Tennessee Bills

HB 763 clarifies that Tennessee cities, counties, and other local governments can purchase certain insurance through approved plans without needing public bidding, removing a prior requirement under state law. The bill amends Tennessee Code to replace restrictive language about "governmental entities representing cities and counties" with broader authorization for all such entities. This change directly affects all local governments buying insurance via state-approved plans, streamlining their procurement process. The law, enacted as Chapter 260 in 2025, removes administrative barriers but does not alter insurance coverage or costs.

HB 392 requires Tennessee schools to include student performance data for specific groups in their letter grades if those groups meet minimum thresholds: at least 20 valid math or English language arts test scores in one grade band, or 20 students in a graduating cohort for college/career readiness data. This applies to schools serving grades 9-12 with qualifying student groups, ensuring the Department of Education cannot exclude such data from school ratings. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 49 to standardize how school performance is measured. It takes effect July 1, 2025.

HB 342, the "Safeguarding American Veteran Empowerment (SAVE) Act," regulates paid advisors who assist veterans with benefit claims. It prohibits charging upfront or nonrefundable fees, guaranteeing specific outcomes, or receiving compensation for referrals, and requires written agreements that tie payment solely to actual benefit increases (capped at five times the monthly increase). The law mandates clear disclosures to clients about free services available through government agencies and sets data privacy rules, including background checks for staff handling veterans' sensitive information. Violations are treated as consumer protection law violations, with penalties paid to the state general fund, though VA-accredited representatives remain exempt.

HB 769 makes it a crime to knowingly possess, distribute, or produce technology, software, or digital tools designed to create material featuring minors in sexual activity or extremely inappropriate simulated sexual activity. It directly affects individuals who use such tools, with penalties ranging from a Class E felony (possession) to a Class B felony (production). The law specifies that courts must consider factors like the defendant’s statements, existing material in their possession, advertising, and expert testimony to determine intent. This bill creates new criminal penalties for tools specifically intended to generate such material, not for general technology use.

HB 927 clarifies that certain health insurance benefits (like dental or vision coverage, called "excepted benefits") do not need to be included in standard health insurance plans unless state law explicitly requires them. This affects health insurance providers and policyholders in Tennessee by removing an obligation to cover these specific benefits as part of standard coverage. The bill specifies that excepted benefits are exempt from requirements to cover specific people, providers, treatments, or conditions unless mandated by law. It applies to new or renewed insurance policies on or after July 1, 2025.

HB 307 clarifies that in Tennessee counties with a charter form of government, the sheriff, register, county clerk, assessor of property, and trustee are constitutional officers with defined duties. The bill specifies that the sheriff handles law enforcement and jail management, the register files property documents, the county clerk collects taxes and issues licenses, the trustee manages county funds and property taxes, and the assessor values all property except public utilities. This law directly affects county governments operating under charter systems by formally codifying each officer's responsibilities. The changes take effect immediately upon becoming law, providing clear statutory guidance for these county roles.

HB 540 amends Tennessee law to expand the definition of "racketeering activity" to include animal fighting. Specifically, it adds "animal fighting under § 39-14-203" to the list of offenses classified as racketeering. This change directly affects individuals or groups involved in organizing, promoting, or facilitating animal fighting events, treating such activities as organized crime. The law, effective July 1, 2025, makes animal fighting a specific racketeering offense under Tennessee Code Annotated Title 39. It is now enacted as Public Chapter 264.

SB 256 allows criminal defendants in Tennessee who previously entered a guilty plea, "best interest" plea, or no-contest plea to later petition a court for a special review (writ of error coram nobis) if they have new evidence proving their actual innocence. This new evidence must not have been known to them at the time of their plea, such as DNA results or witness testimony. The bill requires courts to hold a hearing if the petition is valid, with the defendant needing to prove innocence by "clear and convincing evidence" to get a new trial. It applies to all convictions regardless of trial type and removes filing fees for these petitions. This change directly affects defendants seeking to overturn pleas based on newly discovered evidence.

HB 1430 would change Union County's building permit fee structure from fixed amounts ($225 for residential, $450 for commercial) to 50 cents per square foot for all new construction, including homes and commercial buildings. It exempts sheds and barns from permit requirements and fees, and repeals conflicting fee provisions. This bill directly affects property owners, developers, and contractors in Union County who must pay building permit fees. The bill failed in committee on April 16, 2025, and requires local approval by Union County's legislative body to take effect.

This is a ceremonial Senate resolution (not a legislative bill) honoring the Upperman High School boys' basketball team for winning the 2025 TSSAA Division I, Class 3A state championship - their first title in school history. The resolution commends the team, coach, and community for their championship victory (32-3 record, defeating Tullahoma 65-55 in the final) and recognizes key players like MVP Ty Cobb. It has no policy impact or binding effect, serving solely as a symbolic tribute.

This Senate Resolution (SR 140) is a formal tribute honoring Lanny Selby, a Sparta Fire Department firefighter retiring after 33 years of service. It recognizes his "devoted service," professionalism, and contributions to community safety without creating any new laws or affecting policies. The resolution simply commends Selby for his career and extends well-wishes for his retirement. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect and directly affects only Lanny Selby.

HB 1056 corrects the official name of the Cumberland Museum and Science Center to "Adventure Science Center" in Tennessee law. This change ensures the center can continue receiving state education grants and appropriations under existing funding programs. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Section 49-3-320, replacing the previous name with the new designation. It does not alter funding levels, create new programs, or affect other policies - only updating the legal name for administrative and funding purposes.