Tennessee Bills

This bill changes the start date for a specific law regarding threats against school employees from February 1 to January 15. The change applies to the Tennessee Code Annotated sections covering school violence and affects how the offense is legally processed. By moving the date earlier, the law takes effect sooner than before without altering the core rules about what constitutes a threat.

This bill allows sheriffs and constables in Tennessee to send certain legal notifications electronically instead of only by traditional mail. By adding a specific phrase to existing state laws, the measure updates the rules governing how these law enforcement officers communicate with the public. The change applies directly to the procedures used by county sheriffs and constables when issuing official notices. Once enacted, the law takes effect immediately to streamline communication processes for these officials.

This bill allows retired members of the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System or local retirement funds to return to work in covered positions without losing their pension benefits, provided they meet specific criteria. The law also permits law enforcement agencies to hire retired personnel as full-time school resource officers under similar conditions. A key change in the legislation reduces the time limit for reemployment from sixty days to thirty days after retirement. These provisions are authorized until June 30, 2026, and apply to both state and local retirement systems.

This bill requires the Tennessee commissioner of mental health and substance abuse services to submit an annual report on veterans treatment court program grant funds. The report, due by February 1 each year, must be sent to the state's senate and house committees and will detail the amount of funding authorized, the specific counties receiving grants, and the total amount of outstanding grants. By adding this reporting requirement to existing laws, the legislation aims to increase transparency regarding how state funds are allocated to support veterans in specialized court programs.

This bill, known as the Healthcare Provider Advertising Law, requires healthcare practitioners in Tennessee to clearly identify their profession or license in any public advertisement that promotes their services. The law applies to all advertisements created on or after January 1, 2025, and mandates that the practitioner's title be displayed prominently in both electronic and written formats. It also prohibits the use of deceptive or misleading information regarding a provider's skills, training, or credentials. While the legislation sets specific rules for how providers can market themselves, it explicitly excludes office building placards and pre-existing exterior signage from these requirements.