Tennessee Bills

HB 2185 authorizes Tennessee's election coordinator to create an electronic portal that can access federal immigration verification data from the SAVE program (Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements) via a secure web service, if the U.S. Department of Homeland Security makes this data available. The bill directly affects Tennessee election officials who would use this portal to verify voter eligibility. Key provisions allow the portal to access SAVE data securely upon federal availability, without requiring new federal data sharing. This is a procedural update to election law, not a new eligibility requirement, and only activates if DHS-USCIS provides the data through a secure channel.

SB 2562 requires that any vacancy on Tennessee's Human Trafficking Advisory Council be filled for the remaining term using the same appointment process as the original selection. This applies directly to the council members and the state agencies responsible for appointing them. The bill amends multiple Tennessee Code sections to standardize this vacancy-filling procedure across all relevant state councils and advisory bodies. It does not change the council's duties or create new policies, only clarifying how appointments are made when positions become vacant.

HB 2506 requires Tennessee state and local governments to keep confidential the names, contact details, and operational plans (like dates, locations, and strategies) of officers involved in immigration enforcement. It makes negligently releasing such information a Class E felony and allows officials to be removed from office (ouster) for violations. The law overrides local policies conflicting with these confidentiality rules but does not apply if federal law or a court order requires disclosure. This bill directly affects state and local government officials handling immigration enforcement records.

SB 2259 requires Tennessee's public universities (including the University of Tennessee system) to create policies that clearly separate faculty tenure decisions from disciplinary actions. It prohibits using tenure decisions as punishment and ensures disciplinary procedures apply equally to all faculty, regardless of tenure status. The bill mandates due process for faculty facing discipline, including written notice and a hearing before the institution's chief academic officer. These policies must prevent disciplinary actions from altering tenure status without proper institutional procedures. The law aims to protect academic freedom while maintaining institutional accountability for faculty conduct.

HB 1807 amends Tennessee law to expand rights for parents regarding death certificates. It allows a surviving parent (in addition to other "next of kin") to formally challenge a medical examiner's suicide determination for their child and request review by the state chief medical examiner. The bill also permits the other parent of a minor child (under 18) to request a copy of the child's death certificate. These changes update Tennessee Code Sections 68-3-502 and 68-3-205 to clarify parental rights in these specific circumstances.

SB 1632 renames the Army National Guard Armory on U.S. Highway 321 in Maryville, Tennessee, to the "William O. Gregory Army National Guard Armory" to honor Command Sergeant Major William O. Gregory's 41 years of service in the Tennessee Army National Guard. The bill requires the Tennessee Department of Military to install signs or markers designating the new name using existing resources. This is a commemorative measure with no financial or policy changes beyond the naming and signage.

HB 1981 designates Lake County as the "Eagle Capital of Tennessee" to recognize its status as a major habitat for eagles, including over ninety nests and thousands of migrating birds, and its annual Reelfoot Lake Eagle Festival that drives tourism. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated to formally establish this designation in state law, without creating new regulations, funding, or obligations. This symbolic honor highlights Lake County's ecological significance and economic benefits from eagle-related tourism.

SB 1619 requires Tennessee political parties to submit copies of their adopted rules or rule amendments to state election officials (the Secretary of State and Coordinator of Elections) within 15 days of adoption, instead of the current 30-day deadline. This change directly affects all political parties operating in Tennessee, including major parties and minor parties. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2, specifically Section 2-1-114, to shorten the filing timeline. The policy change focuses on accelerating the public availability of party rules by reducing the submission window.

HB 1526 renames the Army National Guard Armory on U.S. Highway 321 in Maryville, Tennessee, to the "William O. Gregory Army National Guard Armory" to honor Command Sergeant Major William Gregory. The bill commemorates his 41 years of service in the Tennessee Army National Guard, including roles as First Sergeant and Command Sergeant Major, before his retirement in 1992. It requires the Department of Military to install appropriate signage designating the armory with this new name. This is a commemorative act with no policy changes or direct impact on citizens or programs.

SB 1697 requires Tennessee's Department of Health to test every newborn for sickle cell trait starting on the bill's effective date. If a newborn tests positive for sickle cell trait, the department must notify the parent or legal guardian as soon as practicable. The bill directly affects all newborns in Tennessee born on or after the effective date and their families by adding this screening to the state's newborn health program. It amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 68, Chapter 5, to establish this mandatory testing and notification process.

SB 1597 amends Tennessee law to expand access to death certificate information and the ability to challenge medical examiner findings. It allows a surviving parent (not just other next of kin) to formally disagree with a county medical examiner's suicide determination for their child and request reconsideration by the state chief medical examiner. The bill also permits the other parent of a minor child (under 18) to request a copy of the child's death certificate. These changes update definitions in Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 68-3-502 and 68-3-205 to clarify who qualifies as "next of kin" and who may request death certificates. The bill focuses on procedural access for specific family members following a death.

HB 1723 prohibits minors under 14 from sharing compensated video content on online platforms. It requires parents or adults featuring minors in such content to set aside earnings in a trust account for the minor’s benefit. Minors aged 14-18 may create their own content but must receive all proceeds, and they can request permanent deletion of their content. The bill defines key terms like "online platform" and "content creation" to clarify its scope, targeting platforms where minors appear in paid videos. It applies directly to Tennessee minors, their parents, and content creators sharing compensated video content featuring minors.