assembly. It directs the state to prepare an official copy of the resolution for presentation to Zuniga as a gesture of appreciation for her success.
This bill honors Margaret Elizabeth Rehring, the 2026 Salutatorian of Ooltewah High School, for her outstanding academic performance and leadership. The resolution formally commends her achievement of a high grade point average while participating in various extracurricular activities during her high school career. It directs the state to present a copy of this resolution to Ms. Rehring as an official recognition of her accomplishments.
This joint resolution honors the memory of Stephanie Jan Halaiko Chivers, a former Tennessee State Representative and public servant. The bill formally recognizes her contributions to politics and public service, including her historic role as the first female Republican elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives. It also expresses the legislature's sympathy to her surviving family members. The resolution is a commemorative measure that does not change laws or policies.
This bill is a House Joint Resolution that formally honors Stephanie Nava Corona, a student from Marshall County High School. It recognizes her as one of the Top Ten Seniors for the 2026 graduating class based on her academic achievements and extracurricular involvement. The resolution commends her performance and expresses good wishes for her future, but it does not create any new laws or change existing policies.
Senate Resolution 443 formally honors Maggie Messer, the 2026 Salutatorian at Carter High School, for her academic achievements. The resolution commends her for earning an exemplary grade point average while participating in extracurricular activities and joining the ranks of top students in Tennessee. This legislative action serves as a public acknowledgment of her success and extends best wishes for her future, without creating any new laws or policy changes.
