Tennessee Bills

HB 2390 modifies Tennessee law to clarify that utility district commissioners in Gibson County are not prohibited from serving more than two consecutive terms. The bill specifically amends the population thresholds in the Utility District Law (TCA § 7-82-307) to include Gibson County's 2020 census population range (42,700-42,800 residents). This change directly affects commissioners serving on Gibson County utility districts under the 1937 Utility District Law. The provision removes a prior restriction on consecutive terms for commissioners in counties meeting these specific population criteria.

HB 2267 would allow utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) used for farming to operate on state highways and county roads without being restricted to a 45 mph speed limit. Currently, UTVs are generally limited to roads with a 45 mph speed limit or lower, but this bill exempts agricultural use from that speed restriction. Other existing rules - such as where UTVs can be operated (e.g., not on certain highways) - still apply. This change directly affects farmers and agricultural businesses that use UTVs for work on public roads.

HB 2389 requires Tennessee's TennCare program (state Medicaid) to publish two biannual reports starting in 2027. The first report details statewide usage patterns of psychotropic medications (drugs affecting mood or behavior, like antidepressants or antipsychotics) across age groups, medication counts per person, and associated costs. The second report specifically tracks medication use among children in foster care and young adults in state custody, including cost breakdowns. All data must be de-identified to comply with privacy laws, published on TennCare's website, and shared with health committees. The bill directly affects TennCare, state health agencies, and healthcare providers billing through TennCare.

HB 2544 changes how liquefied gas tax is paid for vehicles, requiring payment at the time of gas delivery instead of annual prepayment. It eliminates annual renewals for liquefied gas user permits, making them permanent as long as users submit timely tax reports and payments. The bill also expands tax provisions to include hydrogen gas vehicles and modifies reporting requirements for dealers and users. These changes primarily affect owners and operators of liquefied gas-powered vehicles in Tennessee.

HB 1563 extends the Board of Optometry's existence until June 30, 2031, preventing its automatic expiration under Tennessee's Sunset Law. This bill directly affects the Board of Optometry, which oversees optometry licensing and practice regulations in Tennessee. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated sections 4-29-247(a) and 4-29-252(a) to remove an outdated reference and clarify the board's legal foundation. These changes ensure the board can continue operating without needing new legislation before 2031. The bill does not alter optometry practice rules or licensing requirements.

HB 1571 extends the operational period of Tennessee's Department of Agriculture until June 30, 2030, preventing its automatic termination under sunset laws. The bill amends specific sections of Tennessee Code (Title 4, Chapters 29; 3, Parts 1 and 2) to update the department's statutory expiration date. This change directly affects the Department of Agriculture by ensuring its continued operation without needing reauthorization before 2030. The bill makes a procedural adjustment to existing law rather than creating new policies or affecting other entities.

HB 1856 modifies Tennessee's school bus regulations for buses exclusively used to transport students to after-school programs. It extends the maximum service period from 18 years or 200,000 miles to the later of 20 years or 300,000 miles, allowing these buses to remain in service longer. The bill also requires biannual safety inspections by the Commissioner of Safety or their designee and mandates written notification to the safety department once the extended limits are reached. This change directly affects school districts operating such after-school transportation buses under Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49.

HB 1559 extends the existence of Tennessee's Board of Dentistry until June 30, 2031, preventing its automatic termination under sunset laws. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 4-29-247(a) and 4-29-252(a) by removing a reference to "subdivision (5)" and adding a new reference to the Board of Dentistry. This technical correction ensures the regulatory body continues overseeing dental licensing and professional standards without disruption. The bill directly affects dental professionals and the state's dental licensing system by maintaining the board's operational authority. It does not change dental practice rules or fees, only the board's statutory timeline.

HB 1611 extends the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission's existence until June 30, 2030, by amending two sections of Tennessee law (Title 4, Chapter 29 and Title 70, Chapter 1, Part 2). The bill removes an outdated reference (subdivision (60)) from one code section and adds a new reference to the commission's creation in another. This procedural change directly affects the commission, which manages state wildlife programs, by ensuring its continued operation without needing reauthorization before 2030. The bill does not alter the commission's duties or funding, only its legal duration.

HB 1712 allows local governments in Tennessee (counties or municipalities) that ban class 1 or class 2 electric bicycles on public park or greenway trails to formally notify the state Department of Safety. The bill requires local governments to submit their resolution or ordinance prohibiting e-bikes to the Department, which must then compile and publish an official list of affected parks and greenways on its website. This creates a centralized, public resource for e-bike users to quickly identify where such operations are restricted. The bill directly affects local governments implementing these bans and park users navigating public trails.

HB 1627 removes specific administrative requirements from Tennessee's child support system. The bill deletes language requiring the Department of Human Services to establish, advertise, and maintain a statewide toll-free phone line for child support inquiries and complaints, as well as to create satellite offices for the central collection unit (TCA Sections 36-5-118 and 36-5-119). It replaces the removed requirements with a general mandate that the department or its contractor must maintain a customer service unit for handling child support inquiries. This change affects how the state administers child support services, streamlining certain customer service infrastructure without altering core collection or disbursement processes. The bill focuses on procedural updates rather than policy changes to the child support program itself.

HB 1470 prohibits developers and deployers of artificial intelligence systems from advertising or representing to the public that their AI acts as a qualified mental health professional. This directly affects AI companies and developers creating mental health-related tools. Violations would be treated as deceptive acts under Tennessee's Consumer Protection Act, subject to a $5,000 civil penalty per violation. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and defines "artificial intelligence" as systems capable of human-like reasoning and learning.