Budget becomes central focus in final weeks of session Members of the House Finance, Ways and Means Committee on Tuesday were briefed by Finance and Administration Commissioner Jim Bryson about Gov. Bill Lee’s $346 million proposed supplemental budget amendment for the 2025-26 fiscal year. The appropriations amendment to the governor’s $59.5 billion budget provides additional […]
Budget becomes central focus in final weeks of session
Members of the House Finance, Ways and Means Committee on Tuesday were briefed by Finance and Administration Commissioner Jim Bryson about Gov. Bill Lee’s $346 million proposed supplemental budget amendment for the 2025-26 fiscal year.
The appropriations amendment to the governor’s $59.5 billion budget provides additional funding for infrastructure initiatives, health and social services, tourism and criminal justice. It also provides grants to several faith-based nonprofits, notably to Men of Valor through the Tennessee Department of Correction and $3.5 million to Agape Family Services through the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services.
Bryson described the state’s revenue growth as “flat” with slow growth projected next year, but said the proposed budget continues Tennessee’s commitment to fiscal conservatism and builds on the state’s investments in infrastructure and education.
“We’ve seen growth in our economy, we’ve seen growth in our budget, and it seems to be steady. That’s the good news, but it’s steady and that is also the bad news,” Bryson told members of the committee. “It’s good (overall) and we’re glad to be where we are.”
The budget amendment includes $20 million for school safety grants and $10 million for mental health infrastructure in children’s hospitals. Other investments include $25 million for aviation, $37 million for indigent representation in criminal justice courts and victim services. Another $10 million for artificial intelligence will support the state’s efforts to make state government departments more efficient.
The amendment adds an extra $25 million to the Governor’s Response and Recovery Fund, one of two disaster relief funds established during the special session in January, totaling $210 million. The fund provides flexible financial resources after disasters and addresses needs like agricultural losses, unemployment and business recovery without having to wait for federal approval.
The state’s Rainy Day Fund will receive $35.6 million, bringing the total to $2.5 billion.
Key budget allocations for 2025-26 include:
- $1.3 billion for transportation, economic development
- $740 million new dollars for education
- $510 million for health and social services
- $170 million for safety and corrections
The House Finance, Ways and Means Committee will thoroughly study the details of Gov. Lee’s proposed budget along with the new additions in the final weeks of session.
Republicans crack down on Glock switches, drive-by shootings
A Republican bill seeks to improve public safety in Tennessee by cracking down on machine gun conversion devices and drive-by shootings.
House Bill 1093, filed by House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, and guided in the House by State Rep. Andrew Farmer, R-Sevierville, will ensure people convicted of aggravated assault involving the discharge of a firearm from a motor vehicle serve 100 percent of their penalty in jail.
“If you fire and shoot at somebody out of a car and you’re convicted, you are going to be going to jail for 100 percent of that time. Not 30 percent, not 35 percent, not 50 percent. 100 percent,” Farmer said in the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee. “Day after day, you’re going to sit there and think about what you’ve done.”
The legislation will also add machine gun conversion devices, more commonly referred to as Glock switches, to the definition of a machine gun in state law. Glock switches are already illegal in Tennessee, and this legislation increases the penalty for possessing them from a Class E to a Class C felony. Additionally, the bill prohibits felons in Tennessee from possessing ammunition, mirroring federal law. House Bill 1093 has been placed behind the budget to be considered for funding at a later date.
General Assembly confirms two key judicial appointments
Members of the House and Senate on Monday confirmed the appointments of Judge Steven W. Sword and Judge Valerie L. Smith during a joint session of the General Assembly. Gov. Bill Lee in February announced the appointments of Sword to serve on the Court of Criminal Appeals, Eastern Division, and Smith to serve on the Court of Appeals, Western Division.
Sword attended King College and law school at the University of Tennessee. He previously served as a Knox County Criminal Court Judge for the 6th Judicial District and was appointed to fill the vacancy left by Judge James C. Witt, Jr., who passed away last year. Smith, who earned her bachelor’s degree and juris doctor from the University of Memphis, previously served as a Circuit Court Judge for the 30th Judicial District in Shelby County. She is filling the vacancy created by Judge Arnold B. Goldin’s retirement.
GOP bill provides critical information to school parents
The General Assembly this week passed legislation to ensure parents have vital information about their child’s individual needs to make informed decisions about their education.
House Bill 861, sponsored by State Rep. Jake McCalmon, R-Franklin, requires school districts across Tennessee to provide parents or guardians a copy of the draft individualized education program (IEP) at least 48 hours before the scheduled meeting to discuss the plan.
