HB 2103 amends Tennessee's STRONG Act to explicitly include Western Governors University (WGU) as an eligible institution for tuition reimbursement. This change directly affects active Tennessee National Guard members who use the STRONG Act's benefits, allowing them to receive tuition support at WGU for their first bachelor's or master's degree. The bill updates the legal definition of "educational institution" to add WGU under the existing competency-based model criteria (requiring a Tennessee physical presence, regional accreditation, and state-based oversight). It does not alter the program's academic requirements, credit limits, or grade point averages but expands access to WGU for eligible service members. The amendment specifically references WGU in the code, making it the first non-traditional institution added under this definition.
HB 2599 extends Tennessee's Alzheimer's and dementia respite care pilot program by removing its scheduled end date, allowing it to continue indefinitely without a sunset clause. It also eliminates a requirement that the program must serve no more than 225 participants in any given fiscal year. This change provides greater flexibility for the program to serve more individuals as needed, without a fixed enrollment cap. The bill directly impacts respite care services for people with Alzheimer's or dementia and their caregivers in Tennessee.
HB 2329 changes a reporting deadline for Tennessee school districts regarding nurse staffing. It moves the date when districts must report to the state education department from July 31 to July 1 if they lack at least one school nurse for every 750 students. The bill directly affects local school districts (LEAs) that fail to meet the nurse-to-student ratio requirement. This is a procedural amendment to Tennessee law (amending Titles 49 and 68), adjusting the timeline for reporting compliance.
HB 2123 requires new private residence elevators installed after July 1, 2027, to register with Tennessee's Department of Labor within seven days of being activated. It also mandates that new property owners notify the department within 60 days of purchasing a home with such an elevator. The bill modifies existing elevator regulations by defining "private residence" and removing certain inspection requirements that previously applied to these elevators. It directly affects homeowners and property owners installing elevators in single-family or multi-unit residential properties.
HB 1846 eliminates rollback tax liability when agricultural, forest, or open space land with a greenbelt classification is sold. The new buyer must submit a fresh application to maintain the special tax status, but the seller faces no tax penalties for the sale itself. This means buyers don't owe back taxes simply because they purchased land that previously had the greenbelt classification. The rule applies to property sales occurring on or after July 1, 2026.
HB 1247 exempts the first $20 of the sales price for everyday items paid with physical cash (including coins, paper money, and physical gold or silver) from Tennessee's sales tax. This directly affects consumers who pay cash for small purchases under $20, such as groceries or minor goods. The bill amends Tennessee's sales tax code to create this specific exemption, which does not apply to other taxes like vehicle or luxury taxes. The exemption takes effect July 1, 2025, and applies only to transactions using physical cash, not credit or debit cards.
HB 898 requires Tennessee utility systems that sell water containing fluoride to obtain a certificate of analysis for that fluoride and post both the certificate and the fluoride safety information online. This applies directly to public water utilities serving communities, mandating greater transparency about fluoride levels in drinking water. The bill specifies that this information must be available on the utility's website or the state utility board's website if the utility lacks one. The requirement becomes effective July 1, 2025, with no changes to fluoride concentration limits or safety standards.
HB 1148 removes Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCa) and Tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THCp) from the list of legally authorized hemp-derived cannabinoids in Tennessee law. This change directly affects manufacturers, distributors, and sellers of hemp products containing these compounds, as such products would no longer qualify as legal hemp under state law. The bill amends definitions to clarify that "Total THC" includes converted THCa (using a 0.877 conversion factor), and requires testing to measure potential THC after decarboxylation. Products containing THCa or THCp would now be subject to seizure and forfeiture under state law.
HB 1368 exempts real estate appraisers from Tennessee's business tax on services they provide. The bill amends Tennessee's tax code (Title 67, Chapter 4, Part 7) to add a new exemption for "services furnished by persons engaged in the appraisal of real estate or real property" under the business tax definition. This directly affects licensed real estate appraisers and their businesses by removing a tax burden on their core services. The key mechanism is adding a specific exemption category to the tax code, clarifying that appraisal services are not subject to the state business tax. The bill has been referred to committee for further review but has not yet passed.
HB 729 increases penalties for obstructing public passageways in Tennessee. It upgrades general obstruction (e.g., blocking sidewalks, streets, or waterways) from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony. For intentional obstruction of highways, streets, or vehicle routes, it imposes a Class D felony penalty instead. The bill directly affects individuals who block public pathways, with harsher criminal charges for willful interference with vehicle movement. The changes take effect July 1, 2025.
HB 1235 requires Tennessee's Department of Children's Services to conserve federal funds a child in state care is eligible for, using them for the child's future needs or special services not already provided. The department must hold these funds in accounts like 529 plans or special needs trusts, avoid violating federal benefit eligibility rules, and maintain detailed records accessible to the child's attorney or guardian. It directly affects children in state custody who qualify for federal benefits, ensuring funds support their long-term needs rather than covering routine care costs. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 37-1-172 (effective July 1, 2025) to mandate this conservation and usage approach.
HB 2135, the "Tennessee Live Music Support Act," would impose a 5% surcharge on tickets resold through third-party websites for live music and performance events (like concerts, comedy shows, or theater) in Tennessee, starting July 1, 2027. Third-party ticket resellers would collect this fee from buyers and pay it monthly to the state, not end consumers. The funds would go to a dedicated grant program supporting local music venues, promoters, and performers through economic development grants. The bill is currently pending in committee review and not yet law.
