Tennessee Bills

HB 1944 requires Tennessee's Department of Health to test every newborn for sickle cell trait starting from the bill's effective date. If a newborn tests positive, the department must notify the parent or legal guardian as soon as possible. This bill directly affects all newborns in Tennessee and their families by mandating this screening and notification process. It amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 68, Chapter 5 to establish this new requirement for newborn health screening. The bill is currently pending in committee review and has not yet been enacted.

SB 1615 designates Lake County as Tennessee's "Eagle Capital" through a symbolic amendment to state code. This bill directly affects Lake County by officially recognizing its status as a hub for eagle conservation and tourism, highlighted by the annual Reelfoot Lake Eagle Festival, over 90 eagle nests, and winter migrations. The key provision simply adds this title to state law without creating new regulations or funding. It acknowledges Lake County's economic and ecological connection to eagles, as noted in the bill's preamble about tourism and wildlife.

HB 1798 amends Tennessee law to require sheriffs or other authorized individuals serving garnishments to collect fees in advance before performing the service. This change directly affects debt collection processes by shifting payment timing from post-service to pre-service. The bill updates TCA Title 8, Chapter 21, Part 9, clarifying that all garnishments are treated as "original" for fee purposes and explicitly authorizes advance payment demands. The provision applies to all garnishment services performed by designated officials under existing state law.

SB 1779 creates two new Class A misdemeanor offenses in Tennessee related to immigration status. It makes it illegal for individuals with a final removal order to remain in the state beyond 90 days without departing, and for those previously denied entry, deported, or removed to re-enter the state without federal consent. The bill would impose penalties including up to 11 months in jail for these violations, with courts required to stay criminal proceedings if the person is still challenging the federal removal order through legal channels. The law’s implementation is delayed until after a U.S. Supreme Court decision overturns *Arizona v. United States* (2012) or federal law explicitly allows states to determine unlawful presence, with full effect scheduled for July 1, 2026.

HB 1704 would create two Class A misdemeanors in Tennessee: (1) intentionally failing to leave the state within 90 days after a final federal removal order, and (2) intentionally re-entering the state after being denied admission, excluded, deported, or removed by federal authorities. It directly affects undocumented immigrants subject to federal removal orders or denied entry, making certain immigration status violations criminal offenses. The bill requires courts to pause criminal proceedings until individuals exhaust all federal legal options to challenge the removal order. The law’s key provisions are conditional, with Section 2 (re-entry offense) only taking effect after specific federal court decisions or legislative changes affecting state immigration authority.

HB 1551 requires Tennessee's Department of Correction to coordinate with the Department of Safety to provide driver licenses to inmates discharged after serving felony sentences who had a valid license before incarceration and plan to live in Tennessee. It automatically extends the expiration date of an inmate's driver license by six months if it expired during incarceration or within six months after release. The bill clarifies that a license expired solely due to incarceration is considered "in good standing," and inmates without valid licenses may receive a photo ID license instead. This policy directly affects released felons who held valid licenses prior to imprisonment.

HB 1705 requires all Tennessee state and local government employers (including counties, cities, school districts, and public agencies) to verify new hires' work authorization using the federal E-Verify program starting July 1, 2026. Employers must maintain verification records and cannot hire without this check. The Attorney General can enforce compliance by withholding state funds (such as grants or shared taxes) from local governments that fail to comply. This bill directly affects public-sector employers and creates a financial penalty for non-compliance, without altering federal immigration law.

HB 1669 shortens the deadline for Tennessee political parties to submit their rules or amendments to election officials. Instead of filing within 30 days after adopting rules, parties must now submit within 15 days to the secretary of state and election coordinator. This change directly affects all political parties operating in Tennessee that adopt new rules or amendments. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2, Section 2-1-114, updating the filing timeline for election-related party documentation.

HB 1965, the "Tennessee Child Care Hosting Safe Harbor Act," limits liability for employers and host entities (like businesses, schools, or nonprofits) that allow licensed child care providers to operate on their property. It shields these entities from civil lawsuits for injuries caused by the child care provider, unless the host entity was grossly negligent or acted with willful misconduct. The law clarifies that simply providing space, utilities, or financial support does not make the host responsible for managing the child care operation. This bill does not affect the child care provider's liability or limit legal actions against them directly.

SB 1603 requires Tennessee's Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR) to study whether state and local governments are prepared to support a medical marijuana program. The study will examine the process for implementing such a program and assess the readiness of government entities, with all state agencies required to assist TACIR upon request. TACIR must submit its final report to the legislature by November 1, 2026. This bill does not create a medical marijuana program but aims to inform future legislative decisions by evaluating operational readiness.

SB 1704 repeals existing Tennessee laws (TCA Sections 70-4-112 and 70-4-122) that set specific requirements for raccoon hunting. This change allows the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission to regulate raccoon hunting through proclamations and rules instead of relying on fixed statutory language. The bill directly affects the Commission (which gains more flexible regulatory authority) and raccoon hunters (who will follow Commission rules rather than specific statutes). The law takes effect July 1, 2026, shifting how hunting regulations for raccoons are managed in Tennessee.

SB 1637 amends Tennessee law to allow sheriffs and other authorized officials to require payment of the fee for serving a garnishment before performing the service, rather than after. The bill clarifies that all garnishments are treated as "original" for fee purposes, meaning the standard fee applies to every garnishment served. This change directly affects creditors (who initiate garnishments) and debtors' asset-holding entities (which must pay the fee upfront), as well as the officials serving the garnishments. The law takes effect upon becoming law.