Tennessee Bills

HB 884 amends Tennessee law to expand the definition of "adult-oriented establishment" to include any commercial venue offering sexually oriented material, adult cabaret entertainment, or specified sexual activities - even if these are not the primary business focus. This change directly affects businesses like restaurants that sell adult magazines or host occasional adult entertainment, as they would now fall under the same regulations as dedicated adult venues. The key mechanism removes the requirement that such material must be the "principal or predominant stock or trade," broadening the scope of regulated establishments. The bill takes effect May 1, 2025, and does not introduce new restrictions but redefines which businesses are subject to existing requirements.

This resolution designates March 2025 as "Certified Government Financial Manager Month" in Tennessee. It honors professionals who hold the Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) credential, which requires specific education, adherence to ethics standards, and ongoing continuing education in government financial management. The designation recognizes the work of these professionals in state and local government roles across Tennessee. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or alter funding.

SJR 83 is a ceremonial resolution designating February 22, 2025, as "George Washington Day" in Tennessee to honor the legacy of George Washington, the first U.S. president and Founding Father. It encourages Tennessee citizens to reflect on his contributions to the nation's founding, including his leadership during the Revolutionary War and establishment of presidential term limits, without creating new legal requirements or affecting any specific group. The resolution was adopted unanimously by the Tennessee Senate on February 27, 2025, and referred to the House of Representatives.

This bill (SJR 206) is a commemorative resolution designating December 14 as "Hazel Moore Day" in Tennessee. It honors Hazel Moore, a Whitehaven, Tennessee community leader recognized for founding youth programs like the Academy of Youth Empowerment, organizing health fairs, and receiving awards for her service. The resolution does not create new laws or policies; it is purely ceremonial, formally recognizing Moore's contributions to community development. The Tennessee Senate unanimously passed the resolution on April 7, 2025, to celebrate her legacy.

SB 165 updates Tennessee's funding formula for human resource agencies by increasing the state's maximum annual contribution to match local government funding. It sets new thresholds: for local assessments of 1-20 cents per capita, the state will match up to $295,000; for 21-30 cents, up to $340,000; and for 31+ cents, up to $370,000 annually. This directly affects local governments that fund human services through per capita assessments, allowing them to secure higher state funding based on their contribution levels. The bill modifies Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 13, Chapter 26, without changing eligibility requirements. The change aims to strengthen state-local partnerships in delivering human services to residents.

SB 27 limits the governor's emergency powers by prohibiting executive orders, proclamations, or rules from overriding or conflicting with the Tennessee Constitution. It specifically restricts the governor from suspending procedural requirements for state agencies or laws governing how state business operates during emergencies. The bill requires that any suspension of such procedures must be strictly necessary to address the emergency, with no broader exceptions. This directly affects the governor's authority to issue emergency directives under Tennessee law.

SB 720 amends Tennessee law to change term limits for the Ground Water Management Board, extending the maximum consecutive service from two to three full terms. This directly affects current and future board members by allowing them to serve longer without a break. The bill, effective July 1, 2025, modifies Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 4 and 69 to implement this change, with no substantive policy shifts to water management practices.

SJR 1 proposes a constitutional amendment to prohibit the Tennessee state government from imposing any property tax. It would amend Article II, Section 28 of the Tennessee Constitution by removing language allowing state property taxation and replacing it with a clear ban on state-level property taxes. This change would prevent the state legislature from ever levying, authorizing, or permitting a state property tax, though local governments (counties and municipalities) would retain their current authority to tax property. The amendment requires voter approval in the 2026 general election to take effect.

Tennessee Senate Joint Resolution 25 proposes a constitutional amendment that would remove the right to bail for specific serious offenses when evidence is strong. It targets charges including terrorism, second-degree murder, aggravated rape of a child, aggravated rape, grave torture, and any other offense where a conviction would require serving at least 85% of the sentence before release. Judges would be required to document their bail decisions for these cases, and the amendment would take effect on November 3, 2026. The proposal must be approved by voters in the 2026 general election to become part of Tennessee's constitution.

SJR 9 proposes a constitutional amendment to expand rights for crime victims in Tennessee by replacing Article I, Section 35 of the state constitution. The amendment would guarantee victims specific rights, including timely notice of court proceedings, the right to be present at hearings, the ability to provide input during sentencing and parole decisions, and access to restitution from offenders. These rights would apply to all victims of crime as defined by law, with the General Assembly retaining authority to create implementing laws. The amendment must be approved by voters in the 2026 general election to take effect.

This procedural resolution sets the end date for Tennessee's 2025 legislative session (April 22, 2025) and the start date for the 2026 session (January 13, 2026). It directly affects the scheduling of the state legislature's work calendar but does not change any laws or policies. The bill was enacted with bipartisan approval in April 2025.

Senate Resolution 232 honors Grayson Lewis Nelms, the 2025 salutatorian (second-highest ranking student) of Hume-Fogg Magnet High School, for his academic achievements. The Tennessee Senate unanimously adopted this non-binding resolution on April 21, 2025, to commend his outstanding grades, extracurricular involvement, and dedication to excellence. The resolution extends best wishes for his future success and serves as a symbolic recognition of his accomplishments.