Technology (Telecommunications)

died · Tennessee · House Mar 23, 2026

HJR 1158: Memorials, Recognition - AT&T, 150th anniversary -

This Tennessee House Joint Resolution honors AT&T's 150th anniversary by commemorating the company's founding and the first telephone call made by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876. The resolution expresses appreciation for AT&T's historical role in advancing telecommunications and its ongoing contributions to connectivity, broadband infrastructure, and economic opportunity in Tennessee. It does not create new laws or regulations but serves as a formal recognition of the company's legacy and impact on communication technology.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill recognizes AT&T's contributions to telecommunications, broadband infrastructure, and economic opportunity, showing positive stance toward technology advancement.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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signed · Tennessee · House May 26, 2026

HB 2408: Telecommunications - As enacted, requires a person or entity that makes telephone solicitations using an automated telephone dialing system to delivery artificial or prerecorded voice messages to residential subscribers in this state to maintain a record of the number of such telephone solicitations made each month; makes other related changes. - Amends TCA Title 47, Chapter 18; Title 65 and Title 67.

HB 2408 requires Tennessee's Public Utility Commission to include an annual report on telemarketing compliance in its regular report to state legislators. This report specifically tracks whether companies follow state rules about making unsolicited phone or text calls to home phone users. The bill directs this additional report to be sent to the chairs of two key legislative committees: the House Commerce Committee and the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee. It does not change existing telemarketing laws but adds a new reporting requirement for the commission. The bill is currently pending review in the Senate Banking & Consumer Affairs Subcommittee.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires annual report on telemarketing compliance, enforcing existing data privacy protections against unsolicited calls/texts90% confidence

Sub-Topics Telecommunications

in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 13, 2025

SB 538: Disabled Persons - As introduced, enacts the "Autism Spectrum Online Protection Act." - Amends TCA Title 33; Title 37; Title 39 and Title 52.

SB 538, the "Autism Spectrum Online Protection Act," creates new protections for autistic young adults (ages 18-25) under court-appointed conservatorship. It makes it a Class A misdemeanor to use online platforms to groom, sextort, or sexually exploit this group - defined as building trust to commit abuse. The law requires online platforms to implement policies preventing such exploitation and gives conservators/families tools to monitor online safety. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates new criminal penalties (Class A misdemeanor) for online exploitation of autistic young adults, protecting vulnerable populations and aligning with civil rights protections in criminal justice.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires online platforms to implement abuse prevention policies, strengthening data privacy protections for vulnerable users under TCA regulations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Online Safety Telecommunications

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in committee · Tennessee · House Feb 3, 2025

HB 311: Disabled Persons - As introduced, enacts the "Autism Spectrum Online Protection Act." - Amends TCA Title 33; Title 37; Title 39 and Title 52.

HB 311, the "Autism Spectrum Online Protection Act," creates new protections for autistic young adults aged 18-25 who are under legal guardianship (conservatorship). It makes it a Class A misdemeanor to use online platforms to groom such individuals for sexual exploitation, sextortion, or trafficking. The bill also urges online platforms to implement policies preventing these harms and requires tools for conservators/families to monitor online activities. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates Class A misdemeanor for online grooming of autistic adults, strengthening legal protections against exploitation and enhancing law enforcement tools for vulnerable populations.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill requires online platforms to implement safety policies preventing exploitation of autistic users, strengthening digital rights and consumer protection via platform regulation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Telecommunications

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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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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Feb 18, 2026

SB 10: Local Education Agencies - As introduced, requires LEAs and public charter schools to adopt a policy to prohibit students from using wireless communication devices during instructional time except in certain circumstances. - Amends TCA Title 49.

This bill requires Tennessee public schools and local education agencies to adopt a policy prohibiting students from using wireless communication devices (like phones, tablets, or laptops) during instructional time, except in specific cases. Exceptions include educational use permitted by a teacher, emergencies or health management, and use authorized by a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan. Schools must publish this policy online and may allow teachers to temporarily withhold devices from students who violate it. The rule takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year and applies to all public schools in Tennessee.

