Tennessee Bills

SB 1859 modernizes Tennessee's Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) by adopting updated definitions and provisions from the Uniform Law Commission's 2018 and 2022 amendments. It directly affects businesses, legal professionals, and consumers involved in commercial transactions by clarifying key terms like "conspicuous" (requiring terms to be visibly noticeable to a reasonable person), "delivery" of electronic documents, and the definition of "electronic" to include modern digital technology. The bill makes technical updates to existing UCC sections without creating new substantive requirements, such as replacing "authenticated" with "signed" in contract rules. These changes ensure Tennessee's commercial law aligns with current business practices and digital transactions.

HB 1800 updates Tennessee's Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) by adopting definitions and provisions approved by the Uniform Law Commission in 2018 and 2022. It clarifies key terms like "conspicuous" (visible to reasonable people), "delivery" of electronic documents, "money" (including digital units), and "electronic" records, while adding modern definitions for "signed" and "electronic" signatures. These changes directly affect businesses, banks, and legal entities conducting commercial transactions in Tennessee, ensuring consistency with updated national standards for electronic commerce and contracts. The bill makes no new substantive rules but aligns Tennessee law with current commercial practices, particularly regarding digital transactions and documentation.

HB 590 would increase the frequency of required communication between non-custodial parents and their children in Tennessee. Specifically, it amends state law to allow parents without physical custody to have unimpeded phone or video calls with their child three times per week (up from twice weekly), provided both parties have access to the necessary technology. This change directly affects parents and children involved in custody arrangements under Tennessee Code Annotated Titles 36 and 37. The bill focuses solely on adjusting communication frequency without altering other custody or support provisions.

SB 485 requires Tennessee courts to follow federal Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) procedures in child custody cases involving Indian children. It directly affects Indian children, their families, tribal courts, and Tennessee child welfare agencies by establishing tribal jurisdiction over these cases. The bill mandates that courts transfer custody proceedings for Indian children not living on tribal reservations to tribal courts unless there’s a valid reason not to, and it defines key terms like "Indian child" and "tribal jurisdiction" to align with ICWA standards. This policy change ensures tribal involvement in custody decisions to protect cultural connections and family stability.

SB 1213 ensures that English language learner (ELL) students in Tennessee public schools can receive the same language assistance services during standardized tests (like TCAP or end-of-course assessments) that they received in their regular classroom, provided the support doesn’t invalidate the test. It directly affects ELL students who previously may have been denied these accommodations during testing. The bill defines "language assistance services" as either: (1) support from an ESL-certified teacher under an individual learning plan, or (2) classroom accommodations provided by general teachers when parents waived ESL services. This policy change applies starting the 2025-2026 school year for all state-mandated assessments.

HB 30 allows English language learner (ELL) students in Tennessee public schools to receive the same language assistance services during standardized tests (like TCAP or end-of-course exams) that they received in their regular classroom during the school year. This applies only to students who already received such support in class and ensures the assistance won’t invalidate their test results. The bill defines "language assistance services" as either help from teachers with ESL endorsements or approved accommodations provided by general education teachers. It takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year and beyond.

HB 734 modifies Tennessee's statute of repose for construction-related claims by removing a four-year time limit for specific counterclaims. It exempts parties filing counterclaims, third-party complaints, or cross-claims related to the design, planning, supervision, or construction of real property improvements from the standard four-year deadline. This change directly affects contractors, architects, and other professionals involved in construction disputes who face such claims. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 28, and takes effect July 1, 2025.

SB 866 modifies Tennessee's legal time limits for construction-related lawsuits. It removes a four-year deadline (statute of repose) that previously barred certain counterclaims or third-party claims about defects in real property design, planning, supervision, or construction. This change directly affects property owners, contractors, and developers involved in disputes over construction quality. The bill allows these specific claims to be filed beyond the standard four-year period after a project's substantial completion. The amendment takes effect July 1, 2025.

SB 777 would amend Tennessee election law (Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2, Section 2-1-116) to shorten the time candidates have to remove campaign signs, posters, and placards after an election from three weeks to two weeks. This change directly affects candidates and their campaign teams, requiring them to clear election materials more quickly. The bill’s key provision replaces the current "three weeks" timeframe with "two weeks" in the statute. The legislation was introduced in the Tennessee Senate but failed in committee in April 2025.

SB 1389 prohibits healthcare providers participating in Tennessee's TennCare or CoverKids programs from refusing to treat patients solely because they decline vaccines or immunizations. It requires the state to stop reimbursing providers who violate this rule and mandates the TennCare director to create implementing regulations. The law excludes oncology and organ transplant specialists from the prohibition. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, with rules to be established under state administrative procedures.

SB 609 (Tennessee) amends state law to increase the frequency of guaranteed communication between non-custodial parents and their children from twice weekly to three times weekly via phone or video call, when technology is available for both parties. This change directly affects parents who do not have physical custody of their children in Tennessee custody cases. The bill specifically revises Tennessee Code Annotated Section 36-6-101(a)(3)(B)(i) to replace "twice" with "three (3) times" for these unimpeded communication rights. It does not alter custody arrangements or financial support obligations, focusing solely on communication frequency. The bill was introduced in the Tennessee Senate on January 31, 2025, and passed its first committee consideration on February 10, 2025.

This Tennessee House resolution honors Devin Banks for his recognition at the Influential 20 Black Tie Awards Gala in Memphis. The measure formally congratulates him on his achievements in business leadership and community service while applauding his professional excellence. It directs the state to prepare a copy of the resolution for presentation to Mr. Banks, omitting the final clause from that specific document.