Tennessee Bills

SJR 331 is a symbolic resolution thanking Tennessee retailers for collecting and remitting $14 billion in sales taxes to the state in 2024. It acknowledges that retailers bear card processing fees for the sales tax portion of transactions, even though that tax benefits the state. The resolution does not change any tax laws or fees - it is purely a gesture of appreciation. This resolution was introduced on March 26, 2025, and withdrawn on March 31, 2025, meaning it never became law.

HB 1391 automatically removes and destroys public court records for certain criminal convictions one year after sentence completion. It applies to eligible Class E felony and misdemeanor convictions under existing expunction rules, directly affecting individuals with these convictions who have completed their sentences. For cases after July 1, 2025, courts must notify clerks to initiate automatic removal without cost to the person. For pre-July 2025 convictions, individuals must request the process, but clerks cannot destroy records without a court order. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 10, 18, and 40 to implement this change.

HB 703, the "Pot for Potholes Act," establishes Tennessee’s first regulatory framework for legal marijuana cultivation, processing, and retail sales under the Department of Agriculture. It directly affects businesses seeking licenses to operate cannabis facilities, adult consumers (21+), and the state agency managing compliance. Key provisions include requiring child-resistant packaging for products, defining edible marijuana (like infused foods), creating batch tracking for traceability, and setting safety standards to protect minors. The bill amends multiple state codes to formalize licensing rules, product testing requirements, and restrictions on advertising near community facilities like parks and schools.

HB 1392 would remove an exception in Tennessee law that currently allows certain individuals to carry a handgun without facing charges for unlawfully carrying a firearm with intent to go armed. Specifically, it deletes the exemption for people who lawfully possess a handgun, are in a place they are lawfully present, and are either 21 years or older or 18 with qualifying military service. After the bill takes effect on July 1, 2025, these individuals would no longer be exempt and could be charged under the general unlawful carrying provision. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated sections 39-17-1307 and 39-17-1313 to eliminate this exception.

SB 1033 makes it a Class A misdemeanor to intentionally inject, release, or disperse chemicals into Tennessee's atmosphere with the purpose of altering weather, temperature, or sunlight intensity. It also prohibits supplying materials used for such weather modification activities. Violators face up to 11 months in jail and a $100,000 fine per violation. The bill explicitly targets intentional weather manipulation, affecting anyone conducting such actions within Tennessee, and amends state codes to include weather modification under relevant agency responsibilities and enforcement provisions.

SB 1058 changes Tennessee's animal health laws by requiring the state agriculture commissioner and veterinarian to get prior approval from a joint legislative committee before ordering animal vaccinations or tests. It removes a rule that made livestock owners responsible for properly disposing of dead animals and updates how compensation is calculated for animals destroyed due to disease. The bill directly affects livestock farmers, veterinarians, and state agriculture officials by altering emergency response procedures and financial responsibilities. These changes aim to clarify state authority over animal health measures while shifting liability and compensation processes.

HB 198, the "Bearing Witness to the Death Penalty Act," would have required Tennessee legislators to be present during all death penalty executions. The bill amended Tennessee Code Annotated Section 40-23-116(a) to mandate attendance by members of the General Assembly at such executions. This was a procedural requirement with no changes to death penalty laws or sentencing, and the bill failed in committee in March 2025.

HB 409 requires Tennessee's Department of Education to make a standardized form for reporting student allergies publicly available on its website by July 1, 2025. This directly affects schools, families, and students with allergies by ensuring consistent access to the reporting form. The bill amends state law (TCA Title 49) to mandate this online posting, replacing prior language about form availability. The bill failed in the K-12 Subcommittee on March 26, 2025.

HB 1103, the "Tennessee for Tampons Act," requires all public colleges and universities in Tennessee to provide free feminine hygiene products (like tampons and sanitary napkins) in every women's and girls' bathroom and locker room by July 1, 2025. It directly affects public higher education institutions and their students, aiming to address accessibility issues highlighted by student surveys. The bill mandates that schools collaborate with student governments and maintenance staff to administer and restock these products. This policy change ensures consistent access to essential hygiene items without requiring additional student funding or advocacy.

HB 563 would create a Class C misdemeanor for storing a handgun in a vehicle when the owner is not present, unless the handgun is locked and out of sight (e.g., in the trunk, glove box, or a locked container affixed to the vehicle). It also requires handgun owners to report a lost or stolen handgun to law enforcement within 24 hours of discovery. Violations would only require completing a court-approved handgun safety course, with no fines or jail time. The bill, which amends Tennessee Code Annotated, is scheduled to take effect July 1, 2025.

HB 791, the "Workers' Right to Live Act," requires employers in Tennessee to report workplace fatalities to the state division within 24 hours, with a $50,000 penalty for late reporting. If an investigation determines a death resulted from employer negligence (e.g., unsafe conditions or failure to follow safety rules), the employer faces a $250,000 fine per fatality and must repay state incentives (like tax abatements) received in the prior three years. The bill also establishes a dedicated "Worker Protection Fund" to hold penalty funds, which cannot revert to the general state budget. It directly affects employers operating in Tennessee, particularly those receiving state economic incentives, and applies to preventable deaths occurring during work hours or due to unsafe conditions. The bill is pending legislative action and has not yet become law.

HB 145 would require financial institutions in Tennessee to verify the immigration status of individuals sending electronic funds abroad, using two forms of government ID to confirm U.S. citizenship or lawful presence. It redefines "resident" to include only U.S. citizens and aliens lawfully present (verified via specific ID documents), and mandates that parents/guardians of non-lawfully residing public school students pay tuition at out-of-district rates. The bill imposes penalties for financial institutions failing to verify status, including civil fines. These provisions apply directly to financial institutions, public schools, and families of students not lawfully residing in Tennessee. The bill is currently pending in committee (failed subcommittee vote March 26, 2025).