Tennessee Bills

SB 2471 changes the required notice period for property owners to sell livestock (referred to as "stock" in legal terms) that trespassed on their land. The bill updates Tennessee law to require 10 business days' notice instead of 10 calendar days before a property owner may sell the trespassing livestock to recover damages from a court judgment. This affects property owners and courts handling trespass cases involving livestock, specifically amending multiple sections of Tennessee Code related to real property (Titles 11, 29, 39, 40, 44, 45, 46, 59, 66, 68, and 70). The change simplifies the timeline for property owners to address trespassing livestock while ensuring notice periods align with standard business operations.

SB 2454 amends Tennessee law to allow airport authorities (under Title 42, Chapters 3 or 4) to receive direct, permanent state appropriations for paying bond interest and principal on debt they issue. This means airport authorities can get ongoing state funds to cover their own bond payments without those debts counting as state liabilities. The bill specifically adds airport authorities to the list of entities eligible for such appropriations, alongside existing entities like housing agencies. It takes effect July 1, 2026, and clarifies that these appropriations are for debt service obligations indefinitely.

SB 2366 creates a two-year provisional license for internationally trained physicians in Tennessee who pass U.S. medical licensing exams and meet specific criteria, including proof of medical education, postgraduate training, legal presence in the U.S., and good moral character. To qualify, applicants must secure employment at approved facilities like federally qualified health centers, rural clinics, or accredited training programs, and pay a $300 fee. During the provisional period, physicians can only work at these designated employers under supervision, and after two years of satisfactory practice, they may earn full licensure by passing all U.S. medical exams. The bill requires the medical board to track data on this pathway to assess its effectiveness.

SB 2414 requires Tennessee's Department of Health to submit an annual report by February 1 to specific legislative committees. The report must detail federal public health benefits and grants received by Tennessee, particularly those related to maternal and infant health programs. This bill amends several state code sections to establish this reporting requirement. It does not change funding or program eligibility but mandates transparency about federal support for maternal and infant health initiatives. The bill is procedural and focuses solely on reporting, not policy changes.

SB 2375 requires Tennessee's Department of Education to submit an annual report to the Senate and House education committees about implementing the state's academic acceleration policy, rather than providing reports only when requested. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 49 to establish this regular reporting requirement. It directly affects the Department of Education (which must prepare the report) and the education committees (which will receive it annually). This change streamlines oversight of academic acceleration programs by making reporting mandatory and predictable.

SB 2412 (Tennessee) requires the Administrative Office of the Courts to study whether the current cap on compensation for noneconomic damages (like pain and suffering) in civil injury cases should be raised. The office must submit a report with recommendations to Senate and House judiciary committee chairs by January 1, 2027. This bill does not change existing law but directs a formal review of the damage limit. It affects civil litigation involving personal injury claims where current caps apply, but the bill itself only mandates research - not policy change.

SB 2544 creates the "Respiratory Care Interstate Compact" to allow licensed respiratory therapists from one participating state to practice in other participating states without obtaining a new license. This directly affects respiratory therapists seeking to work across state lines, particularly military families relocating and those addressing workforce shortages in healthcare. The bill establishes standardized rules for license recognition, background checks, and disciplinary actions across member states while preserving each state's authority to protect public health. It aims to increase access to respiratory therapy services and streamline administrative processes for both therapists and states.

HB 2569 requires Tennessee hospitals to offer specific vaccinations to inpatients aged 50 or older before discharge. During flu season (October 1-March 1), hospitals must provide influenza vaccines to all patients 50+; pneumococcal vaccines must be offered year-round to the same age group. This bill lowers the age threshold from 65 to 50 for both requirements, directly affecting patients 50+ admitted to hospitals. The policy aims to increase vaccination rates among this demographic, aligning with CDC recommendations and requiring hospitals to provide these vaccines unless medically contraindicated or vaccine is unavailable. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

SB 2159 caps annual transfers from Tennessee's lottery for education funds to the Tennessee Promise scholarship program at $10 million per fiscal year. It requires that any excess funds beyond a specified reserve amount be transferred to the scholarship account, but limits each year's transfer to no more than $10 million. This directly affects the Tennessee Promise scholarship program, which provides tuition assistance to eligible students. The bill modifies existing funding rules to ensure a predictable annual allocation without increasing overall state funding for the program.

HB 2529 requires chancery courts to appoint the Tennessee Commissioner of Commerce and Insurance as a court-appointed manager (receiver or conservator) for defendants found violating the Tennessee Securities Act of 1980, upon the commissioner’s request. This change directly affects securities industry violators and streamlines enforcement by giving the commissioner automatic authority to manage assets in court cases. The bill also modifies statute of limitations for private lawsuits (extending to 5 years from violation) and adds notice requirements for expunging customer dispute records from industry databases. These provisions aim to strengthen regulatory oversight and clarify procedures for handling securities violations.

HB 2376 requires county sheriffs to provide free, secure lockers for individuals lawfully carrying firearms who are restricted from bringing them into county courthouses. If a courthouse restricts handgun possession under existing law, the sheriff must offer lockers near public entrances for safe storage at no cost to the person. The bill applies specifically to those carrying firearms legally under Tennessee statutes (e.g., permit holders), not to general courthouse access. It does not change existing restrictions but creates a practical storage solution for affected individuals. The measure amends Tennessee Code sections related to firearms and courthouse access.

SB 2441 requires Tennessee's education commissioner to mandate the closure of virtual schools that consistently underperform, specifically those with "significantly below expectations" student achievement for three consecutive years (measured by TVAAS) or ranking in the bottom 10% of schools. It prohibits the same nonprofit or for-profit provider from operating any new virtual school in Tennessee for five years if their existing virtual school is closed due to poor academic performance. The bill also mandates that schools notify parents in writing within one week of closure, provide enrollment alternatives within 30 days, and ensure student records are transferred properly. These provisions directly affect virtual school operators, local education agencies, and students enrolled in underperforming virtual schools. The policy aims to enforce accountability for virtual school performance through mandatory closures and provider restrictions.