State legislators continue work as snow blankets Tennessee Slick roadways and frigid temperatures prompted schools, businesses and state offices to close on Feb. 19, but members of the General Assembly continued doing the people’s business at the state Capitol in Nashville. The Tennessee Department of Transportation worked diligently over the week to ensure roads were […]
State legislators continue work as snow blankets Tennessee
Slick roadways and frigid temperatures prompted schools, businesses and state offices to close on Feb. 19, but members of the General Assembly continued doing the people’s business at the state Capitol in Nashville. The Tennessee Department of Transportation worked diligently over the week to ensure roads were clear and safe as communities across the Volunteer State received several inches of snow.
The House of Representatives canceled morning meetings on Wednesday but lawmakers were back discussing bills in committees and subcommittees by mid-day, advancing proposals to improve education, criminal justice and health in Tennessee.
Tennessee Health SNAP Act promotes nutritious food options
A Republican proposal that seeks topromote healthy living in Tennessee advanced out of the House Health Subcommittee this week.
The Tennessee Health SNAP Act, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Jason Zachary, R-Knoxville, requires the Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) to request a waiver from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to allow the Volunteer State to prohibit the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits on candy and soft drinks.
“The purpose of SNAP is to provide food security and nutrition to low-income Americans,” Zachary said. “There is no nutritional value to candy or soft drinks, and these goods should not be purchased with public funds in Tennessee. The Tennessee Health SNAP Act will help further the nationwide campaign to make America healthy again while ensuring this important benefit is used wisely in our state by residents who rely on it.”
House Bill 1236 instructs the department to have a plan to ensure existing point-of-sale systems can properly enforce the prohibition of candy and soft drinks. The bill will also provide education and outreach opportunities on alternative healthy food options for SNAP recipients.
If the USDA approves the waiver, the DHS will have six months to implement the new program.
Similar legislation has been introduced in the United States House of Representatives to stop tax dollars from subsidizing unhealthy foods, including soft drinks, candy, ice cream and prepared desserts. Additionally, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has expressed her intent to work with other federal government leaders to prohibit the use of food stamps to purchase junk food and sugary drinks. More than 20 percent of SNAP dollars reportedly go toward soda, candy, desserts and other junk foods.
The SNAP program is an initiative of the USDA and is administered at the state level by the DHS. House Bill 1236 is scheduled to be heard in the House Health Committee in the coming weeks
Bill requires reporting of land purchases by foreign companies
A proposal to ensure the state has a record of land owned by foreign companies will be up for consideration in the House Cities and Counties Subcommittee on Feb. 26.
House Bill 219, sponsored by State Rep. Jay Reedy, R-Erin, requires all foreign land purchases in the Volunteer State to be reported to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. It enforces a civil penalty of 25% of the property value for failing to comply.
“Similar reporting is already required at the federal level by the United States Department of Agriculture through the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act,” Reedy said. “This bill ensures the state is also informed of any purchases by foreign parties.”
Reedy spearheaded passage of a new law during the 113th General Assembly that banned nations listed as foreign adversaries by the federal government from purchasing or acquiring land in the state unless certain conditions were met.
More than 422,000 acres of agricultural land out of 26.3 million in Tennessee is owned by foreign parties, according to a 2021 report.
Republicans further efforts to combat bullying
A Republican lawmaker has filed a bill to temporarily suspend a juvenile’s driving privileges if they are found adjudicated delinquent for harassment, bullying or cyberbullying.
House Bill 1025, sponsored by State Rep. Lowell Russell, R-Vonore, would suspend a juvenile’s driving privileges for one year as part of their disposition.
“Bullying can have a lasting emotional impact on a child, and strengthening the consequences for bullies is one way we can continue to address the growing issue,” Russell said.
The General Assembly in 2024 approved legislation championed by Russell that formally defined bullying, cyberbullying and harassment in state law. House Bill 1025 is scheduled to be heard in the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee on Feb. 26.
Study to provide best practices for teacher evaluations
A proposal that aims to standardize best practices for teacher evaluations advanced out of the House K-12 Subcommittee this week.
House Bill 1193, sponsored by State Rep. Scott Cepicky, R-Culleoka, will require the Tennessee Department of Education to conduct a study on teacher evaluation practices in Tennessee and across the country with the state board of education.
“We’ll look inwardly and we’ll look outwardly of the best practices that we can find on how to evaluate our teachers in the classroom and bring that recommendation back to these committees in January of 2026,” Cepicky said.
The bill requires the department to form a committee with experienced teachers and other experts to review and analyze evaluation practices to enhance student learning and outcomes. The state board of education will submit the committee’s findings and recommendations in a final report to House and Senate Education Committees by Jan. 31, 2026.
This legislation builds on previous Republican laws that sought to find the best practices for teaching English Language Arts (ELA) and math in Tennessee. House Bill 1193 is scheduled to be heard for consideration in the House Education Committee on Feb. 25.
