Tennessee Bills

Senate Joint Resolution 1205 is a commemorative measure that honors Knox County Sheriff Tom Spangler for his career in law enforcement. The resolution acknowledges his service history, including his time as a corrections officer, narcotics detective, and Chief Deputy, as well as his current role as Sheriff since 2018. It formally thanks him for more than forty-five years of public service and authorizes the presentation of a copy of the resolution to him.

SB 2031 creates a new legal right for individuals to sue healthcare professionals if they were coerced into receiving certain medical procedures - such as puberty blockers, hormones, or surgeries - based on false claims about gender identity. It specifically applies when patients (or parents/guardians for minors) consented due to coercion by the provider, and the procedure was intended to help someone "identify with a purported identity inconsistent with sex." The bill defines "medical procedure" broadly to include hormone treatments, surgical interventions, and related care. Lawsuits must be filed within 18 years of the procedure or when the injury was discovered.

HB 1960 changes Tennessee's school accountability system by shifting responsibility for selecting interventions for struggling schools from the Department of Education to the State Board of Education. Specifically, it requires the Department to recommend intervention options to the State Board for priority schools in tier three of the progressive tiered intervention system, with the State Board making the final selection and notifying the school. This directly affects priority schools receiving tier three interventions, as the State Board - not the Department - will now choose the required intervention strategy. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 49, Section 49-1-602(b)(2)(J), and takes effect July 1, 2027.

HB 2012 creates a new civil cause of action for Tennessee residents whose intimate images (photos or videos of intimate body parts or sexual conduct) are shared without consent. It allows victims to sue for damages including $150,000 in liquidated damages, actual harm (like emotional distress), and attorney fees, while clarifying that consent to create an image doesn’t cover its distribution. The bill defines "intimate image" broadly, requires valid consent for distribution to be in writing with clear terms, and excludes certain cases like law enforcement reporting or good-faith assistance. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and applies to incidents occurring on or after that date.

HB 1575 extends the existence of Tennessee's Department of Human Services until June 30, 2030, preventing its automatic termination under prior sunset provisions. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 4-29-247 and 4-29-251 to remove an outdated reference and clarify the department's legal definition. This is a procedural bill focused solely on maintaining the department's ongoing operation without changing its services, funding, or responsibilities. It directly affects the Department of Human Services by ensuring its continued legal authority through 2030.

HB 1756 directs Tennessee's Commissioner of Commerce and Insurance to study how neighboring states are using new health insurance models to address substance use disorder, using existing agency resources. The bill requires the commissioner to compile findings and recommendations into a report for the Tennessee General Assembly by December 31, 2026. It focuses specifically on insurance coverage and reimbursement strategies, without creating new laws or funding. The study aims to inform future legislative decisions on expanding insurance approaches for substance use disorder treatment. This is a procedural study bill with no direct impact on current insurance policies or beneficiaries.

HB 1618 extends the term of the Tennessee State University Board of Trustees until June 30, 2029. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 4-29-247 and 4-29-250 to update the board's legal term and remove an outdated reference. This change directly affects the governance structure of Tennessee State University by ensuring continuity for its board members. The bill does not alter university operations, funding, or academic policies.

SB 1725 creates a Class C misdemeanor offense for recreational boaters who secure their vessels for more than 14 consecutive days at any location along a reservoir's water's edge or within one mile of it. The law also prohibits establishing temporary moorage in federal-managed navigation channels or blocking access to reservoir areas. It directly affects owners of noncommercial pleasure boats using Tennessee reservoirs managed by federal agencies. Violations carry misdemeanor penalties, with an exception for vessels with federally issued permanent mooring permits. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

HB 1529 designates May 1 of each year as "Law Day" in Tennessee by amending the state code (TCA Title 15, Chapter 2). The bill changes the official name of the observance but does not create new requirements or affect specific groups. It follows a national observance previously called "Loyalty Day" and aligns Tennessee with the federal designation. This is a procedural change to the state's calendar of special observances.

SB 1732 designates May 1 of each year as "Law Day" in Tennessee, honoring the rule of law as foundational to the state's political system. It amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 15, Chapter 2, to formally add this observance to the state's calendar of special days. The bill directly affects Tennessee residents by establishing an annual day of recognition for legal principles, without creating new laws or changing existing policies. This is a ceremonial designation, aligning Tennessee with the federal observance of Law Day.

SB 2041 creates a civil lawsuit for individuals whose intimate images (such as photos or videos of private areas or sexual activity) are shared without consent. Victims can sue for monetary damages - including up to $150,000, actual harm like emotional distress, or the defendant's profits - and seek court orders to stop the sharing or protect their identity using a pseudonym. The law defines "intimate image" and clarifies that consent for creating the image doesn't cover sharing it, requiring written agreements for valid consent. It includes exceptions for law enforcement reporting and good-faith sharing to assist the victim, while shielding internet companies from liability for proactively restricting such content.

SB 1761 amends Tennessee law to extend the required retention period for hemp regulatory records from five to ten years. The bill directly affects the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, which must now maintain all records it creates or receives related to hemp regulation for the longer period. This change modifies Section 43-27-102(c) of the Tennessee Code, specifically updating the record retention timeframe without altering hemp cultivation or licensing rules. The bill is procedural, focusing solely on administrative record-keeping requirements.