Technology

in committee · Tennessee · Senate Apr 4, 2025

SB 329: Computers and Electronic Processing - As enacted, requires each department, agency, office, commission, institution, or instrumentality of the executive branch to accept electronic transmissions; defines the meaning of electronic transmission as applicable to this state's code; removes the terms "fax" or "facsimile" in certain statutes and replaces the terms with electronic transmission. - Amends TCA Title 1; Title 2; Title 3; Title 4; Title 5; Title 7; Title 8; Title 9; Title 10; Title 11; Title 12; Title 13; Title 16; Title 20; Title 22; Title 24; Title 31; Title 33; Title 36; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 43; Title 44; Title 45; Title 47; Title 48; Title 49; Title 50; Title 53; Title 54; Title 55; Title 56; Title 61; Title 62; Title 63; Title 64; Title 65; Title 66; Title 67; Title 68; Title 69 and Title 71.

SB 329 requires all Tennessee state executive agencies to accept digital document submissions (replacing fax requirements) and removes "fax" or "facsimile" terminology from over 30 state code sections. It defines "electronic transmission" as digital communication (like email or online uploads) that can be stored, retrieved, and printed, excluding fax. This directly affects state agencies processing documents and anyone submitting paperwork to them, such as businesses, residents, or legal entities. The bill streamlines state operations by modernizing document submission standards without creating new programs or funding.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyReplaces fax with digital submissions across state agencies, modernizing document processing to advance electronic communication and eliminate outdated methods.95% confidence

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in committee · Tennessee · House Feb 10, 2025

HB 677: Psychologists - As introduced, requires that test materials and test data from psychological or neuropsychological testing be kept secure to avoid compromising the validity of the testing; makes other changes related to security of psychological or neuropsychological test materials and test data. - Amends TCA Title 63, Chapter 11.

HB 677 requires psychologists and neuropsychologists to securely protect test materials and data from psychological evaluations to maintain test validity. It directly affects patients undergoing evaluations, psychologists, and mental health professionals by restricting access to test materials - only licensed psychologists or trained experts can view them, not patients or third parties. Key provisions ban third-party observers (like family or attorneys) during testing, prohibit audio/video recordings, and allow exceptions only for documented disabilities, language needs, minors with psychologist approval, or trainee supervision. The bill aims to prevent compromised test results that could impact high-stakes decisions like custody cases, medical treatments, or forensic evaluations.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires secure handling of psychological test data to maintain validity and protect patient privacy, directly supporting mental health service integrity and patient rights.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates secure handling of psychological test data, directly protecting data privacy (a core element of technology policy) by restricting unauthorized access and ensuring confidentiality.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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died · Tennessee · House Feb 11, 2025

HB 768: Local Education Agencies - As introduced, requires public charter schools to adopt an internet acceptable use policy in the same manner required for LEAs; prohibits LEAs and public charter schools from tracking or monitoring a person's use of a personal electronic device on school property, except for instances in which a student uses such device during a test. - Amends TCA Title 49.

HB 768 requires public charter schools in Tennessee to adopt internet acceptable use policies identical to those mandated for traditional school districts. It prohibits all schools (including charter schools) from tracking or monitoring students' use of personal electronic devices on school property, except when devices are used during tests. The bill amends Tennessee law to ensure consistent rules for both school districts and public charter schools regarding device monitoring. It directly affects all public K-12 schools in Tennessee by standardizing device policy requirements and limiting monitoring practices. The law would take effect July 1, 2025, if passed.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires consistent internet policies and prohibits student device monitoring, protecting privacy without restricting educational access or curriculum.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits school monitoring of personal devices, protecting student data privacy per bill's explicit language on device tracking restrictions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

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in committee · Tennessee · House Feb 10, 2025

HB 697: Education - As introduced, authorizes virtual schools to administer TCAP tests to their students in a virtual setting if certain requirements are met. - Amends TCA Title 49.

HB 697 allows Tennessee virtual schools to administer standardized TCAP tests to their students remotely, provided they follow specific security and monitoring rules. It requires virtual schools to conduct tests during designated windows, use live video proctoring (with a 1:10 student-to-proctor ratio), and prevent students from leaving their testing area. The bill also mandates that schools provide a second device for video monitoring if needed, unless the test platform supports integrated camera monitoring. This applies to all virtual schools operating under Tennessee law and takes effect for the 2026-2027 school year.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationEnables virtual schools to administer required TCAP tests remotely with security protocols, supporting educational accountability and access for virtual students.92% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates cybersecurity measures (live proctoring, monitoring) for virtual testing, aligning with data privacy and security protections in educational tech.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Testing & Assessment

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 25, 2025

SB 1125: Consumer Protection - As introduced, prohibits an online payment system from freezing the funds of a user without first providing the user with a written notice of the online payment system's intent to freeze the user's funds; designates a violation as an unfair or deceptive act or practice pursuant to the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act of 1977. - Amends TCA Title 45 and Title 47, Chapter 18.