“Parents are in control of their child’s education and they have a right to know the challenges they face and their individualized learning needs,” McCalmon said. “Heavy topics can be discussed during IEP meetings, and this legislation provides parents with vital information in advance so they have a chance to collect their thoughts, take in the information and ensure their child can thrive in school. Tennessee Republicans are committed to expanding parental rights in education because no one knows a student better than their mother, father or guardian.”
This legislation will require copies of all evaluations and assessments taken for an IEP to be made available within the same 48-hour time frame.
Finally, House Bill 861 codifies the current Tennessee State Board of Education rule requiring districts to notify parents or guardians at least ten days before an IEP meeting.
House Bill 861 now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk to be signed into law, when it will immediately take effect.
Campaign finance reforms move through House
A Republican proposal to reform campaign finance by providing more transparency in online contributions moved through the House this week.
House Bill 581, sponsored by State Rep. Clay Doggett, R-Pulaski, requires online contribution or campaign donation platforms to register as a vendor with the Tennessee Registry of Elections. It also requires the card verification value (CVV) on credit and debit cards to be used for online contributions.
“I’ve read some articles over the last two years about some of these online platforms where individuals were showing up as donors … and had no idea that their identity had been used because they never did make these contributions,” Doggett told members of the House Elections and Campaign Finance Subcommittee this week. “Providing transparency is a big part of (this legislation), but also there’s something that’s called smurfing where you can make a contribution under someone else’s name and it makes it a lot easier with online platforms.”
Vendors will have ten days to submit information regarding any online contributions if the registry investigates a questionable donation. Additionally, using someone else’s credit or debit card to make a political contribution without their knowledge would be considered identity theft if this legislation is approved.
Finally, House Bill 581 would place the same limits on online platform contributions that currently exist for contributions from political action committees (PACs).
House Bill 581 passed along party lines in the House Elections and Campaign Finance Subcommittee this week and is scheduled to be heard for consideration in the House State and Local Government Committee on April 2.
Bill expands Tennessee Promise completion grants
A proposal to encourage more Tennessee students to earn college degrees advanced in the House this week.
House Bill 148, sponsored by State Rep. Mark White, R-Memphis, will make permanent the Tennessee Promise Completion Grant pilot program and allow students to receive up to $1,000 per semester to ensure they can cover unforeseen financial burdens to complete their educational journey.
“A lot of the young people, as we know, they have a lot of challenges sometimes and you get started in a trade school or community college and then you’re not able to finish,” White said. “What this does is (create) a fund where up to $1,000 per semester can be used to take care of things that may keep them from completing. It could be a broken-down car, flat tire, engine out or things of that nature.”
House Bill 148 will create the Tennessee Promise Completion Grant Special Account, allowing the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) to award funds to eligible students.
The Tennessee General Assembly in 2014 created the Tennessee Promise scholarship program, ensuring all students in the Volunteer State can attend any community college or Tennessee College of Applied Technology in the state tuition and mandatory-fee-free.
Republican lawmakers in 2021 expanded the program to provide students who experience financial hardship with completion grants.
More than $2 million in completion grants have been awarded to students across Tennessee since the pilot program’s inception. The legislation is scheduled to be heard for consideration in the House Finance, Ways and Means Subcommittee on April 2.
Republicans seek to create state penalties for illegal immigrants
The House Departments and Agencies Subcommittee this week advanced legislation to further combat illegal immigration in the Volunteer State.
House Bill 177, sponsored by State Rep. Lee Reeves, R-Franklin, creates a criminal offense for those illegally present in the state and establishes procedures for deportation.
“This bill is a measured, responsible step towards protecting Tennessee communities, enforcing the rule of law and demagnetizing our state (from) illegal immigration,” Reeves said.
The bill states that a person who is not lawfully in the United States and enters or remains in Tennessee would be committing a Class B misdemeanor offense on first violation and Class E felony offense on subsequent violations.
Individuals charged with violating this law would be ordered to leave the state within 72 hours. If convicted, they have 72 hours after the completion of their sentence to leave the state.
House Bill 177 is considered a trigger law, opposing the Arizona v. United States decision that barred states from criminally penalizing illegal immigrants. It would only go into effect if the decision is overturned or adjusted, a similar state law is enforceable for 60 days without legal challenge, or a U.S. constitutional amendment allows states to enforce or regulate immigration.
The bill is expected to be heard in the House State and Local Government Committee on April 2.
Bill reduces high school testing requirements
Legislation seeking to update the state’s high school assessment system to focus on college readiness exams advanced out of the House K-12 Subcommittee this week.
House Bill 91, sponsored by State Rep. Kirk Haston, R-Lobelville, removes all end-of-course (EOC) assessments except for science for students in grades 9-12 and replaces them with postsecondary readiness exams like the PreACT and ACT.
