Tennessee Bills

HB 155 amends Tennessee law to allow registered nurses to pronounce death for patients or residents in nursing homes, hospitals, or assisted-care facilities without needing to confirm the death was "anticipated." The bill removes this prior requirement and instead requires the attending physician's written agreement to sign the death certificate, which must be present at the time of death. This change directly affects registered nurses working in healthcare facilities by expanding their authority to formally declare death. The law took effect upon enactment (April 8, 2025), streamlining the death certification process for healthcare providers.

SB 1047 would prohibit foreign-based organizations and U.S. groups receiving foreign funding from making campaign contributions (including advertising, campaign staff, or training) to candidates or political committees. It also bars Tennessee Senate and House speakers, and the Secretary of State, from accepting such funding for election administration. The bill directly affects political campaigns, election officials, and entities receiving foreign financial support. If enacted, it would amend Tennessee election laws to restrict foreign influence in campaign financing and election operations.

SB 1416 requires Tennessee legislators who joined the General Assembly on or after July 1, 2014, to automatically switch from the hybrid retirement plan to the legacy retirement plan after completing 10 years of service as a legislator. The bill mandates the retirement system's board to handle this conversion and notify members in writing afterward. It also requires the Office of Legislative Administration to alert the board when a legislator reaches the 10-year milestone. This change applies only to legislative service, not other state employment, and affects no other public employees. The bill was passed in committee but ultimately failed in the Senate State and Local Government Committee.

SB 1040 would prohibit political campaign committees based outside Tennessee from making contributions (including non-cash donations) to influence primary elections for the Republican Party in Tennessee. It bans out-of-state committees from contributing to candidates or other committees aiming to affect these primaries, with specific definitions for "primary election" and "statewide political party" (determined by which party controls both legislative chambers after July 1, 2025). The bill would take effect July 1, 2025, if enacted. This directly affects out-of-state campaign groups and Tennessee candidates in Republican primary elections.

HB 306 requires sheriff, register, county clerk, assessor of property, and trustee offices in Tennessee counties with charter government to independently create and submit their budgets directly to the county legislative body. These offices would gain authority to approve internal budget transfers between personnel and operational-maintenance categories without county approval, while prohibiting the county body from imposing personnel or operational restrictions on them. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 5 to establish these budget autonomy rules. It does not affect counties without charter government or other county offices.

HB 554 creates a civil lawsuit for individuals whose right to bear arms under the Tennessee or U.S. Constitution is restricted by government entities (like police departments or local officials). It allows people to sue for actual damages or $250 per day of the violation, plus attorney fees and court costs. The bill specifically applies when government action infringes on gun rights without being based on a valid, unchallenged law. It does not apply to lawful enforcement of existing regulations or replace other legal remedies. The bill passed a committee but failed in the Civil Justice Subcommittee on April 2, 2025.

HB 836, titled the "Tennessee Cannabis Act," would legalize recreational cannabis use for adults aged 21 and older in Tennessee. It establishes regulations for licensing cannabis businesses, including requirements for product testing, child-resistant packaging, and restrictions on advertising near schools or parks. The bill defines key terms like "edible marijuana products" (e.g., food or drinks infused with cannabis) and sets standards for cultivation, manufacturing, and sales. It directly affects cannabis businesses, consumers, and local governments through new licensing processes and safety provisions.

HB 1222 would allow courts in Tennessee to issue emergency orders restricting a person’s access to firearms if a family member, household member, intimate partner, or law enforcement officer files a petition alleging the person poses an imminent risk of harm. The bill requires courts to issue these orders immediately if harm is imminent, prohibits the petitioner from paying court costs (shifting costs to the respondent), and mandates a hearing within 30 days to extend the order for up to one year. It specifically defines "family member," "household member," and "intimate partner" to clarify who can petition and ensures law enforcement receives copies to enforce the order. The bill, which amends Tennessee Code Titles 36 and 39, is currently pending (it failed in the Criminal Justice Subcommittee in April 2025).

HB 645 amends Tennessee's Senator Ben Atchley Opportunity Grant Act to allow Tennessee resident students enrolled at Western Governors University (WGU) to receive the grant. The bill adds WGU to the list of eligible institutions by updating the eligibility criteria to include competency-based online programs meeting specific requirements (like Tennessee physical presence, regional accreditation, and state-based governance). This directly affects Tennessee students attending WGU who qualify for the grant, enabling them to use it for tuition and fees at this specific institution. The change formalizes WGU's existing partnership with Tennessee under the grant program's existing framework.

SB 731 requires local governments to provide all requested changes to developer applications for site plans or inspections in a single document, rather than multiple rounds of revisions. It also prohibits local governments from demanding that developers fund infrastructure like roads, utility lines, or traffic signals unless explicitly agreed upon in the original contract. This bill directly affects developers (who face fewer unexpected costs) and local governments (which must follow clearer submission rules). The key provisions aim to reduce delays and prevent developers from being asked to pay for infrastructure not essential to their specific project.

SB 1422 requires Tennessee law enforcement agencies to investigate workplace bullying simultaneously with investigations into workplace crimes of violence (such as assaults or threats). It directly affects employers, employees, and law enforcement by mandating that agencies report findings to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI). The TBI must then compile these reports into annual summaries on workplace bullying and violence, submitted to legislative committees starting July 1, 2026. The bill defines "bullying" as actions causing physical harm or reasonable fear of harm to coworkers in workplaces like offices or factories.

HB 1024 amends Tennessee law to raise the standard of proof required in civil asset forfeiture cases from "preponderance of evidence" to "clear and convincing evidence." This change directly affects state prosecutors and property owners, as the state must now meet a higher burden to keep seized assets. The bill updates two specific statutes (TCA §40-33-210 and §40-33-213) to reflect this new standard. It will take effect July 1, 2025, applying to all forfeiture proceedings occurring on or after that date.