SB 2560, the "Tennessee Energy Freedom Act," protects fossil fuel industry activities within Tennessee by limiting legal liability for emissions. It defines "covered activities" as exploration, production, and use of coal, oil, and natural gas, and restricts lawsuits about emissions to cases involving products actually shipped *into* Tennessee ("in-jurisdiction products"). The bill prohibits courts or governments from imposing liability for emissions unless federal environmental laws (like the Clean Air Act) are violated, and allows companies to seek court rulings to establish their emissions calculations. This directly affects fossil fuel companies operating in Tennessee and could shield them from out-of-state lawsuits alleging emissions harm. The bill is currently pending before the Senate Energy Committee.
HB 2109 would allow individuals harmed by protest-related criminal acts to sue organizers who paid demonstrators. It creates legal liability for anyone compensating demonstrators whose conduct during protests meets the legal definition of specific offenses like rioting (TCA § 39-17-302), aggravated riot, or disorderly conduct. Plaintiffs would not need a criminal conviction against the demonstrator to pursue a civil case. The bill directly affects organizers who pay protesters and victims of protest-related criminal activity.
SB 2602 increases the annual honey production threshold requiring food manufacturing and inspection compliance from 150 gallons to 835 gallons in Tennessee. This change directly affects small honey producers who previously had to meet regulatory requirements at the lower 150-gallon level. The bill amends specific sections of Tennessee law (TCA Title 44, Chapter 15 and Title 53) to adjust this threshold, exempting more small-scale producers from state inspection requirements.
SB 1524 extends Tennessee's participation in the Interstate Compact for Juveniles until June 30, 2034. This compact is a cooperative agreement between states that helps manage juvenile offenders who cross state lines. The bill amends state law to set this new expiration date and allows the compact to be continued or reestablished after 2034. It also sets June 30, 2034, as the termination date for other state entities created in 2032.
HB 1871 amends Tennessee law to require that anyone convicted of second-degree murder (specifically for knowingly killing another) must receive a minimum sentence of Range II, the second-lowest sentencing range for criminal offenses. This directly affects individuals convicted of second-degree murder under the specified circumstances, setting a floor for their sentencing. The bill changes sentencing guidelines by prohibiting judges from imposing a sentence below Range II for these convictions, though sentences could still fall within Range III if deemed appropriate. The law applies to offenses committed on or after July 1, 2026.
SB 2118 would restrict Tennessee's Medicaid program (TennCare) from covering or reimbursing medical procedures intended to help an individual live as a gender inconsistent with their sex assigned at birth or to treat gender dysphoria. The bill defines "medical procedure" to include surgeries and the prescription of puberty blockers or hormones. Exceptions are allowed for procedures treating congenital defects, precocious puberty, or physical injuries (but not gender dysphoria), and for existing treatments started before the law's effective date (with coverage ending March 31, 2027). The law would take effect July 1, 2026.
SB 1666 exempts family child care homes operating under a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) certificate from Tennessee's state licensing requirements, provided they serve only eligible military families as defined by federal regulations (32 CFR 79.3). The bill amends Tennessee law to clarify that these homes - certified by the DoD to serve military personnel - do not need state licensure or exemptions to operate legally. This change specifically applies to family child care providers meeting the federal DoD criteria, directly affecting military-connected child care providers. The exemption takes effect July 1, 2026.
HB 2020 amends Tennessee's food safety law to exclude churches, temples, synagogues, and civic or veteran's organizations from the definition of "food service establishment" when food is prepared, served, transported, or stored by volunteer personnel. This means these groups will not be subject to commercial food safety regulations, such as health inspections or food handler permits, for volunteer-run food activities. The bill clarifies that storing unopened canned food, non-hazardous packaged bulk food, or dry goods does not affect this exemption. The change takes effect upon becoming law, reducing regulatory burden for volunteer-based food operations.
HB 1815 allows jails to refuse accepting arrestees who require medical attention and were arrested for a non-violent misdemeanor (not a crime against a person). The arresting agency must arrange for a healthcare provider to evaluate the person and obtain a release form confirming they no longer need medical care or can be confined. If the healthcare provider provides this release form, the jail must accept the person. The bill directly affects individuals arrested for minor non-violent offenses needing medical care at the time of arrest.
SB 2066 requires that 30% of revenue from Tennessee's vapor product tax be distributed equally to all counties starting July 1, 2026. The funds must be used exclusively for youth nicotine prevention programs and services. This bill directly affects all Tennessee counties by providing them with new dedicated funding for prevention efforts targeting young people. It amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 67, Chapter 4, Part 10, to establish this allocation mechanism. The policy change ensures consistent, statewide funding for local youth nicotine prevention initiatives.
SB 1724 allows jails in Tennessee to refuse accepting arrestees who require medical attention and were arrested for a non-violent misdemeanor (not a crime against a person). The arresting agency must arrange for a healthcare provider to evaluate the arrestee and obtain a release form confirming the person no longer needs medical care or can be confined. This applies specifically to misdemeanor offenses under Title 39, Chapter 13 (e.g., minor property offenses, non-violent violations). The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and amends Tennessee Code Sections 41-4-145 and related provisions.
HB 1825 raises the annual honey production threshold from 150 gallons to 835 gallons before honey producers must comply with Tennessee's food safety inspection requirements. This change directly affects small-scale honey producers who previously met the 150-gallon threshold but will now be exempt from inspections if they produce below 835 gallons annually. The bill amends specific sections of Tennessee Code Annotated (Title 44, Chapter 15 and Title 53) to update these regulatory limits. The policy adjustment aims to reduce regulatory burden for smaller honey operations by increasing the exemption threshold.
