Tennessee Bills

SB 589 requires health insurance plans in Tennessee that cover prescription contraceptives to provide a 12-month refill option at one time, instead of shorter-term refills. This applies to all health benefit plans (including Medicaid/TennCare and CoverKids programs) that renew, amend, or issue coverage on or after January 1, 2026. The bill directly affects insured individuals who use prescription contraceptives by simplifying access to longer-term supply. It amends Tennessee law to expand the definition of "health benefit plan" and updates the effective date for this requirement. The policy change focuses on coverage mechanics, not outcomes or advocacy.

SB 1353 restores voting rights for Tennessee residents convicted of "infamous crimes" after completing their sentence, removing previous barriers like unpaid restitution, court costs, or current child support obligations. It amends voting eligibility laws to allow this right to be restored without requiring full citizenship rights restoration. The bill updates voter registration forms to accept proof of sentence completion (via court documents or a voting rights certificate) instead of requiring pardons or full citizenship restoration. This directly affects individuals with past convictions who have finished their sentences but were previously barred from voting due to financial or support requirements. The changes apply to both state and federal convictions that qualify as infamous crimes under Tennessee law.

SB 1204, the "Anti-Road Rage Act of 2024," creates new criminal penalties for firearm-related conduct in vehicles. It makes it a Class E felony to recklessly discharge a firearm while operating or riding in a motor vehicle, and a Class A misdemeanor to recklessly display or brandish a firearm in the same situation. The law directly affects drivers and passengers who engage in these actions, applying to all motor vehicles under Tennessee law. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 39-17-1902 and 39-17-1903, effective July 1, 2025.

SB 1183 requires most firearm owners in Tennessee to store guns in locked containers or equipped with a tamper-resistant safety device that prevents unauthorized use. It directly affects individuals storing firearms at home or in other locations not actively carrying them. Violations would be punishable as Class A misdemeanors, though the law excludes firearms carried by the owner or authorized users. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and aims to establish standardized firearm storage requirements.

SB 624 would prohibit individuals from holding two elected offices in Tennessee at the same time if one is a local government position (like mayor or city council member) and the other is a state-elected office (like state senator). Current officeholders who already hold multiple positions may keep them until their current terms end. The law specifically excludes roles on a political party's state executive committee from this restriction. This bill changes state law to prevent dual officeholding for local and state elected positions, effective upon enactment.

SB 581 requires Tennessee law enforcement officers to inform individuals they stop (for traffic or pedestrian reasons) of the specific reason for the stop before questioning them about possible crimes or violations. This rule takes effect January 1, 2026, and applies to all officers making such stops. Officers may withhold the reason only if they believe it is necessary to protect life or property from an immediate threat. The bill amends Tennessee Code sections related to law enforcement procedures (Titles 38, 39, and 40).

SB 1350 proposes a new "extreme risk protection order" (ERPO) process in Tennessee, allowing courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a significant danger to themselves or others. Law enforcement officers or close relatives can file petitions with clear evidence of risk, leading to a court hearing within 14 days and potential 12-month orders. The bill also requires firearms to be stored unloaded and locked away from ammunition (except during lawful use) and adds a 15-business-day waiting period for gun purchases after background checks. These changes would directly affect firearm owners facing ERPO petitions or subject to storage rules. The bill is currently pending review by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

SB 642 creates the "Tennessee Voluntary Do Not Sell Firearms Act," allowing Tennesseans to voluntarily restrict their own firearm access by filing a waiver with their county circuit court clerk. The waiver, verified with government-issued ID, prohibits firearm purchases and requires the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) to enter it into background check systems within 24 hours, effectively blocking firearm transactions. Individuals can revoke the waiver after seven days, and the TBI removes their name from background systems 21 days later, reinstating handgun carry permits if applicable. This process is confidential, with false statements on waiver forms punishable as perjury.

SB 1129 creates two new criminal offenses in Tennessee: (1) a Class E felony for controlling a motor vehicle without the owner’s permission (even if not intending to steal it), and (2) a Class A misdemeanor for possessing a firearm known to be stolen. It directly affects individuals who unlawfully take vehicles or possess stolen firearms, with penalties based on the specific violation. The bill amends Tennessee’s criminal code to define these acts clearly, specifying that unauthorized vehicle control is a felony while stolen firearm possession is a misdemeanor. It takes effect July 1, 2025, and is currently pending review by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

SB 920 increases compensation for healthcare providers who perform forensic medical exams on sexual assault victims from $1,000 to $2,500 per exam, effective July 1, 2025. It also requires the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to complete DNA testing on sexual assault evidence kits within 120 days of receiving them from law enforcement, with written explanations for delays beyond that timeframe. The bill affects healthcare providers, law enforcement agencies, and the Bureau of Investigation by changing payment standards and establishing new timelines for evidence processing. Kits flagged for delay must be analyzed "within a reasonable time thereafter," and the bill clarifies that delays don't affect evidence admissibility. These changes apply to exams performed and kits received on or after July 1, 2025.

SB 1651 requires Tennessee counties to prioritize funding for county-wide and volunteer fire departments. It directs county governing bodies to allocate county funds (from general funds or other revenue) to these departments at a level equal to the funding provided for the sheriff's department. The bill specifically applies to counties with a county-wide fire department or a volunteer fire department serving all county areas, as defined by state fire marshal recognition. It takes effect July 1, 2026, and establishes legislative intent for funding allocation without creating new programs.

SB 1927, the "Super Speeder Accountability Act," requires intelligent speed assistance (ISA) devices on vehicles for drivers convicted of specific speeding offenses where speed was a factor, such as multiple reckless driving convictions within 12 months or drag racing. The bill mandates these tamper-resistant devices - which limit vehicle speed to posted limits using location-based technology - be installed for offenders with license suspensions or revocations due to excessive speeding. It creates a licensing system for device providers, allows compliance-based removal of devices, and permits indigent users to apply for financial assistance through the electronic monitoring indigency fund. The law aims to improve road safety by preventing repeat speeding violations through technology rather than traditional penalties like fines or license suspension.