This bill changes Tennessee's property tax rules for agricultural, forest, and open space land (greenbelt classification). When owners sell such land, they no longer face liability for back taxes (rollback taxes) that would otherwise apply. Instead, the buyer must submit a new application to maintain the tax break, but the seller won't owe back taxes regardless of whether the buyer renews the classification. The rule takes effect July 1, 2026, for property sales on or after that date.
SB 178 would require Tennessee local governing bodies (like city councils or school boards) to set aside time at every public meeting for citizens to comment on *any* issue relevant to the body's responsibilities - whether or not it's on the official agenda. The bill amends Tennessee's open meetings law to mandate this expanded public comment period, ensuring residents can address topics beyond the pre-set agenda. It directly affects all local government bodies covered by Tennessee's open meetings statutes. The change aims to increase public engagement by making it easier for community members to share input on matters impacting their jurisdiction.
HB 33 establishes a new rule for pretrial release in Tennessee: defendants charged with offenses involving firearm use/display or causing serious injury/death are presumed not to be released on their own promise to return to court (personal recognizance). This directly affects individuals facing these specific charges during initial court hearings. If a judge decides to override this presumption, they must provide written reasons for each factor considered in their decision. The bill amends Tennessee law to take effect July 1, 2025.
This bill is a joint resolution that formally recognizes and commends the Claiborne High School Blue Battalion Band for being selected to represent Tennessee at the Salute to Independence Parade in Philadelphia. The resolution honors the band's achievement of performing at a historic event celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States, noting their consistent excellence in competitions and leadership. It serves as an official acknowledgment of the students' dedication and the value of music education rather than creating new laws or funding. The bill was introduced in March 2026 but was later withdrawn and objected to during the legislative process.
SB 1591 removes the $10 cap on court costs for drivers who violate Tennessee's ban on using wireless phones or electronic devices while driving. Instead, it requires violators to pay court costs plus state and local litigation taxes for these offenses. The bill applies to all violations occurring on or after July 1, 2026, directly affecting drivers cited for handheld device use during operation of a motor vehicle. This change modifies Tennessee Code Annotated Section 55-8-199 without altering the underlying prohibition.
HB 5 would increase maximum compensation limits for injured plaintiffs in civil lawsuits in Tennessee. It raises the cap for standard noneconomic damages from $750,000 to $1.5 million and for catastrophic injuries from $1 million to $2 million under Tennessee Code Annotated Section 29-39-102. This change directly affects individuals who win civil cases involving personal injury or loss, providing higher potential awards for non-monetary harms like pain and suffering. The bill applies to lawsuits filed on or after July 1, 2025, if enacted.
This bill designates March 16-17, 2026, as AARP Tennessee Day on the Hill to recognize the organization's advocacy work for people aged 50 and older. It directly affects AARP Tennessee members and state officials by formally acknowledging the group's efforts to protect seniors from fraud, support caregiving, and promote age-friendly communities. The resolution includes a ceremonial clause for presenting a copy of the document to AARP upon request. The bill was introduced but was withdrawn on March 25, 2026, and did not become law.
SB 2328 amends Tennessee law to extend the deadline for an advisory task force to submit its findings on judicial district composition from January 1, 2027, to January 15, 2027. This procedural change affects the judicial districts advisory task force, which reviews how judicial districts are structured. The bill modifies Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 16, Section 16-2-522(a)(4), solely by adjusting the submission date. It does not create new policy or impact residents directly.
HB 2418 amends Tennessee law to extend the deadline for filling vacancies on municipal energy authority boards from 90 to 95 days. This change applies directly to boards of directors for municipal energy authorities when a vacancy occurs due to a director's death, resignation, or removal. The bill specifically updates Tennessee Code Annotated Section 7-36-110(c) to reflect the new 95-day timeframe, requiring the board to fill the vacancy and gain governing body approval within this longer period. It affects local energy authorities and their oversight bodies across Tennessee, with no new policy requirements beyond the extended deadline.
HB 2472 amends Tennessee's criminal code to redefine "criminally negligent conduct" for negligent homicide charges. It specifically includes failing to assist someone who is unconscious or needs medical care *if* the person knows or should know the condition resulted from controlled substance use. This directly affects individuals who witness drug-related medical emergencies but do not provide aid. The bill expands the legal definition of negligent homicide to cover these situations, effective July 1, 2026, without changing existing penalties. The amendment applies only to cases where drug use caused the medical emergency.
HB 2315 would allow licensed psychologists in Tennessee to prescribe certain medications, including controlled substances, after meeting specific education and training requirements. To qualify, psychologists must complete a post-doctoral master's program in clinical psychopharmacology (with 450 patient contact hours), pass a national exam, and complete a one-year fellowship with at least 100 patient evaluations under physician supervision. The Tennessee Board of Examiners in Psychology would certify qualified psychologists and establish renewal rules. This bill would directly affect psychologists seeking prescribing authority and their patients, expanding access to mental health treatment options within psychology practice.
HB 2558 extends the deadline for healthcare facilities to file written opposition to new facility applications from 15 to 30 days before a commission hearing. This affects hospitals or healthcare institutions seeking to build or expand in Tennessee, as they must now give opponents more time to respond. The bill amends Tennessee law to require that public notices about proposed projects include a statement about this extended notice period. The change takes effect on July 1, 2026.
