Tennessee Bills

HB 2064 changes Tennessee's firearm laws by repealing criminal penalties for carrying a firearm in public parks, playgrounds, and recreational areas. It modifies restrictions for people convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence or stalking, allowing firearm possession after five years from conviction (unless rights remain restricted). The bill also removes bans on carrying firearms in public recreational spaces and updates misdemeanor penalties for carrying while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These changes directly affect individuals with certain past convictions and those who carry firearms in public recreational areas. The bill does not alter federal gun laws or create new restrictions.

HJR 729 proposes a constitutional amendment to change Tennessee's election dates for most county-level judicial and civil officials. It would move these elections from the first Thursday in August to the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, starting in 2034 for most offices (excluding property assessors). Property assessors would continue to be elected in August, beginning in 2032. The amendment aims to align local election dates with federal and state general election schedules.

SB 1932 requires Tennessee state and local elected officials' personally identifying information (like home addresses and phone numbers) to be kept confidential by government entities, with limited exceptions. It mandates redaction of this information wherever possible but does not restrict access to other public records or close existing personnel files. The bill explicitly allows law enforcement, courts, and other government agencies to access this information for official duties, and officials can choose to authorize public disclosure of their details. This law affects all elected state and local officials and takes effect on July 1, 2026.

HB 985 modifies Tennessee's firearm laws by removing the criminal offense for possessing a weapon in a properly posted building or property, and eliminating automatic permit suspensions for this violation. It requires property owners who restrict firearms to post clear signage, install metal detectors at all public entrances, and have trained security officers inspect all visitors and bags. This primarily affects businesses, venues, and property managers seeking to prohibit firearms, while exempting libraries, law enforcement buildings, Head Start facilities, and certain licensed properties. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and shifts enforcement focus to physical security measures rather than criminal penalties for non-compliance.

SB 368 removes a market value cap that previously limited property tax relief for disabled veterans in Tennessee. It requires the state to fully reimburse eligible disabled veterans for all local property taxes paid each year on their primary residence, instead of capping relief at a specific property value. This directly affects disabled veterans who own and live in their primary residence and qualify for property tax relief under Tennessee law. The change takes effect for tax years beginning July 1, 2025.

SB 477 expands Tennessee's compensation program to cover individuals wrongfully imprisoned whose charges were dismissed after sentences were vacated under specific statutes (such as §40-30-102 or §40-26-105), not just those exonerated through traditional means. It allows these individuals to file claims with the Board of Claims within one year of dismissal, including those affected before the law's enactment. Surviving spouses and children can now file claims on behalf of deceased wrongfully imprisoned people, with payments distributed equally among surviving family members according to specified rules. The bill amends Tennessee Code §9-8-108 to implement these changes.

This bill amends Tennessee's charitable gaming laws to create a special five-day application window for nonprofit organizations planning annual gaming events during the 2026-2027 period. The change allows these organizations to submit their applications to the secretary of state within five days after the bill becomes law, rather than following the standard submission deadline. Additionally, the bill requires the secretary of state to transfer an updated list of approved organizations to the legislature within ten days of the bill's effective date. This adjustment applies specifically to events scheduled between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027, and affects only nonprofit groups operating charitable gaming events in Tennessee.

SB 2418 requires Tennessee cities, counties, and other local governments to obtain approval from the state Attorney General and Reporter before signing legal contracts where attorneys are paid based on case outcomes (contingent fees). Before approval, local governments must hold public meetings explaining why external lawyers are needed, why internal staff or hourly fees won’t work, and how the contract benefits residents. The Attorney General has 90 days to approve or reject the contract, with specific reasons for denial. Contracts signed without approval could lead to court dismissal of related legal cases.

HB 2406 would amend Tennessee's property tax law to set a 400-acre maximum limit for tax exemptions on land owned by certain nonprofit entities operating qualifying tourist resorts. Specifically, it targets nonprofits that run "premier type tourist resorts" as defined in state law. The bill changes the existing exemption rule to ensure these organizations cannot claim tax breaks for more than 400 acres of property. This policy change directly affects nonprofit operators of large-scale tourist resorts seeking property tax exemptions under current law. The bill is still in committee review and has not become law.

HB 2113 designates cast iron cookware as Tennessee's official frontier cookware under state law. This symbolic bill (amending TCA Title 4, Chapter 1, Part 3) has no practical effect on policy, regulations, or funding - it only adds a ceremonial designation to state statutes. It directly affects no individuals, businesses, or government programs, as it solely recognizes a cultural tradition. The bill's language emphasizes cast iron cookware's historical role and modern attributes like being chemical-free and recyclable. As a procedural measure, it does not create new obligations or alter existing laws.

HB 2378 designates October 11 of each year as "General Pulaski Memorial Day" in Tennessee to honor Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, a Polish-born Revolutionary War hero who died on that date in 1779. The bill adds this observance to Tennessee law (TCA Title 15, Chapter 2) but specifies it is not a legal holiday. It aims to commemorate Pulaski's military service, his role as "Father of the American Cavalry," and recognize Polish-American contributions to Tennessee, aligning with the federal observance of the same day. The bill does not create new policies or affect specific groups beyond establishing a state-level day of remembrance.

HB 2573 requires child care programs in Tennessee to employ staff aged 18 or older as teachers or assistant teachers for children four years old or younger. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 49-1-1103(a) and related provisions to establish this age requirement, directly affecting early childhood educators in licensed child care settings. It takes effect on July 1, 2026, and does not apply to staff working with older children. The policy change aims to set a minimum age standard for early education roles, with no additional provisions or exemptions described in the bill text.