Tennessee Bills

HB 770 would increase Tennessee's maximum allowable weight for three-axle commercial trucks (tridems) on public highways from current limits to 85,000 pounds, subject to federal law. This change directly affects commercial truck operators and freight transportation companies that use these specific vehicle configurations. The bill amends state code to set this new weight standard while requiring operators to pay additional taxes for weight overages within 90 days. The bill failed in the Transportation Subcommittee on March 4, 2025, and did not advance further. If enacted, the change would take effect July 1, 2025.

HB 323 would change the standard of proof required for homeowners to challenge foreclosure sale prices in Tennessee. Currently, debtors only need to show the sale price was below fair market value by a "preponderance of the evidence" (more likely than not). The bill would raise this standard to "clear and convincing evidence," making it harder for homeowners to rebut the legal presumption that foreclosure sale prices equal fair market value. This change would take effect July 1, 2025, and directly affects homeowners seeking to contest foreclosure sales.

This bill would eliminate outdated property ownership restrictions in Tennessee, specifically ending "fee simple determinable," "fee simple subject to condition subsequent," and "fee simple subject to executory limitation" estates. It sets a 75-year limit on reverter clauses (clauses that could reclaim property under conditions), making them unenforceable after that period or by July 1, 2025, for older deeds. Property owners with such clauses would need to file a sworn statement by July 1, 2026, to preserve rights for an additional 5 years. The bill was withdrawn on March 3, 2025, and does not currently affect property rights.

HB 176 (introduced as House Bill 176) would have required new employers to provide written notification to Tennessee's retirement system when rehiring a retired law enforcement officer. This change would have amended Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8, Section 8-36-809(b)(7)(A), to explicitly state that such notification must be "in writing." The bill directly affected retired law enforcement officers, their new employers, and the state retirement system by clarifying the format of reemployment notifications. The bill was introduced in January 2025 but was withdrawn on February 27, 2025, and did not become law.

This resolution (HJR 293) is a ceremonial honor for the T.B. Sutton General Store in Granville, Tennessee, on its 100th anniversary. It recognizes the store's historical significance as a National Register landmark, its role in the community since the 1800s, its unique offerings (handmade goods, bluegrass music, artisan gallery), and its 2010 gift to the museum. The resolution contains no policy changes, funding, or legal obligations - only symbolic recognition of the store's owners, staff, and contributions. The resolution was introduced on February 26, 2025, but withdrawn the next day and never advanced.

HB 632 would allow Tennessee state employees with at least 12 months of full-time service to earn 15 hours of paid leave annually for approved volunteer work with community organizations, schools, or nonprofits. The leave requires supervisor approval, written verification of volunteer hours within 7 days, and cannot be carried over. It excludes part-time, temporary (under 6 months), seasonal, and emergency employees. The bill also prohibits retaliation against employees using this leave and ensures health benefits continue during the leave period.

HB 1388 would require the state of Tennessee to negotiate in good faith to purchase the Cotton Museum in Memphis, pending approval by the state building commission. If approved, management of the museum would transfer to the state museum system, to be operated by the Douglas Henry state museum commission and the Tennessee historical commission. The bill does not appropriate funds for the purchase, meaning any costs would require separate budget approval. The bill was introduced in February 2025 and failed in committee on February 26, 2025.

HB 631 would require Tennessee's governor's office to establish a grant program funding nonprofit and faith-based child care programs serving children under four years old. To qualify, programs must be licensed, operate on income-based pricing (capping fees at 7% of household income), and maintain good standing with human services. Priority would be given to programs in "child care deserts" - areas with high need and limited licensed slots for young children. The bill mandates annual reporting on grant distribution and takes effect July 2025 if passed.

HB 1187 removes an obsolete requirement that a state official study prescription drug costs in nursing homes and report findings by January 2005. This procedural bill deletes a specific outdated provision (TCA § 71-5-195) from Tennessee law, which no longer applies. It does not create new policy, affect current healthcare programs, or change any resident care or costs. The bill solely eliminates a redundant administrative task from 2005.

HB 681, the "Healthy Soil Act," creates a state program within Tennessee's Department of Agriculture to support farming and land management practices that improve soil health. The bill establishes a "Healthy Soil Program" offering voluntary soil assessments, education, and grants to help farmers and ranchers adopt methods like cover cropping, no-till farming, compost application, and integrated livestock systems. It defines "healthy soil" as soil that boosts organic matter, carbon content, and water retention while providing technical assistance through local districts and USDA partners. The program aims to enhance soil productivity, profitability, and environmental benefits for agricultural landowners across Tennessee.

HB 716, the "Climate Resiliency Fund Act," would create a state fund financed by fossil fuel businesses (such as coal, oil, and gas extractors/refiners) operating in Tennessee between 1995 and 2025. The fund would require these entities to pay "cost recovery" fees based on their historical greenhouse gas emissions, with proceeds directed toward climate adaptation projects. Key projects include flood protections, infrastructure upgrades (roads, bridges, sewage systems), nature-based solutions, and healthcare programs addressing climate-driven health risks like heat waves. The bill mandates that at least 50% of funds support "environmental justice focus populations," defined as communities with high poverty rates, minority populations, or limited English proficiency. This is a policy change establishing a new funding mechanism for climate resilience, not a procedural measure.

SB 447 prohibits activities like fishing or swimming near public boat launches, docks, marinas, or boats that interfere with their normal use or cause damage. It specifically bans fishing that disrupts boat launching/retrieval or swimming/fishing that blocks dock access or harms property. The bill applies directly to recreational users at public water access points and takes effect July 1, 2025. It amends Tennessee law to add these restrictions as violations subject to penalties.