SB 1290 permanently removes a temporary expiration date for a law that excludes certain testing equipment from being classified as drug paraphernalia. Specifically, it makes permanent the exclusion of equipment used to test for synthetic opioids (like fentanyl) unless the equipment is used to commit a drug crime. This change directly affects harm reduction organizations, public health workers, and law enforcement using such tools for legitimate testing purposes. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Section 39-17-402 by deleting the prior repeal date of July 1, 2025. The law is now permanent and took effect April 3, 2025.
SB 336 changes Tennessee's voting rights laws by removing permanent voting bans for people convicted of first-degree murder, aggravated rape, treason, or voter fraud. It updates the child support requirement from "being current in all obligations" to "compliant with all current child support orders" (allowing those with past arrears to regain voting rights). The bill also adds a 3-year waiting period after sentence completion for those convicted of the specified crimes before they can petition to restore voting rights. This directly affects individuals with these specific convictions who were previously barred from voting indefinitely.
SB 1100 requires Tennessee correctional facilities to allow state inmates to receive books and educational materials donated by nonprofit book vendors, without arbitrary denial. Exceptions apply only to materials containing routine depictions of nudity or sexually explicit content that threaten security - such as those inciting violence, promoting escape plans, or advocating criminal activity. Inmates denied materials may request a hearing under state administrative procedures to challenge the decision. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, and directly affects inmates in Tennessee state correctional facilities.
HB 547 requires court clerks in Tennessee to add a $12.50 fee to every misdemeanor and felony cost bill. The collected funds must be paid to the county government (or the district attorney general’s office in multi-county districts) to support public safety services, with the district attorney general having sole discretion over how to use the money. The bill takes effect only after a two-thirds vote by the county legislative body, and district attorneys must submit annual reports detailing fund usage. It does not apply to non-moving traffic violations and is supplemental to existing funding for district attorneys.
SB 1107 removes legal immunity for Tennessee attorneys who commit serious misconduct during court proceedings, such as lying under oath, tampering with evidence, or coercing witnesses. It directly affects attorneys representing clients or prospective clients in court by making them subject to criminal prosecution for specific offenses defined in state law. The bill amends Tennessee Code to explicitly state that attorneys are not protected by the litigation privilege when engaging in acts like perjury, subornation of perjury, or falsifying evidence. This change aims to uphold court integrity by holding attorneys accountable for actions that undermine truth in legal cases.
HB 489 requires Tennessee's Department of Correction to submit an annual report by February 1st on the effectiveness of programs that divert offenders from state correctional facilities. The report must be sent to three specific legislative committees: the House committee on criminal justice, the Senate judiciary committee, and the Senate fiscal review committee. This bill amends Tennessee law to establish this reporting requirement but does not change existing diversion programs or policies. The measure focuses on creating a regular process for legislative oversight of current correctional practices.
SB 583 creates a grant program for Tennessee public schools in counties with a teen crime rate (ages 10-17) at least 10% higher than the statewide average. The Tennessee Department of Education will award grants to eligible school districts (LEAs) to fund after-school programs for students in grades K-12, requiring programs to include educational activities. Funds can expand existing programs, start new ones, or partner with 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Schools must report annually on participation and program outcomes to the legislature.
HB 1217 would repeal Tennessee's criminal abortion laws and establish a fundamental right to abortion before fetal viability (when a fetus can survive outside the womb) or when necessary to protect the pregnant person's life or health. The bill directly affects pregnant individuals in Tennessee by removing criminal penalties for abortions meeting these criteria and defining "reproductive health care" to include abortion services. Key provisions include banning state interference with these rights, defining "viability" based on a physician's medical judgment, and clarifying that a fetus has no legal rights under Tennessee law. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Titles 39, 63, and 68 to implement these changes.
SB 594 restores voting rights for Tennessee residents convicted of an "infamous crime" (serious criminal convictions) once their sentence, probation, or parole ends. It removes the previous requirement that individuals must pay all restitution, court costs, and be current on child support before regaining the right to vote. The bill clarifies that voting rights restoration occurs automatically after sentence completion, without needing a full citizenship restoration or pardon. This change applies to all eligible individuals, including those convicted before 1981, and updates voter registration forms to reflect the new eligibility criteria.
SB 17 requires Tennessee law enforcement agencies to share an individual’s immigration status with federal officials only when that person has been arrested for a criminal offense. It exempts school resource officers regarding students and people not arrested (such as victims or witnesses). The bill imposes a $1,000 civil penalty for noncompliance, enforceable by the attorney general. This bill failed in the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 17, 2025, and has not advanced further.
