SB 2258 amends Tennessee law to allow school security personnel (such as school safety officers or campus security staff) to review exterior bus camera footage when investigating vehicles that illegally pass stopped school buses. This change directly affects local education agencies (LEAs) and their security staff, expanding their authority beyond current law enforcement-only review. The bill adds a new provision (c)(2)(B) to existing law, permitting LEAs to authorize security personnel to review evidence concurrently with law enforcement, while maintaining the existing requirement for LEAs to have a memorandum of understanding with local police. The policy change specifically modifies Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-8-151 to clarify this expanded review authority.
HB 2338 requires Tennessee homeowners' associations (HOAs) that collect regular assessments for common expenses to obtain and maintain a fidelity bond. This bond protects HOAs against financial losses from theft or dishonesty by HOA officers, directors, employees, or their managing agents. The bond must cover the HOA's reserve balances plus one-fourth of its annual assessment income, with a minimum coverage of $10,000. The law applies to both incorporated and unincorporated HOAs managing residential subdivisions. It takes effect July 1, 2026.
SB 2529 requires Tennessee's Department of Transportation to install signs or markers at rest areas and welcome centers indicating the presence of adult-sized changing tables (height-adjustable platforms in family restrooms). It also mandates the department to publish online a list of locations with these facilities. The bill directly affects motorists using state highways who rely on rest areas, particularly parents or caregivers needing accessible changing options. Key provisions include using standardized traffic sign symbols and consulting tourism officials for implementation, with the requirement taking effect July 1, 2026.
SB 2326 requires Tennessee homeowners' associations (HOAs) that collect regular assessments for common expenses to obtain and maintain a blanket fidelity bond. This bond must cover losses from theft or dishonesty by HOA officers, directors, employees, or their managing agents, with coverage calculated as the HOA's reserve balances plus 25% of annual assessment income (minimum $10,000). The bill applies to all HOAs operating under Tennessee law that collect regular dues, effective July 1, 2026. It mandates this insurance to protect HOA funds, with the board or managing agent responsible for securing the bond.
SB 1710 requires all Tennessee public and charter schools to include child trafficking prevention and awareness education as part of health classes for students in kindergarten through 12th grade, replacing the previous requirement to teach this through family life curriculum. The bill mandates that instruction must be age-appropriate and developed annually, with schools submitting implementation plans by August 1, 2026, and annual reports by July 1, 2027, detailing delivery methods, instructor qualifications, and materials used. School boards and charter governing bodies must publish these plans on their websites. The policy applies to all K-12 public schools starting with the 2026-2027 school year.
HB 1912 requires Tennessee's Department of Transportation to install signs or markers with a symbol indicating adult-sized changing tables at rest areas and welcome centers, and to publish these locations on its website. It directly affects motorists using these facilities, particularly parents or caregivers needing accessible changing options for infants or toddlers. The bill defines an "adult-sized changing table" as a height-adjustable platform in family restrooms and mandates that signs follow standard traffic control device guidelines. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and applies to rest areas along state highways and interstates.
HB 1543 would designate "Tennessee" by Drew Holcomb as an official state song, adding it to Tennessee's list of state symbols under state law. This change would directly affect the state by formally recognizing this song as part of Tennessee's cultural identity, without altering other laws or policies.
Tennessee's SB 1664 prohibits healthcare providers from asking minors questions about gender identity, gender confusion, or whether they feel "normal in their body" without a parent being physically present, fully informed, and providing written consent. The bill specifically bans questions like "Do you identify as a gender different from your sex?" unless directly related to diagnosing or treating a current medical or psychological condition. It also prevents health insurers from requiring such questions for payment or penalizing providers who don't ask them. The law applies to all healthcare providers and facilities serving minors under 18, with exceptions for emergencies, mandated child abuse reporting, and minors who are emancipated or parents themselves.
HB 1527 requires all public and charter schools in Tennessee to teach child trafficking prevention and awareness as part of health education for every student from kindergarten through 12th grade, replacing the previous requirement that it be taught through family life curriculum. Schools must create and publish detailed implementation plans by August 1, 2026, and submit annual reports by July 1 each year starting in 2027, outlining how the instruction is delivered, who provides it, and the materials used. The bill amends Tennessee law to mandate this education and reporting, effective for the 2026-2027 school year and beyond. It applies to all local school boards and public charter school governing bodies.
HB 1623 sets specific operational start dates for three government entities created during Tennessee's 2025 legislative session: the Advisory Committee on Open Government, the Board of Professional Bondsmen, and the Conservatorship Management Task Force. The bill amends Tennessee Code to require these entities to begin functioning on predetermined dates rather than immediately after their creation. This change ensures their activities align with legislative timelines established for the 2025 session. The law takes effect upon becoming law.
HB 1665 prohibits healthcare providers in Tennessee from asking minors specific gender-related questions (such as whether a minor feels normal in their body or identifies as a different gender) without a parent being physically present, fully informed, and providing written consent. The bill applies to all healthcare settings covered under Tennessee law and requires such questions to be directly related to a minor's current medical or psychological treatment. Exceptions include emergency care, mandated reporting for abuse, and situations where a minor is emancipated or a parent themselves. The legislation also bars insurance companies from requiring these questions for payment or penalizing providers who don't ask them. It amends multiple Tennessee code sections (Titles 4, 33, 47, 56, 63, 68, 71) to enforce these requirements.
SB 1638 designates "Tennessee" by Drew Holcomb as an official state song, adding it to Tennessee's list of state symbols. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated to include this song under the official state songs section (TCA § 4-1-302(16)). This change directly affects the state's official designation of cultural symbols but has no practical impact on residents or policy. It is a symbolic, non-substantive bill with no financial or regulatory provisions.