SB 1125 requires online payment systems (like Venmo or Zelle) to provide written notice to users before freezing their funds, directly affecting individuals and businesses using these platforms. It mandates that notice be sent to all involved parties in a transaction (both sender and recipient) unless fraud or financial exploitation is suspected, in which case notice must be given within 30 days. Violations would be treated as unfair or deceptive acts under Tennessee’s Consumer Protection Act (TCA § 47-18-104). The bill excludes traditional banks, credit unions, and savings associations from these requirements and takes effect July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires written notice before fund freezes by payment platforms, regulating tech companies for consumer protection under Tennessee's Consumer Protection Act.95% confidence

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Feb 12, 2025

SB 1370: State Government - As introduced, increases membership of the information systems council by adding a state employee with experience in the field of cybersecurity, to be appointed by the governor. - Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 3.

SB 1370 amends Tennessee law to add a cybersecurity-focused state employee to the Information Systems Council, appointed by the governor. This new member serves as a nonvoting council member, increasing the council's total membership. The bill specifies that members appointed under this provision (including the new cybersecurity role) are eligible for reappointment. These changes update Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 3, specifically sections 4-3-5501(b)(1), (b)(3), and (c)(3).

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyAdds cybersecurity-focused state employee to Information Systems Council, explicitly enhancing cybersecurity oversight per bill's intent.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity

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in committee · Tennessee · House Feb 11, 2025

HB 1033: Civil Procedure - As introduced, creates an affirmative defense that may be utilized by a covered entity that is the subject of a data breach, if the covered entity’s cybersecurity program meets certain criteria at the time the breach occurs. - Amends TCA Title 20; Title 29 and Title 47, Chapter 18.

HB 1033 (Tennessee) creates a legal defense for businesses that experience a data breach, provided they maintained a cybersecurity program meeting specific standards at the time of the breach. It applies to "covered entities" - businesses handling personal information, health data, or sensitive restricted information - requiring them to have written security protocols aligned with industry frameworks (like NIST). If compliant, these entities can use this defense against lawsuits alleging negligence in data security, excluding breaches from law enforcement requests or authorized employee transmissions. The bill does not change breach notification rules but offers legal protection for businesses meeting its cybersecurity criteria.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyCreates legal defense for businesses meeting cybersecurity standards (NIST-aligned), incentivizing stronger data security protocols to protect personal information.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Cybersecurity Data Privacy

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 17, 2026

SB 1156: Food and Food Products - As introduced, prohibits the sale of food containing nanotechnology created by humans that is capable of collecting and transmitting data unless the food is labeled as containing nanotechnology. - Amends TCA Title 47, Chapter 18 and Title 53.

SB 1156 requires food containing human-made nanotechnology capable of collecting and transmitting data to be clearly labeled. It bans the sale, delivery, or holding for sale of such unlabeled food. The bill defines nanotechnology as structures under 100 nanometers designed to collect and transmit data. This applies to food products sold in Tennessee starting July 1, 2025. The law directly affects food manufacturers and retailers producing or selling products containing this specific type of nanotechnology.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires labeling of food with data-collecting nanotechnology, enhancing consumer awareness about data privacy in products.95% confidence

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died · Tennessee · House Feb 6, 2025

HB 367: Consumer Protection - As introduced, prohibits certain entities from sharing, selling, or otherwise distributing a vehicle's driving data without the explicit, written consent of the owner of the vehicle, regardless of how or where the driving data is collected or stored. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 47 and Title 55.

HB 367 (Consumer Protection) prohibits vehicle manufacturers and third parties from sharing, selling, or distributing a vehicle's driving data - including information from infotainment, telematics, or sensors - without the vehicle owner's explicit, written consent. It requires entities to disclose data collection practices to owners, obtain annual consent renewals, and provide an easily accessible way to revoke consent. The bill applies to all vehicle owners in Tennessee and exempts sharing with government agencies like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration under federal law. The bill was introduced in January 2025 but was withdrawn on February 6, 2025, and never advanced further.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits unauthorized sharing of vehicle driving data without explicit consent, strengthening consumer data privacy protections in technology contexts.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy Tags Consumer Protection

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Feb 12, 2025

SB 378: State Government - As introduced, creates the "Tennessee Critical Infrastructure Act." - Amends TCA Title 4.

SB 378, the "Tennessee Critical Infrastructure Protection Act," prohibits foreign adversaries from accessing or controlling Tennessee's critical infrastructure - including power grids, water systems, telecommunications, and transportation networks - by banning agreements that would allow such access. It directly affects companies and government entities managing these systems, requiring them to certify their access, conduct background checks on employees with infrastructure access, and ban foreign nationals from adversary nations. Exceptions are permitted only if no alternative exists, the contract is pre-approved by the state, and the risk of non-approval outweighs the security threat. The bill establishes new registration requirements, fees, and security protocols to prevent foreign interference in essential state infrastructure.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill prohibits foreign adversaries from accessing critical infrastructure (including telecom networks), requiring background checks and certification to enhance cybersecurity, directly strengthening tech security measures.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Telecommunications

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