Commerce

HB 1916 modifies Tennessee's real estate licensing rules to exempt affiliated brokers (brokers working under a larger firm) from needing extra licenses or training hours when handling vacation lodging services. It requires that all vacation lodging services must be directly supervised by a principal broker from the affiliated broker, main broker, or firm. The bill specifically amends Tennessee Code § 62-13-104 to remove these additional requirements for vacation lodging agents while maintaining supervision standards. This affects real estate professionals managing vacation rentals in Tennessee, streamlining their licensing process without changing core regulatory oversight.

HB 2381 requires public utilities to submit written requests to the Tennessee Public Utility Commission when seeking cost recovery for innovative natural gas infrastructure projects. This technical amendment updates existing law (TCA §65-5-114(c)) to replace previous allowances for oral requests with a written submission requirement. The bill directly affects utilities seeking to recover infrastructure costs through the Commission. It does not change cost recovery eligibility or rates, only the method for submitting requests.

HB 1677, the "Military Families Licensing Recognition Act," streamlines occupational licensing for military-connected individuals in Tennessee. It allows active or retired military members, spouses, and dependents to obtain a Tennessee license in their occupation if they hold a current license from another state or the military with similar scope, meet education/experience requirements, and have no disqualifying records. Licensing boards must issue licenses within 10 business days after applicants verify their qualifications under penalty of perjury. The bill does not override state licensing laws, make licenses valid in other states, or affect court-regulated professions.

HB 1985 removes the requirement for alarm contractors to hold a license when selling, installing, or monitoring still cameras and televisions. This change directly affects alarm contractors who previously needed special licensing for these devices. The bill amends Tennessee Code Section 62-32-304(j) to exclude still cameras and televisions from the list of equipment subject to licensing under the Alarm Contractors Licensing Act. The policy change simplifies licensing requirements for contractors working with common consumer electronics.

HB 1709 requires applicants for most licensed professions in Tennessee to be either a U.S. citizen or a "qualified alien" (as defined in existing law) to obtain a license, certificate, or permit. It directly affects professionals in fields covered by the amended code sections, including court reporters, lawyers, aeronautics instructors, and healthcare providers. The bill adds this citizenship or immigration status requirement to eligibility criteria across multiple licensing statutes, replacing prior language without specifying alternative qualifications. This change applies to all new applications and renewals under the affected professions, though it does not alter existing license holders' status. The bill is currently in committee review as of January 2026.