HB 2502 classifies international money transfers originating in Tennessee (sent outside the U.S. or its territories) as taxable services for licensed money transmission companies. It requires tax revenues from these transactions to be allocated as follows: 25% to the state general fund, 25% to counties for infrastructure projects based on population, 25% to a new K-12 teacher salary fund, and 25% to a law enforcement training pay supplement. The bill establishes a dedicated "international money transmission tax fund" to manage these revenues, with refunds available for taxpayers who apply between June 1-30 annually. This policy directly affects money transmission businesses operating under Tennessee's Money Transmission Modernization Act.
SB 1868 defines a new category called "child in need of heightened supervision" for children who exhibit or threaten violent behavior consistent with specific offenses (like assault), regardless of formal charges or prior adjudication. This bill directly affects children who display violent conduct in schools or communities, expanding when authorities can detain or commit them to residential care. Key provisions include updating detention criteria to include this new category, requiring notification to children about assault consequences in residential facilities, and adding a six-month extension to indefinite custody if a child assaults staff. The bill amends multiple sections of Tennessee’s child welfare laws to implement these changes, effective July 1, 2026.
SB 1909 changes eligibility rules for Tennessee's drug treatment courts by revising the definition of a "violent offender." It removes convictions for domestic assault from being considered a violent offense that disqualifies someone from these courts, while requiring that a disqualifying violent offense must now be a felony committed within the past 10 years. This means individuals previously barred due to a domestic assault conviction (but without a recent felony violent offense) may now qualify for drug treatment court instead of standard criminal sentencing. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated § 16-22-103 and takes effect July 1, 2026.
SB 468, the "Women's Safety and Protection Act," defines "female" and "male" biologically (based on reproductive systems at birth) for state law applications. It requires Tennessee state agencies to maintain separate facilities and accommodations for biological females in correctional facilities, juvenile detention centers, domestic violence shelters, restrooms, and dormitories to protect safety and privacy. The bill mandates that biological sex - not gender identity - determines eligibility for these spaces, prohibiting agencies from banning such distinctions in settings where safety or privacy is a concern. It applies directly to women, girls, and facilities serving them, with specific provisions for restrooms, sleeping quarters, and shelter access. The law overrides conflicting state laws to enforce these biological sex-based definitions.
HB 1450 restricts who can post bail for defendants in Tennessee. It prohibits most organizations (not including the defendant, their family, legal guardian, employer, or licensed bail bondsmen) from posting bail security for more than three defendants in a single year or for the same defendant more than once per year. Entities seeking to post bail must first obtain approval under new requirements. The bill amends Tennessee law to clarify definitions (like "family" including third-degree relatives and household members) and limits non-licensed entities from operating bail services. It takes effect July 1, 2026.
SB 1968 requires Tennessee school districts to count unexcused absences from a student's previous school when they transfer to a new district, so those absences contribute to truancy determinations at the new school. It also mandates that school directors refer students who withdrew without transferring to juvenile court if they had received truancy interventions and accumulated unexcused absences. The bill directly affects students, school districts, and juvenile courts by changing how attendance records are handled across school transfers. Key provisions include carrying forward prior absences to the new school and requiring documentation for juvenile court referrals.
SB 2434 creates a new Class C misdemeanor offense for knowingly operating an unmanned aircraft (drone) over the grounds of a school in Tennessee. This law directly affects drone operators who fly near schools, making such intentional activity a punishable offense. The bill amends Tennessee Code to add this specific provision under criminal offenses, classifying it as a Class C misdemeanor (not a felony) and setting an effective date of July 1, 2026. It does not apply to general drone use but specifically targets flights over school property without authorization.
HB 1642 removes expiration dates for specific public record exemptions in Tennessee law, amending TCA Section 10-7-504. The bill deletes five listed exemptions (including those related to law enforcement records and personnel files) that previously had set end dates. This change makes these exemptions permanent, meaning government agencies no longer need to re-evaluate their applicability after a certain period. The bill directly affects state and local government agencies that manage public records, as it alters how long certain information remains exempt from disclosure requests under the state’s open records law.
SB 218 creates a presumption that defendants charged with offenses involving firearm use/display or causing serious injury/death should not be released on personal recognizance before trial. This directly affects individuals facing these specific charges and requires magistrates to document written reasoning if they override this presumption. The bill mandates that magistrates include specific written findings for each factor considered when determining bail, rather than relying on general discretion. It amends Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-11-115 and takes effect July 1, 2025.
HB 1177 extends the time limit for filing misdemeanor charges against defendants found incompetent to stand trial from 11 months and 29 days to two years after arrest, unless the defendant is restored to competency. It directly affects misdemeanor defendants declared incompetent by a court, requiring prosecutors to move faster or dismiss charges if competency isn't restored. The bill also mandates that when such a defendant is released into the community after charges are dismissed due to incompetence, the chief officer must notify the court, provide a discharge notice, and share an outpatient treatment plan designed to ensure community safety. These changes update Tennessee Code Sections 33-7-301 and 52-6-102.
