Tennessee Bills

This is a procedural resolution confirming Governor Bill Lee's appointment of Pete Claussen to the Heritage Conservation Trust Fund Board of Trustees. It directly affects the board by adding Claussen as a member representing East Tennessee for a term ending October 31, 2029, as required by Tennessee law (TCA § 11-7-104(b)(2)). The resolution does not create new policies or change existing laws - it solely fulfills the statutory requirement for legislative confirmation of the governor's appointment.

HJR 878 is a procedural resolution confirming Governor Bill Lee's appointment of Joshua R. Walker to serve as the Eastern Grand Division Commissioner on the Tennessee Claims Commission for an eight-year term (expiring June 30, 2033). This resolution satisfies the statutory requirement (TCA § 9-8-302(a)) that the General Assembly confirm the governor's appointment of Claims Commission members. The bill does not alter laws or create new policies - it solely approves Walker's existing appointment to a position handling state claims against the government. The resolution was introduced to formally complete the confirmation process for Walker, who previously defended the state before the Commission during his tenure at the University of Tennessee System.

This joint resolution (HJR 877) confirms Governor Bill Lee's appointment of Dewey Branstetter, Jr., to the Tennessee Ethics Commission, as required by state law. It does not change any policies but formally approves his appointment, which will expire on December 31, 2028, following the standard legislative confirmation process requiring a two-thirds vote in both chambers. The resolution affects the Ethics Commission by adding Branstetter to its membership, where he will serve on matters related to ethics oversight for state officials.

SB 1947 requires blood banks to follow a physician's order for a patient's own blood donation (autologous) or a donation designated for a specific patient (directed). It also mandates hospitals to permit such donations for scheduled medical procedures when ordered by a physician, unless medically unsafe. Both blood banks and hospitals may charge reasonable administrative fees but must still comply with all federal and state blood safety, testing, and compatibility requirements. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, directly affecting patients, blood banks, and hospitals in Tennessee.

HB 1772 protects Tennessee higher education institutions (like colleges and universities) from lawsuits claiming negligence in admitting, enrolling, or providing housing to students with prior criminal convictions. It prohibits holding schools liable *solely* based on a student’s past conviction and bans using that criminal record as evidence in such cases. However, the law does not apply if the institution knew about a prior violent or violent sexual offense, or if it willfully allowed a student with such a history to remain enrolled. This bill does not create new lawsuits but changes how existing negligence claims can be handled for students with criminal records.

SB 1401 reduces from six to four hours the maximum delay juvenile detention facilities may impose on phone calls or in-person visits for a child facing disciplinary action. The bill directly affects juveniles in Tennessee detention facilities during disciplinary proceedings. It amends Tennessee Code Annotated § 37-1-189(a) to require facilities to restore communication access within four hours, rather than six, after discipline is applied. This change aims to improve timely family contact for detained youth.

Senate Resolution 307 honors Betsy Berryhill, a Lawrenceburg Public School teacher, for being named the 2025-2026 Lawrenceburg Public School Teacher of the Year. The resolution, adopted unanimously by the Tennessee Senate on February 26, 2026, formally recognizes her dedication to education and her positive impact on students. It is a ceremonial expression of appreciation with no legal effect or policy changes.

Senate Resolution 313 is a symbolic honor passed by the Tennessee Senate to commend the Collinwood Middle School softball team (nicknamed the "Trojanettes") for winning the 2025 Tennessee River Valley Conference Championship. The resolution specifically recognizes the team's undefeated conference record, 15-1 overall season, and exemplary sportsmanship, highlighting their achievements as a source of pride for their school, families, and community. As a non-binding resolution, it has no legal effect but serves as a formal expression of appreciation from the state legislature.

Senate Resolution 295 honors the memory of Bill R. Dunlap, a Scott County community leader and longtime owner of Plateau Drugs, who passed away. The resolution, adopted unanimously by the Tennessee Senate, extends condolences to his family and commemorates his decades of service to Scott County through his business, chamber of commerce involvement, and community contributions. It has no legal effect or policy changes - it is a symbolic gesture of remembrance.

Senate Resolution 303 honors Tammy Holland, a teacher at New Prospect School and Lawrence County School System, for being named 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year at both her school and district. The resolution formally recognizes her dedication to education, professional excellence, and positive impact on students. Passed unanimously by the Tennessee Senate on February 26, 2026, it serves as a ceremonial tribute with no legal effect or policy changes. This resolution directly celebrates her achievements without altering any laws or programs.

This is a ceremonial resolution (SR 302), not a law. It formally honors Lee Sisk, a Lawrence County High School teacher, for being named both the 2025-2026 Lawrence County High School Teacher of the Year and the Lawrence County School System High School Teacher of the Year. The resolution expresses the Tennessee Senate's recognition of his dedication, professional excellence, and positive impact on students. It has no legal effect or policy changes - it is solely a symbolic gesture of appreciation.

Senate Resolution 298 honors Correctional Officer Jim Dandy of Haywood County for being named "Correctional Officer of the Year" by Sheriff Billy Garrett, Jr. The resolution formally recognizes his service to Haywood County residents and the State of Tennessee. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial tribute passed unanimously by the Tennessee Senate. This resolution directly affects only Officer Dandy, celebrating his contributions to public safety.