Individualized Investigational Treatment Act advances
Legislation to allow doctors to provide personalized treatments for terminally ill patients in medical trials advanced out of the House Health Subcommittee this week.
The Individualized Investigational Treatment Act, sponsored by State Rep. Bryan Terry, R-Murfreesboro, expands the Right to Try Act passed by the General Assembly in 2015.
“The Right to Try Act created a parallel process for terminally ill patients to participate in generalized treatment trials, and this bill will provide a process to include individualized treatments such as gene therapies, designed for each unique patient,” Terry said.
President Donald Trump signed a federal Right to Try Act in 2018, but the law has not evolved with scientific advancements. New treatments include gene therapies, which use specific molecules to alter genes in the body, and custom-made vaccines that target specific cancer cells.
Tennessee would join several states that have enacted similar legislation. House Bill 192 is scheduled to be heard in the House Health Committee on Feb. 25.
Bill creates review board for juvenile justice cases
A bill proposing a Juvenile Justice Review Commission advanced out of the House Children and Family Affairs Subcommittee this week.
House Bill 501,sponsored by State Rep. Mary Littleton, R-Dickson, would create a commission to study cases and critical incidents involving adjudicated juveniles to discuss ways to improve the juvenile justice system. Critical incidents in the juvenile justice system include escape, self-harm or abuse by staff.
The proposed commission would mirror the Tennessee Second Look Commission (SLC) which meets every other month to review severe child abuse and neglect cases. The commission would be required to submit an annual report.
“During my time on the SLC, we’ve developed impactful legislation from these case studies,” Littleton said. “I believe creating a similar board to review the juvenile justice system would have great benefits for our children and state.”
House Bill 501 will be heard in the House Judiciary Committee on Feb. 26.
Life, Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness months proposed
A Republican lawmaker has proposed legislation designating June, July and August in the Volunteer State as months celebrating core American values.
House Bill 327, sponsored by State Rep. Gino Bulso, R-Brentwood, will permanently designate June as Celebration of Life Month, July as Celebration of Liberty Month, and August as Celebration of the Pursuit of Happiness Month in Tennessee.
“The United States will soon celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a testament to the enduring spirit of the American people and the importance of treasuring our rich history,” Bulso said. “Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are part of the fabric of our state and nation and they are ideals that should continue to be honored. Tennessee is one of the freest states in the nation and this legislation will encourage residents to appreciate the many liberties we all enjoy.”
The month of June was chosen as the Celebration of Life Month to commemorate the date the United States Supreme Court decided Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade. July was selected as Celebration of Liberty Month to recognize the month when the United States gained its independence, and August was chosen as Celebration of Pursuit of Happiness Month to commemorate when Tennessee children return to the classroom.
House Bill 327 is expected to be heard for consideration in the House Naming and Designating Committee in the coming weeks.
Legislation protects Tennesseans’ DNA, organs
Legislation aimed at safeguarding Tennesseans’ DNA and organs from foreign adversaries advanced out of the House Health Subcommittee this week.
TheTennessee Genomic Security and End Organ Harvesting Act, sponsored by State Rep. Bryan Terry, R-Murfreesboro, addresses genomic security and ensures the state is disconnected from China’s illegal organ harvesting practices.
“Genetic sequencers have revolutionized medicine and research, but companies from places like China are collecting our data from their products in the U.S.,” Terry said. “While there is no evidence that this has occurred in Tennessee, the legislation aims to protect citizens and stand against human rights violations by China.”
Genetic information helps diagnose diseases, develop new drugs and advance understanding of biology. Researchers can take blood or saliva and analyze the DNA with bioinformatics software to identify genetic variations and mutations. This bill prohibits the use of genetic sequencers or software from nations listed as foreign adversaries by the federal government.
The bill also prevents a health insurer from knowingly covering organ transplants in China or any transplants involving organs sold or donated by Chinese sources. House Bill 395 is scheduled to be heard in the House Health Committee on Feb. 25.
Pilot program provides metal detectors in K-12 schools
A proposal that would establish a pilot program to help fund the purchase of metal detectors in schools advanced to the House Education Committee for Feb. 25.
TheProtecting Tennessee Schools and Events Act, introduced by State Rep. Rush Bricken, R-Tullahoma, creates additional layers of safety in K-12 schools by providing portable walk-through metal detectors.
Bricken’s proposal seeks to address security gaps in distressed and at-risk school districts, which can lead to unequal access to vital safety equipment, such as walk-through metal detectors. While some districts have the resources to ensure safety, distressed and at-risk counties face financial challenges in securing these tools.
House Bill 399 proposes to cover the cost of the equipment, installation and training. The program will support 40 districts across the state and include data collection to assess its impact on school safety.
Bill standardizes Emergency Rescue Squad practices
A bill introduced by State Rep. Dennis Powers, R-Jacksboro, aims to establish a framework for standardizing rescue squads throughout Tennessee.