“This bill reduces unnecessary testing that is not connected to student scholarships or college requirements, while adding a much-needed focus on ACT test preparation and success,” Haston said.
In 2024, Tennessee’s average composite ACT score was down nearly one point from the state’s record-breaking score in 2018. By reducing EOC exams, schools can administer the PreACT in 9th and 10th grade before students take the ACT in 11th grade.
The science end-of-course exam will remain in place due to the ACT’s plans to eliminate that portion of its examination.
Student performance on the PreACT and ACT will be used for accountability purposes, such as evaluating student, teacher and school success. If approved by the General Assembly, the Tennessee Department of Education must request approval from the United States Department of Education to change the state’s Every Student Succeeds Act plan by Jan. 1, 2026.
House Bill 91 is expected to be heard in the House Education Committee on April 1.
House approves adding internet safety to state curriculum
Legislation that ensures Tennessee students have the tools they need to stay safe on the internet was approved by the House of Representatives this week.
The Teen Social Media and Internet Safety Act, sponsored by State Rep. Aron Maberry, R-Clarksville, requires public and charter schools to provide social media and internet safety lessons for students in grades 6-12. Lessons would be taught during the student’s health or gym classes.
“I’ve spent decades working with school-aged children, and I have found that many students are unaware of the necessary safety measures for social media and the internet,” Maberry said. “While we can’t always control dangers online, we can ensure our students are equipped with the skills to stay safe.”
A 2023 report from the U.S. Surgeon General stated that up to 95% of teens ages 13-17 use social media platforms, with 64% reporting being often or sometimes exposed to hate content online.
Curriculum must cover topics such as time management, mental health effects, privacy, cyberbullying, online safety and the impacts of artificial intelligence and misinformation. Parents can excuse their child from part or all of the lessons by providing a written request to the school’s principal and those students would be assigned an alternative assignment.
House Bill 825 also prohibits students from accessing social media on the school’s internet unless it is authorized by a teacher for educational purposes beginning in the 2025-26 school year.
The Teen Social Media and Internet Safety Act is still moving through the Senate. If passed and signed into law, the curriculum would be implemented in the 2026-27 school year.
Streamlined juvenile court record management system passes
The Tennessee House of Representatives this week approved legislation to streamline data collection for juvenile cases and provide transparency in certain school shooting incidents in Tennessee.
House Bill 1038, sponsored by House Majority Whip Johnny Garrett, R-Goodlettsville, will transition all juvenile courts in Tennessee to a modern statewide management system that will provide consistent data on juvenile cases. Juvenile court clerks in Tennessee are required to report certain information to the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) each month.
“The purpose of the legislation is so we know what’s happening in Knox County, in Shelby County, we know what’s happening in Sumner County or any other county that is on this system all throughout Tennessee,” Garrett said.
Lawmakers in 2021 allocated $1.5 million for the AOC to develop and implement a statewide juvenile case management system.
House Bill 1038 will also require the release of juvenile court records, including medical reports and psychological evaluations, of a school shooter if the person is deceased. This would make public the records of the individual who murdered an innocent student at Antioch High School in January, providing the General Assembly with necessary information on how to prevent another horrific incident like this from happening again in Tennessee. The companion version of House Bill 1038 was approved in the Senate on March 3.
House moves forward with property tax amendment proposal
A proposed constitutional amendment could permanently ban a state property tax from ever being implemented in Tennessee.
House Joint Resolution 2, sponsored by State Rep. Tandy Darby, R-Greenfield, proposes an amendment to the Tennessee State Constitution to prohibit the state from levying or authorizing property taxes. Local governments will still have the authority to impose property taxes.
“This amendment ensures that the state cannot impose property taxes again, putting taxpayers’ interests first and reinforcing local control,” said Darby.
This proposed change aims to limit state-level property taxation and clarify that the state cannot interfere with local tax rates. Upon passage, Tennessee voters will decide on the measure in the November 2026 general election. The Tennessee General Assembly abolished the state property tax in 1949. Since then, the state has relied on sales tax as its primary source of revenue. House Joint Resolution 2 is expected to be heard for consideration in the House Finance, Ways and Means Committee on April 2.
Lawmakers celebrate Tennessee’s outdoor heritage
Lawmakers on Tuesday got outside to celebrate the Volunteer State’s incredible resources, thriving tourism industry and plethora of recreational activities during the first-ever Outdoors Day on the Hill. The event was organized by the Tennessee Outdoors Partnership and highlighted several organizations and state agencies for the work they do to promote and preserve the unparalleled beauty of Tennessee. Legislators participated in an archery contest put on by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA).
Outdoor recreation generates $12 billion in economic impact in Tennessee and employs more than 100,000 Tennesseans. Republicans in the General Assembly are committed to further preserving and investing in Tennessee’s outdoor heritage for future generations to enjoy.
