HJR 749 is a non-binding resolution recognizing Tennessee's youth substance abuse crisis, citing data from the 2022-2023 Tennessee Together Student Survey showing high rates of vaping (29.8% of students), underage alcohol use (33% of students), and prescription drug misuse. It recommends implementing a long-term, evidence-based prevention program in school curricula - from kindergarten through graduation - to teach life skills, mental health support, and healthy decision-making. The resolution does not create new laws but urges the Tennessee Department of Education to adopt this approach, emphasizing its cost-effectiveness (saving $4.60-$18.00 for every $1 spent). Introduced in January 2026, it was withdrawn in February 2026 without further legislative action.
HB 1545 would have allowed certain felony offenders in Tennessee to apply to seal their criminal records after completing all sentencing requirements and avoiding new convictions for five years. Eligible individuals (excluding those convicted of specific violent or serious offenses listed in the bill) would have paid a $500 fee to petition courts, with records sealed from public access except for limited uses by law enforcement, the Department of Health, and peace officer training agencies. The bill applied only to 43 specified offenses, such as theft, fraud, vandalism, and non-violent property crimes - not all felonies. However, the bill was withdrawn on February 2, 2026, and never became law.
HB 1701 would require Tennessee public school districts and charter schools to install continuous video surveillance in special education classrooms, but only with written consent from parents of a majority of students in those classrooms. The bill mandates that footage can only be viewed by parents of featured students and must comply with privacy laws like FERPA. It applies to all special education classrooms where students receive such services for at least 50% of the instructional day. The bill was introduced in January 2026 but withdrawn on February 2, 2026, and is not currently in effect.
HB 1854 would expand Tennessee's criminal law to criminalize adulterating food, drinks, or medicine with the intent to cause involuntary intoxication. It classifies this act as a Class D felony (with higher penalties for causing injury or death), directly affecting individuals who intentionally tamper with consumable products to make users involuntarily intoxicated. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 39-17-107 and 40 to define the offense and establish specific felony classifications based on the perpetrator's intent. This change would apply to any adulterated product designed for human consumption or medical use, including restaurants, pharmacies, or personal items.
SB 2020 would prevent Tennessee health insurance companies from reducing payments for healthcare services (downcoding) except in specific, limited situations, requiring them to provide the treating provider's identification and credentials when doing so. It extends the validity of prior authorizations for essential treatments like mental health care, cancer therapies, opioid medications, and preventive services, reducing the need for repeated approvals for patients. The bill also prohibits insurers from using artificial intelligence tools alone to deny care, mandating that licensed physicians must review and approve such decisions based on individual patient history. This legislation would directly affect healthcare providers, insurers, and patients in Tennessee by streamlining payment processes and ensuring medical decisions are made by qualified professionals.
HB 1541 would have authorized large companies meeting specific size criteria (3,000+ annual employees and 3 million+ annual visitors) to establish their own police forces on company-owned or controlled property. These company police officers would need POST certification, follow state law enforcement standards, and could enforce all applicable laws, make arrests, carry weapons, and conduct investigations - but only within the company's property limits. The bill required a defined command structure (including chief, captain, and patrol officers) and mandated cooperation with local law enforcement, while clarifying that company officers would have qualified immunity when enforcing state law but not for enforcing internal company rules. The bill was introduced in January 2026 but withdrawn on February 2, 2026, and never became law.
HB 2040, introduced in Tennessee, would have created a new Class E felony for intentionally threatening a public official or their immediate family (defined as spouse, parent, sibling, child, or adoptive/step relationships). It required the threat to be communicated with knowledge of the target’s official role, intended as harm due to that role, and perceived as threatening by a reasonable person. The bill aimed to directly affect individuals making such threats against public officials or their families, imposing criminal penalties for these communications. However, the bill was withdrawn on February 2, 2026, and did not advance further.
HB 1483 would create a new civil lawsuit for victims of crimes committed by a defendant while on bail. Specifically, it allows victims to sue the person who posted bail (excluding professional bondsmen or those with a "bailable interest," such as family members, spouses, employers, or legal guardians) for property damage, injury, or death resulting from the defendant's subsequent criminal offense. The bill amends Tennessee law to apply to cases arising on or after July 1, 2026, if enacted. This change would directly affect victims of such crimes and individuals posting bail without falling under the exempt categories.
HB 2067 would allow Tennessee public schools and charter schools to include approved hunter education courses as part of physical education, health, or safety classes for students in grades 5 through 12. The bill requires these courses to be certified by the state wildlife resources agency, aligning with existing hunter safety standards. It directly affects schools and students in those grades by expanding optional curriculum options without mandating participation. The policy change aims to integrate safety education into existing school programs, with no additional funding or structural changes specified.
HB 1876 would have exempted infant formula, diapers, and wipes designed for infants and children from Tennessee's sales tax. This change would directly affect parents and caregivers who purchase these essential baby products, reducing their out-of-pocket costs. The bill specifically defines "infant formula" as products meant to substitute human milk for infants and children. The proposed exemption was scheduled to take effect July 1, 2026, but the bill was withdrawn on February 2, 2026, and is not currently law.
SB 2021 required Tennessee correctional facilities to provide inmates with a food assistance application before release, including options to decline assistance and state reasons for refusal (with anonymous option). It mandated correctional staff to distribute and collect these applications, then submit annual reports to the legislature on application completion rates, reasons for declines, and approval numbers. The bill was introduced in January 2026 but withdrawn on February 2, 2026, and never became law. It would have directly affected incarcerated individuals preparing for release and state correctional institutions.
HB 2002 would have required the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation to install specific safety signage on all new or renovated state trails and jogging trails after July 1, 2026. It mandated emergency reporting markers at trail access points, mile markers or emergency location signs for trails under one mile, and regular vegetation clearing to maintain visibility of signs. The bill applied to both standard trails (managed by the department) and jogging trails (managed by relevant agencies). The bill was filed in early 2026 but withdrawn on February 2, 2026, and is no longer active.