House Bill 357, known as the Rescue Squad Recognition Act, sets clear standards to ensure rescue squads, whether municipal, county, or nonprofit, are equipped to provide quality emergency response services.
The bill requires rescue squads to meet specific qualifications in at least four of 11 rescue disciplines, including animal technical rescue, rope rescue and floodwater rescue. The state fire marshal’s office will oversee the recognition process, working with industry groups to ensure squads follow best practices and meet required standards.
Additionally, the bill requires rescue squads to receive approval from the local governing body where they operate and renew their recognition every three years. The state fire marshal will manage the application process, which includes a $50 fee for both initial recognition and renewals. Squads will also be required to report after emergency responses, contributing to a system that tracks effectiveness. Existing rescue squads that do not meet the new definition can apply for an exemption. House Bill 357 is scheduled to be heard for consideration in the House State and Local Government Committee on Feb. 26.
Republicans recognize historic family farms in Tennessee
A program to recognize historic family farms in Tennessee will soon be codified into state law through the Tennessee Century Farms Act.
House Bill 901, sponsored by State Rep. Chris Todd, R-Madison County, will create the Tennessee Century Farms Program within the Tennessee Department of Agriculture to honor family farms owned by Tennesseans that are at least 10 acres, generate at least $1,000 in revenue per year, and have remained in the founder’s family continuously for at least 100 years.
“Historic family farms are part of the fabric of communities across the state and have played an integral role in keeping agriculture Tennessee’s top industry,” Todd said. “The Century Farms Act will recognize farmers who have worked hard to continue their family’s legacies while upholding our state’s agricultural heritage.”
The program provides commemorative signs to farms and will educate Tennesseans on the importance of century farms to the state’s agricultural industry while promoting the Volunteer State’s rich farming history. The Century Farms Program was first established in 1975 and has certified nearly 2,100 family farms. House Bill 901 is scheduled to be heard in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee on Feb 25.
General Assembly honors Future Farmers of America
Members of the General Assembly on Feb. 20 welcomed Tennessee Future Farmers of America (FFA) students to the state Capitol in celebration of National FFA Week. State Rep. Renea Jones, R-Unicoi, honored the state officer team on the House floor, which represents more than 33,000 students who work to continue growing the agriculture industry in Tennessee.
Agriculture remains Tennessee’s No. 1 industry. Republicans are committed to protecting farmers, conserving farmland and encouraging more young people to enter the agricultural industry. Gov. Bill Lee’s proposed budget this year includes $92 million to help revitalize and equip six youth education camps in the Volunteer State, including $46 million for five 4-H camps and $46 million for an FFA lodge at Camp Clements, the oldest FFA camp in the nation.
Briefly…
Future teacher scholarships: A bill to enhance opportunities for future teachers in Tennessee was approved by the House Higher Education Subcommittee on Feb. 19. House Bill 504, sponsored by State Rep. Mark White, R-Memphis, expands the Tennessee Future Teacher Scholarship Act of 2023 to help address Tennessee’s teacher shortage. The bill sets a standard $5,000 scholarship, loosens eligibility criteria and reduces from four years to two years the required time a recipient must agree to teach in a targeted area. House Bill 504 is scheduled to be considered in the House Education Committee on Feb. 25.
School facility investments: A bill creating a way for public schools to invest their savings for future capital projects advanced out of the House K-12 Subcommittee this week. House Bill 224, sponsored by State Rep.Kirk Haston, R-Lobelville, would allow public schools to open a capital project trust to invest surplus funds from their annual budget and generate interest to support future capital projects. House Bill 224 is scheduled to be heard in the House Education Committee on Feb. 25.
Addressing chronic student absenteeism:Legislation that aims to address chronic student absenteeismin K-12 public schools advanced to the House Education Committee for Feb. 25. House Bill 61, introduced by State Rep. Kevin Raper, R-Cleveland, safeguards student privacy while authorizing a subpoena to be issued for a student’s attendance history when a complaint or referral is made related to educational neglect. State law requires local school boards to adopt a progressive truancy plan that implements tiers of intervention when a student violates attendance requirements prior to the filing of a truancy petition or criminal prosecution of a parent or guardian committing educational neglect. The bill ensures that a student’s full attendance record can be accessed in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and other privacy laws.
Virtual student athletics:House Bill 355, introduced by State Rep. Dennis Powers, R-Jacksboro, ensures eligible virtual school students can try out for athletic teams at local public schools, provided they meet the necessary eligibility criteria. Powers emphasized that virtual school students should have the same opportunities as their peers in traditional schools for extracurricular activities, including sports. The bill requires public schools in athletic organizations to allow participation while maintaining that selection decisions remain at the discretion of coaches and school officials. House Bill 355 is scheduled for consideration by the House Education Committee on Feb. 25.
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