HB 1741 requires insurers covering incarcerated individuals in Tennessee to treat FDA-approved non-opioid pain medications equally with opioids on their preferred drug lists (PDL). Specifically, insurers must not disadvantage or discourage coverage for non-opioid pain treatments compared to opioids, provided the non-opioid has been FDA-approved for pain management for at least nine months. The bill applies to all insurance policies covering inmates, including those through TennCare or private insurers, and amends multiple Tennessee Code titles related to healthcare coverage. It takes effect January 1, 2027, and does not prevent insurers from favoring one opioid over another or one non-opioid over another.
HB 166 requires Tennessee's Office of Legislative Information Systems to archive the House Select Committee on Redistricting's webpage from the 112th General Assembly. It mandates preserving all videos, documents, maps, and other materials on that webpage to remain functional and publicly accessible. This procedural bill directly affects the public by ensuring historical redistricting records remain available for review. The law amends Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 3-1-103(f) and takes effect upon enactment.
SB 1076 requires Tennessee's Office of Legislative Information Systems to create a permanent digital archive of the House Select Committee on Redistricting's webpage for the 112th General Assembly. The bill mandates that all archived content - including videos, documents, maps, and other materials - remain functional and publicly accessible. This ensures transparency by preserving the committee's redistricting process records for ongoing public review. The law directly affects residents seeking access to historical legislative redistricting information. It is a procedural measure focused on information preservation, not policy change.
SB 1150 requires Tennessee's State Board of Examiners for Architects and Engineers to publish exam schedules, locations, and passing score requirements for engineer intern and professional engineer certifications on its official website. This applies directly to individuals seeking these licenses, including architects, engineers, and designers preparing for state licensing exams. The bill amends existing law (TCA Sections 62-2-405, 49, 62, and 63) to mandate this transparency, ensuring candidates can access clear, standardized information about exam administration. It does not change exam content, difficulty, or eligibility requirements - only how the board shares scheduling and scoring details. As a procedural transparency measure, the bill focuses on making existing exam processes more accessible to applicants.
HB 1176 changes Tennessee's annexation process by replacing the requirement for a public referendum with a new property owner consent standard. It specifies that annexation can proceed without a vote if two-thirds of property owners in the area consent in writing, those consenting own more than half the territory, and the annexation involves nine or fewer parcels. This directly affects property owners in areas being considered for city annexation, as their written consent becomes the primary requirement instead of a public vote. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Section 6-51-104 to remove the previous exception allowing annexations without referendums, streamlining the process for smaller-scale city expansions.
HB 562 prohibits state or local governments from declaring lawful businesses or occupations "non-essential" during emergencies (or at any time) through orders, rules, or regulations. It directly affects businesses operating legally under Tennessee law, ensuring they cannot be unjustly shut down based solely on such classifications. The bill allows harmed businesses to sue for actual damages or a court declaration of rights, with prevailing parties awarded legal fees. This law applies to all state emergencies starting July 1, 2025, but does not prevent restrictions for violations of state or federal law.
SB 419 increases caps on compensation for non-economic damages in Tennessee civil lawsuits. It raises the maximum payout for regular injury cases from $750,000 to $1.5 million and for catastrophic injuries (like severe burns or permanent disability) from $1 million to $2 million. The bill directly affects plaintiffs who win civil cases involving pain, suffering, or loss of enjoyment of life. The changes take effect July 1, 2025, applying to cases filed on or after that date.
SB 672 increases penalties for obstructing public pathways in Tennessee. It upgrades obstruction of highways, streets, sidewalks, or similar areas from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony. If someone intentionally blocks a highway or street used by vehicles, the penalty becomes a Class D felony. The bill directly affects individuals who interfere with public transportation routes, such as blocking roads during protests or accidents. The changes would take effect July 1, 2025, if passed.
This Tennessee House Resolution honors Zakary Talbot, the 2026 Salutatorian at Smith County High School, for his academic excellence. The measure formally recognizes his high grade point average and participation in extracurricular activities during his high school career. Passed unanimously by the House of Representatives, the resolution serves as an official commendation and expresses good wishes for his future success.
This House Resolution honors Cooper Poston, a student at Smith County High School, for being named a Top Ten Senior in the 2026 graduating class. The resolution formally commends his academic achievements and extracurricular involvement while wishing him success in the future. It does not create any new laws or change existing policies, but serves as an official recognition of the student's accomplishments.
This House Resolution honors Jaigen Thomas Morgan, the 2026 Salutatorian at Scott County High School, for his outstanding academic performance. The measure formally recognizes his high grade point average and successful balance of studies with extracurricular activities. Passed unanimously by the Tennessee House of Representatives, the resolution serves as an official commendation of his achievements and extends well wishes for his future.
This House Resolution honors Katie Yvonne Murray, the 2026 Salutatorian of Cocke County High School, for her academic excellence. It formally recognizes her high grade point average and achievements in extracurricular activities during her high school career. The resolution directs the state legislature to present a copy of the document to her as a gesture of appreciation.
