SB 1291 expands tuition assistance under Tennessee's STRONG Act for National Guard members by covering additional fees beyond tuition, including parking, technology, and library fees for both undergraduate and master's degree programs. It increases the maximum credit hour limit for eligibility from 120 to 130 hours, shortens the application deadline for reimbursement from 90 to 45 days after course completion, and adds a new ineligibility rule for members suspended from federal tuition aid. The bill directly affects Tennessee National Guard members pursuing higher education at public institutions. These changes streamline financial aid access while clarifying covered costs and eligibility requirements.
SB 228, the "LESTER Act," requires Tennessee law enforcement to accept digital copies of vehicle registration as valid proof of registration, directly affecting drivers who use digital registration and police officers during traffic stops. It amends Tennessee law to clarify that displaying a digital registration does not grant officers permission to access other contents of a driver's electronic device. The bill also updates terminology from "motor-propelled vehicle" to "motor vehicle" in relevant sections. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.
SB 1297 prohibits using digital driver licenses for voter identification in Tennessee, requiring physical licenses instead at polling places. It regulates digital license systems by banning geolocation data collection, limiting data retention to 3 days, and restricting biometric data (like face scans) to verification only. The law affects all Tennessee residents using digital licenses, particularly voters who would otherwise rely on them for ID. It also mandates strict data security and prohibits selling personal information collected through the system.
HB 1316 prohibits the use of digital driver licenses or digital photo IDs for voter identification purposes in Tennessee. The bill amends state law to require physical driver licenses for voting verification, while regulating data handling for digital license systems: it bans geolocation tracking, limits data retention to three days, and restricts biometric data collection (like facial scans) to only verifying identity against a physical license photo. These provisions directly affect Tennessee residents using digital driver licenses for non-voting purposes. The law, effective April 24, 2025, also mandates explicit user consent for biometric data and prohibits selling or sharing such data beyond law enforcement needs.
HB 321 requires all Tennessee state executive branch agencies to accept electronic document submissions instead of fax transmissions. It defines "electronic transmission" as digital communication that can be printed (e.g., email, online portals) and removes all references to "fax," "facsimile," or "email" from over 30 sections of state law. This change affects state agencies handling paperwork and individuals or businesses submitting documents to them, streamlining processes by standardizing digital submissions. The law takes effect January 1, 2026.
SB 814 creates a three-year grant pilot program (2025-2026 through 2027-2028) for Tennessee school districts meeting specific criteria. Eligible districts - those identified as priority schools under state accountability rules or experiencing student fatalities from gun violence on campus - can receive grants to purchase AI-powered weapons detection systems that identify knives and firearms and immediately alert law enforcement. The program requires all systems to notify authorities upon detection and mandates annual reporting to the legislature on grant distribution and system coverage. Funds must be fully allocated each year to eligible districts, with unused funds redirected toward other approved security measures if all target schools are covered. The pilot ends July 31, 2028.
