Tennessee Bills

HB 1484, the "Memphis Safe Task Force Accountability Act," requires Tennessee district attorneys to submit reports within 24 hours to state and federal officials whenever they take specific actions (like plea deals, charge reductions, or case dismissals) related to felony cases stemming from Operation Viper or the Memphis Safe Task Force. It directly affects district attorneys in judicial districts where these federal task forces operate. The bill mandates these reports be submitted to the Attorney General, legislative leaders, the District Attorneys General Conference, and the relevant U.S. Attorney. The key provision creates a standardized reporting mechanism to increase transparency around prosecutorial decisions involving these specific law enforcement initiatives. This is a procedural requirement focused on accountability, not on changing criminal penalties or policies.

HB 1525 requires Tennessee courts to impose consecutive sentences for defendants convicted of two or more offenses involving more than one minor victim, unless the court finds by a preponderance of evidence that consecutive sentencing isn't warranted and would harm justice. It directly affects defendants convicted of multiple crimes against minors, such as sexual offenses or abuse across separate incidents. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 40, Section 40-35-115, making consecutive sentencing the default for these cases. Exceptions are limited to specific judicial findings about case facts and the "best interest of justice," not general discretion. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, for offenses committed on or after that date.

SB 1717 makes it a Class A misdemeanor to knowingly violate a no contact order issued as part of a defendant's sentence or probation/parole conditions following a conviction for a domestic abuse offense. It directly affects individuals convicted of domestic abuse crimes who break court-ordered no contact restrictions with the alleged victim. The bill amends Tennessee law to expand the scope of violations to include post-conviction orders (not just pre-trial) and clarifies that violations apply when the alleged victim is defined as a domestic abuse victim under state law. This change takes effect on July 1, 2026.

HB 1649, known as "Matthew Davenport's Law," makes it illegal to possess, manufacture, deliver, or sell Kratom (including synthetic versions) in Tennessee, with penalties ranging from a Class A misdemeanor for possession to a Class B felony for selling to minors. The bill requires medical examiners to test decedents who died of suspected drug overdoses for Kratom, and mandates doctors to include Kratom testing in cases of suspected overdose or neonatal withdrawal symptoms in newborns. It also adds Kratom to the state’s definition of "drug" for regulatory purposes. The law takes effect on July 1, 2026, directly affecting individuals using Kratom, medical professionals, and law enforcement.

SB 1645 creates the "Tennessee Agricultural Innovation and Education Initiative" under the state Department of Agriculture. It requires the department to partner with private nonprofits to develop digital tools, workforce training, and marketing programs connecting Tennessee farmers, students, rural communities, and consumers. Key provisions include prioritizing benefits for state farmers and small businesses, expanding access to agricultural education and e-commerce marketplaces, and mandating annual evaluations measuring farmer participation, economic impact, and taxpayer return. The initiative focuses on modernizing agriculture through technology, workforce development, and statewide collaboration without restricting competition for state contracts.

HB 1504 establishes a "capitol hill protection zone" around Tennessee's state capitol grounds and 10 surrounding government buildings, including the legislative offices and Supreme Court building. It requires the Commissioner of Safety to ensure these areas are adequately staffed with law enforcement officers who have concurrent authority with local police to arrest, carry firearms, and investigate crimes. Officers assigned must be POST-certified, complete additional training on protest laws and crowd management, and protect state officials, employees, and the public. The law takes effect January 1, 2027.

SB 1708 restricts third-party bail posting in Tennessee by prohibiting entities (other than defendants, family members, legal guardians, employers, or licensed bondsmen) from securing a defendant's release more than three times per year or for the same defendant more than once annually. The bill requires such entities to obtain prior approval for each bond they seek to post and defines "family" broadly to include third-degree relatives or household members. It directly affects community groups, nonprofits, or businesses that previously posted bail for others, limiting their ability to do so frequently. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and amends Tennessee Code Sections 39-11-715 and 40-11-123.

HB 1668 creates a new criminal offense in Tennessee for knowingly traveling with intent to steal cash from businesses or financial institutions while following another person's path without deviating and carrying two or more "criminal instruments" (tools designed for theft, like lockpicks). It directly affects individuals who plan cash thefts by mirroring others' routes while possessing multiple theft tools. Violations start as a Class A misdemeanor, but escalate to a Class D felony if the person also violates other theft laws (Chapter 13, Part 10) or a Class B felony if they violate firearm laws (Chapter 13, Part 4). The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

HB 1550 expands Tennessee school policies to allow public and nonpublic schools to administer any prescribed form of epinephrine (not limited to auto-injectors) for students experiencing life-threatening allergic reactions. The bill requires schools to maintain epinephrine in at least two secure locations and permits school nurses or trained staff to use school-stored epinephrine when a student lacks personal medication or a prescription on file. It clarifies that physicians and school staff administering epinephrine under this policy are not liable for harm unless there was intentional disregard for safety. The law amends Tennessee Code Sections 49-50-1602(f) and 68-140-501(1) to remove the restriction to "epinephrine auto-injectors" and replace it with "epinephrine." This directly affects schools, students with allergies, and school medical personnel.

SB 1611 would allow a joint board formed by two municipalities and two counties (via an interlocal agreement) to operate an airport with the same legal authority as a regional airport authority under Tennessee law. The bill grants such boards all powers, rights, and duties of a regional airport authority, recognizing them as public entities that can file a charter with the state to formalize their corporate status. It specifies that governance details (like member terms and board composition) must be set in the interlocal agreement, not in state code. This change directly affects local governments forming such airport partnerships, streamlining their operational authority without requiring new state legislation.

SB 1595 amends Tennessee utility laws to update the process for consolidating utility systems (such as water or electricity providers) and includes utility authorities in consolidation procedures. The bill requires utility systems seeking to merge to form a formal agreement, obtain a resolution from their governing bodies, and petition a county mayor for approval after a public hearing. County mayors must approve consolidation only if it enhances public convenience, is economically sound, and serves the public interest, with approval orders specifying the new utility’s name, boundaries, and asset handling. The bill also specifies that when consolidating two or more utility districts, the new utility’s board must consist of five commissioners.

SB 1737 creates a new criminal offense in Tennessee for knowingly traveling on the same path as another person (without substantial deviation) toward a business or financial institution, while carrying two or more "criminal instruments" with intent to steal cash. It directly affects individuals who attempt coordinated thefts by following others' routes while possessing tools like lockpicks or fake IDs designed for crime. The law classifies violations as a Class A misdemeanor, escalating to a Class D felony if the person commits additional crimes like burglary, or a Class B felony if they commit armed robbery. This bill defines "criminal instruments" as items not inherently illegal but used for offenses under specific Tennessee criminal codes.