Tennessee Bills

HB 2120 requires local tourism development authorities in Tennessee to file annual reports detailing their business affairs and transactions with the Department of Tourist Development. This bill directly affects local tourism authorities by adding a new reporting requirement. The key provision mandates these annual reports be submitted to the state's Department of Tourist Development, amending specific sections of Tennessee law to implement this change. The bill focuses on transparency in tourism authority operations without altering tourism funding or programs.

HB 2330 extends the time period during which an executor, heir, or assignee can commercially exploit a deceased person's name, photograph, voice, or likeness - from 10 to 100 years after death. This bill directly affects families and legal representatives managing a deceased individual's personal property rights. The key change amends Tennessee law to lengthen the statutory window for commercial use, specifically updating provisions in Titles 8, 47 (Chapters 25 and 18) of the Tennessee Code. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, if passed.

HB 2424 requires the state board of equalization to provide written notice to county mayors when extending deadlines for property reappraisal programs. This bill amends Tennessee Code Section 67-5-1609 by replacing the phrase "shall notify" with "shall notify in writing," mandating formal documentation of such extensions. The change directly affects the state board of equalization and county mayors, ensuring written records for transparency in property tax administration. It does not alter tax rates or reappraisal procedures, only the format of the notification.

HB 2384 extends the timeframe financial service providers can delay or refuse non-securities transactions suspected of financial exploitation from five to ten business days. The bill directly affects consumers who may face temporary holds on their transactions due to suspected exploitation claims. It amends Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 45-2-1203(e)(2) and related provisions in Titles 45 and 47 to implement this change. The law would require providers to act within the new 10-day window before reinstating transactions, aiming to balance consumer protection with operational flexibility.

HB 2271 amends Tennessee law to require the Alcoholic Beverage Commission to submit its biennial report on underage drinking, drunk driving, and harmful alcohol use to both the governor and all members of the general assembly. Previously, the report was only sent to legislative members. This change adds the governor as a direct recipient of the report, expanding transparency by ensuring the executive branch receives the same data as lawmakers. The bill does not alter alcohol regulations or penalties but modifies reporting procedures for the commission. (Bill: HB 2271, amending TCA 57-1-206)

HB 2203 requires county workhouse wardens to submit monthly reports to the sentencing judge about each prisoner in a work release program. The report, due by the 15th of the following month, must detail the prisoner's conduct and financial progress during the program. This affects county workhouse staff (who must file reports) and sentencing judges (who receive them). The bill amends Tennessee law to add this reporting requirement, focusing on transparency for judges overseeing work release participation.

HB 2597 requires Tennessee's Medicaid program (TennCare) to set payment rates for birthing centers to match hospital rates for similar services, with annual increases aligned to hospital rate changes. It also directs the Tennessee Department of Health to prioritize federal grant funds for birthing centers in rural counties and for urban centers serving rural residents without nearby birthing options. This bill directly affects birthing centers, particularly in rural areas, by altering their Medicaid payment structure and federal grant eligibility. The key mechanisms are the rate comparability requirement and the funding priority system for rural maternal care access.

HB 2335 changes the deadline for Tennessee's Department of Transportation to submit its annual report on transportation modernization fund projects. The bill moves the submission date from January 1 to February 15 each year. This report details the status of projects funded by the transportation modernization fund and is submitted to legislative leadership and transportation committee chairs in both chambers. The change provides the department with additional time to prepare and finalize the report before its annual submission.

HB 2379 changes the annual certification deadline for medical facilities and research institutions from July 1 to January 1. This affects all covered facilities and institutions required to certify compliance with the Tennessee Genomic Security and End Organ Harvesting Act. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 63 and Title 68, to update the certification date without altering compliance standards. The change simplifies timing for institutions to meet state requirements for anatomical gift programs.

HB 2289 requires Tennessee's Department of Mental Health to submit reports about resource strategies (including Medicaid/TennCare funding) in electronic format instead of paper. This procedural change affects the department's reporting process for mental health and substance abuse services. The bill amends multiple state code sections to mandate this electronic submission, with no new funding or service changes. It streamlines how the department shares information about existing mental health resource strategies.

HB 2199 extends the mandatory public inspection period for hospital marketing and strategic planning records from seven to ten days before a hospital board votes to adopt such plans. This bill directly affects hospitals in Tennessee that must follow this process under state healthcare regulations. The key change requires hospitals to provide the public with three additional days to review these documents prior to board decisions. The bill amends multiple Tennessee Code sections related to healthcare governance but does not change healthcare benefits or funding.

HB 2163 requires Tennessee's Commissioner of Health to study recent legislative changes (within the last five years) in neighboring states related to patient access and safety in assisted reproductive technology (ART). The Commissioner must analyze these developments and report findings and recommendations to the General Assembly by December 31, 2026. This bill does not change current laws but directs a formal review of how other states have addressed ART-related policies. The study aims to inform Tennessee lawmakers about potential approaches to ART regulation. (Bill number: HB 2163)