Tennessee Bills

HB 1332 amends Tennessee law for enhanced handgun carry permits. It prohibits applicants with a DUI conviction within the past five years from obtaining such permits. The bill also lowers the minimum age for these permits from 21 to 18, provided all other eligibility requirements are met. This law, effective May 2, 2025, directly affects applicants aged 18-20 and those with recent DUI convictions seeking enhanced permits.

HB 683 creates a new "enhanced armed guard" certification in Tennessee for security guards with qualifying backgrounds. It directly affects security officers who have at least five years as a law enforcement officer (or four years in combat military service), requiring them to complete approved 16-hour training covering rifle deployment scenarios and secure storage. The bill allows certified guards to carry rifle-caliber weapons only when a legitimate threat exists, with strict rules on storage and annual background checks for renewal. This policy change modifies existing law to establish new standards for weapon-carrying security personnel under Tennessee Code Annotated Title 62, Chapter 35.

HB 35 adds the MidSouth development district to Tennessee's list of nine state-funded development districts. It sets a fixed $0.50 per capita state funding level (based on population data) for all districts, replacing prior calculation methods. Funding is structured in tiers: $295,000 for districts with 1-20 cents per capita assessments, $340,000 for 21-30 cents, and $370,000 for over 31 cents. This directly affects the nine development district boards and the Department of Economic and Community Development, which administers the funds.

HB 20 clarifies that Tennessee's state guard operates as a separate budgetary entity within the state military department, ensuring its funding is distinct from other military components. This administrative change affects how the state military department allocates and tracks funds for the state guard specifically. The bill, effective May 2, 2025, amends Tennessee Code Annotated sections related to military structure without altering substantive policies or programs.

HB 125 modifies Tennessee's local parks land acquisition grant program by reducing the required local match for projects in Appalachian Regional Commission-designated distressed or at-risk counties. Specifically, it changes the rule from requiring a 100% local match (equal to the grant amount) to a 25% local contribution for these counties. This applies to county or municipal governments receiving grants under TCA Section 67-4-409 for projects located in designated areas. The bill takes effect October 1, 2025, easing financial burdens for local governments in economically challenged regions seeking park land acquisitions.

HB 760 authorizes healthcare providers to prescribe bronchodilator rescue inhalers to specific "authorized entities" (like schools, childcare centers, restaurants, and sports venues) for emergency use during asthma or respiratory distress episodes. It requires these entities to store inhalers in accessible, unlocked locations and train designated staff to administer them under pre-approved protocols. The bill also encourages all public schools and charter schools to maintain at least two inhalers in secure, accessible locations (e.g., offices or nurse’s stations) for student emergencies. Crucially, it provides legal protection for staff and entities who follow the protocols, shielding them from liability unless there was intentional disregard for safety. The law became effective May 2, 2025, after Governor’s signature.

HB 826 requires Tennessee's administrative office of the courts to submit an annual report by January 15 each year. The report must detail court cases involving violations of the Families' Rights and Responsibilities Act, including case outcomes and any entities found in violation. This procedural bill affects court administrators and does not change parental consent requirements for minors' medical treatment. It takes effect July 1, 2025.

HB 331 amends Tennessee Code Annotated Section 13-23-121 to increase the Tennessee Housing Development Agency's (THDA) maximum bond issuance limit from $4 billion to $6 billion. This change directly enables THDA to issue more bonds for financing affordable housing loans, primarily benefiting low- and moderate-income Tennessee residents seeking below-market interest rate mortgages. The bill's key provision adjusts the statutory cap to address growing demand for these housing programs, which THDA has managed within the previous limit since 2008. The increase took effect on May 2, 2025, after receiving legislative and gubernatorial approval.

HB 1060 increases the fee that county clerks and other authorized agents can collect for processing hunting and fishing licenses in Tennessee. For annual licenses, the fee rises from $1.00 to $3.00, and for temporary licenses, it increases from $0.50 to $3.00. This change applies to all agents designated under Tennessee Code Annotated Section 70-2-106. The bill directly affects county clerks and other license-selling agents by raising their authorized collection amount.

This ceremonial resolution commends Dr. William E. Arnold, Jr., for his work in criminal justice reform and reentry programs. It recognizes his efforts as director of Tennessee's Office of Reentry - establishing the first state-funded reentry office outside corrections - and his advocacy for formerly incarcerated individuals. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but formally honors his contributions to justice, equity, and community empowerment in Tennessee.

HJR 690 is a symbolic resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to formally commend Taylor Adkins for her service as a legislative intern for Representative Karen Camper during the 2025 legislative session. The resolution highlights her academic achievements (including Dean's List status and Phi Alpha membership), leadership roles, and professional conduct while supporting legislators. As a non-binding commemorative resolution, it does not create legal obligations, alter policies, or affect any laws or regulations. It serves solely as an expression of appreciation for her contributions to the legislative process.

HJR 694 is a ceremonial joint resolution honoring Benjamin and Lauren Neale, owners of Light Hill Meats in Lynnville, Tennessee, for receiving the U.S. Small Business Administration's Tennessee District Office Rural Small Business of the Year award. The resolution formally congratulates them on their business achievements and community contributions, including their farm-to-table beef operation, pandemic-era community support, and charitable work. It does not create new laws or policies, as it is solely a symbolic recognition with no direct impact on legislation or affected parties beyond the named individuals.