Topics ✗ EducationOpposes EducationRestricts student device use during instructional time, limiting access to technology in classrooms despite educational exceptions.85% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyRestricts student device use during class, limiting internet access as per bill's explicit prohibition of wireless communication devices in instructional time.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Special Education Teachers Telecommunications

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Apr 4, 2025

SB 897: Students - As enacted, requires local boards of education and public charter school governing bodies to adopt a policy to prohibit students from using wireless communication devices during instructional time, except in certain circumstances; makes related changes. - Amends TCA Title 49.

SB 897 requires Tennessee public schools and charter schools to create policies banning student use of wireless devices (like phones, tablets, or laptops) during instructional time, except for educational purposes approved by teachers, emergencies, health management, or as specified in a student's IEP or 504 plan. Schools must publish these policies online and establish procedures to contact parents during emergencies, ensuring device restrictions don't block emergency notifications. The law applies to all local school boards and public charter schools starting with the 2025-2026 school year. It directly affects students, teachers, and school administrators by changing device use rules during class.

Topics ✗ EducationOpposes EducationRestricts student device use during instruction, limiting classroom technology access and academic freedom per bill's mandatory ban on wireless devices except specified exceptions.95% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill explicitly restricts student use of wireless devices (technology) during instruction, limiting technology access in schools. This directly aligns with 'restrict' in the 'oppose' definition for technology policies.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Choice Special Education Telecommunications

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died · Tennessee · House Feb 6, 2025

HB 41: Education - As introduced, requires each local board of education and public charter school governing body to adopt a wireless communication policy that requires students to keep wireless communication devices turned off and stowed away during a classroom instructional day or during instructional time except in certain circumstances. - Amends TCA Title 49.

HB 41 would require Tennessee public school districts and charter schools to adopt policies mandating that students keep wireless communication devices (such as cell phones, tablets, and laptops) turned off and stored during class time. Exceptions include using devices for educational purposes with teacher permission, for health monitoring as prescribed by a healthcare provider, or if device use is part of a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan. The policy must also establish a process for schools to contact parents during emergencies. This bill would apply to the 2025-2026 school year and beyond if enacted.

Topics ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill restricts student use of wireless devices (technology) during class, requiring them turned off/stowed, directly limiting technology access in educational settings.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Telecommunications

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in committee · Tennessee · House Feb 5, 2025

HB 549: State Government - As introduced, creates the "Tennessee Critical Infrastructure Act." - Amends TCA Title 4.

HB 549, if passed, would create the "Tennessee Critical Infrastructure Protection Act" to restrict foreign adversaries from accessing Tennessee's critical infrastructure. The bill prohibits companies and government entities from contracting with foreign adversaries (countries listed under 15 CFR 791.4) for critical infrastructure projects that would allow remote access or control of systems like power grids, water supplies, telecom networks, or transportation systems. Exceptions are permitted only if no reasonable alternatives exist, the contract is pre-approved by the Department of Finance and Administration, and the risk of not contracting outweighs the security threat. Companies must also register with the Department of Commerce and Insurance, conduct background checks on employees with infrastructure access, and ban foreign nationals from adversary nations from such roles.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill enhances cybersecurity by restricting foreign adversaries from accessing critical infrastructure systems like power grids and telecom networks.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill explicitly prohibits foreign adversaries from accessing transportation systems, protecting critical infrastructure as part of security measures.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Telecommunications Vehicle Registration

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signed · Tennessee · House Apr 4, 2025

HB 932: Students - As enacted, requires local boards of education and public charter school governing bodies to adopt a policy to prohibit students from using wireless communication devices during instructional time, except in certain circumstances; makes related changes. - Amends TCA Title 49.

HB 932 requires Tennessee public schools to create policies banning student use of phones, tablets, and other wireless devices during class time, except for specific educational purposes, health emergencies, or when required by a student's special education plan (IEP) or 504 plan. The policy must allow teachers to permit device use for learning, let students access devices in emergencies, and ensure parents can be contacted during crises. Schools must publish these policies online and may temporarily withhold devices from students who violate the rules. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, applying to all public schools and charter schools in the state.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates policies restricting student device use during class to reduce distractions and promote learning, directly supporting a focused educational environment per summary.95% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyRestricts student device use in schools, limiting technology access during instruction per bill's prohibition of wireless devices except for specific exceptions.90% confidence

Sub-Topics School Choice Special Education Telecommunications