This bill prohibits Tennessee law enforcement from detaining individuals based solely on an ICE immigration request (detainer) or immigration status. It requires any detention or transfer to ICE to be based on a valid judicial warrant signed by a judge, showing probable cause for the specific person. Individuals unlawfully detained under this law may sue for damages of at least $1,000 per day, plus attorney fees. The law states ICE detainers have no legal effect in Tennessee and explicitly prohibits state officers from claiming federal policy as a defense for violating these rules.
HB 2062 raises Tennessee's legal threshold for marijuana possession that triggers a Class A misdemeanor from 1/2 ounce to 5 ounces. For first-time possession of less than 5 ounces, the penalty would be a $500 fine; repeat offenses would incur a $1,000 fine. This bill directly affects individuals possessing marijuana between 1/2 ounce and 5 ounces, which previously faced misdemeanor charges at the lower threshold. The changes, effective July 1, 2026, apply to Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-418 and § 39-17-417.
HB 1636 allows video recordings of child victims interviewed by forensic interviewers to be used as evidence in court. The bill specifically permits this when the interviewer is a Department of Children's Services (DCS) employee who meets certain qualifications and conducts interviews under a qualifying child advocacy center. It amends Tennessee evidence law to establish these requirements for admissibility. The provision expires on July 1, 2031, and applies only to cases involving sexual or physical violence against children. This directly affects court proceedings involving child victims and the evidence standards for DCS-employed interviewers.
HB 1662 upgrades certain trespass offenses to Class C felonies in Tennessee. Specifically, it increases penalties for "aggravated criminal trespass" when a trespasser encounters a property owner using or displaying a firearm in self-defense. The bill also expands the definition of aggravated trespass to include causing fear for others' safety, damaging barriers to enter property, or recklessly damaging property on-site. This change directly affects individuals committing trespass on private property, particularly in scenarios where owners defend themselves with firearms. The law would take effect July 1, 2026, applying to offenses occurring on or after that date.
SB 1523 extends the expiration date of Tennessee's Inmate Disciplinary Oversight Board to June 30, 2028. This board reviews disciplinary actions taken against inmates in state correctional facilities. The bill amends specific sections of Tennessee law (TCA Title 4, Chapter 29 and Title 41, Chapter 21, Part 10) to update the board's sunset date. The extension ensures continued oversight of inmate discipline processes without altering the board's existing responsibilities.
HR 144 is a Tennessee House resolution urging the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to immediately release remaining Epstein-related files required by law, including flight logs, communications, financial records, and identities of individuals connected to Epstein's crimes. It directly addresses the federal government, citing the DOJ's failure to meet a court-ordered deadline for disclosure. The resolution emphasizes that transparency is essential for justice, protecting victims, and upholding Tennessee's values regarding accountability for sexual exploitation. While non-binding, it calls on Tennessee's congressional delegation to support federal efforts to compel the file release.
HB 1622 extends the expiration date of Tennessee's Post-Conviction Defender Oversight Commission from its original deadline to June 30, 2032. This commission oversees public defenders representing individuals after conviction, directly affecting those legal services and the oversight body managing them. The bill amends specific Tennessee Code sections to update the commission's sunset date, ensuring its continued operation without requiring new legislation before 2032. The change provides long-term stability for the oversight process but does not alter the commission's duties or funding.
SB 1949, the "mRNA Bioweapons Prohibition Act," prohibits the manufacture, possession, or distribution of modified mRNA products (including certain vaccines and gene therapies) in Tennessee, classifying violations as Class B felonies - equivalent to weapons of mass destruction offenses. It defines prohibited products as synthetic mRNA with specific genetic modifications (e.g., N-methyl-pseudouridine substitutions) used in medical treatments, excluding naturally occurring mRNA. The bill requires state and local officials to investigate violations and allows residents to sue for enforcement failures. It exempts naturally occurring mRNA and takes effect July 1, 2026.
HB 1996 modifies Tennessee's cannabis possession laws by creating a medical exception and establishing tiered penalties for non-medical use. It permits possession only if cannabis was obtained directly from a licensed physician for a qualifying medical condition (as defined in TCA §68-7-101). For non-medical possession, it sets fines up to $100 for 1 ounce or less (with no jail time), and increases penalties for larger amounts or repeat offenses - up to $2,500 fines and 6 months in jail for third offenses of more than 1 ounce. The bill directly affects Tennessee residents who possess cannabis, distinguishing between medical use and non-compliant possession.
HB 1741 requires insurers covering incarcerated individuals in Tennessee to treat FDA-approved non-opioid pain medications equally with opioids on their preferred drug lists (PDL). Specifically, insurers must not disadvantage or discourage coverage for non-opioid pain treatments compared to opioids, provided the non-opioid has been FDA-approved for pain management for at least nine months. The bill applies to all insurance policies covering inmates, including those through TennCare or private insurers, and amends multiple Tennessee Code titles related to healthcare coverage. It takes effect January 1, 2027, and does not prevent insurers from favoring one opioid over another or one non-opioid over another.