Republicans protect Second Amendment rights
Two bills aimed at expanding and clarifying firearm carry laws in Tennessee are advancing in the House.
House Bill 1189, sponsored by State Rep. Rusty Grills, R-Newbern, seeks to rename concealed and enhanced handgun carry permits to concealed and enhanced firearm carry permits. The change would allow permit holders to carry any firearm they legally own or possess instead of just handguns. The bill permits individuals with valid out-of-state firearm or handgun permits to carry firearms in Tennessee in the same manner as local permit holders. If passed, all valid handgun carry permits will automatically be recognized as firearm carry permits by July 1 without requiring reissuance by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
“All life has value and that life has rights granted to us when we were born into this great country of America,” Grills said. “The Second Amendment was given to us by our Founding Fathers to protect us from government infringement on those rights.”
House Bill 478, sponsored by State Rep. Ed Butler, R-Rickman, amends Tennessee’s firearm regulations by clarifying that a person does not commit an offense if they carry a firearm into a prohibited area if they immediately comply with a request to leave the property or lawfully store the firearm in a personal vehicle. This exception provides clarity and protection for firearm carriers while balancing property access policies.
House Bill 1189 and House Bill 478 will be heard in the House Judiciary Committee on April 2.
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Domestic violence: A proposal to reduce cases of domestic violence in Tennessee advanced out of the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee this week. House Bill 661, sponsored by State Rep. Mark White, R-Memphis, will require judges to direct a defendant to complete a minimum 26-week batterer’s intervention program if available within the county as part of alternative sentencing. The program must be certified by the Tennessee Domestic Violence State Coordinating Council and paid for by the defendant, if possible. The legislation seeks to reduce the number of repeat domestic violence offenders by addressing the root cause behind an offender’s actions. House Bill 661 is scheduled to be heard for consideration in the House Judiciary Committee on April 2.
Speed limits: A bill allowing counties to lower speed limits on county-maintained roads now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature. House Bill 975, sponsored by State Rep. Jeff Burkhart, R-Clarksville, gives county commissions the authority to allow the chief officer of a county highway department to set speed limits as long as an engineer conducts the necessary studies. The bill aims to reduce accidents by streamlining the process, cutting red tape and requiring signs to notify drivers of changes.
Safe Haven Law: Legislation adding Safe Haven Law instruction in Tennessee schools was approved by the General Assembly this week. House Bill 368, sponsored by State Rep. Tom Stinnett, R-Friendsville, requires public schools serving grades 9-12 to educate students about the state’s protections for parents in crisis who need to legally surrender their newborn. The legislation encourages a partnership with A Secret Place for Newborns of Tennessee to help create the educational materials. Curriculum is expected to be distributed to school districts and charter schools before the 2026-27 school year. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature.
Food cottage law: A bill that allows farmers and small producers to sell homemade goods from their poultry and dairy farms is moving through the House of Representatives.House Bill 130, sponsored by State Rep. Michele Reneau, R-Signal Mountain, expands the Food Freedom Act passed in 2022. Current state law allows items like bread, candies, honey, jams and pastries to be sold. If passed, this bill would allow the sale of items like eggs and pasteurized milk. House Bill 130 is expected to be heard in the House Agricultural and Natural Resources Committee on April 1.
Emergency orders: The Tennessee General Assemblyon Monday passed legislation strengthening safeguards related to the governor’s emergency powers. House Bill 324, sponsored by State Rep. Rusty Grills, R-Newbern, ensures executive orders and rules issued during emergencies cannot override the Tennessee State Constitution. It limits the governor’s ability to suspend laws or regulations during an emergency to 45 days. The bill now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature.
Expanding mental health care: The General Assembly has approved legislation to encourage health care provider participation in the Psychiatric Collaborative Care Model (PCCM), where a primary care provider works with a care manager and psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner to provide integrated care for mental health and substance use disorders. House Bill 654, sponsored by State Rep. Tim Hicks, R-Gray, requires health insurance plans that offer mental health and substance abuse services to include coverage for PCCM. An insurance company can deny coverage if the treatment is deemed not medically necessary. House Bill 654 now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature and will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026.
Diabetes Awareness Month: The General Assembly has designated November as Diabetes Awareness Month in Tennessee. House Bill 363, spearheaded by State Rep. Lee Reeves, R-Franklin, aims to recognize individuals with diabetes, bring attention to the condition and educate the public on its symptoms. A 2025 state report reveals more than 812,000 Tennesseans, or 14.6 percent of the adult population, have diabetes while another 795,000 adults, or 14.3 percent of the adult population, are diagnosed with prediabetes. National statistics from the same report show 8.7 million people are living with diabetes and don’t know it. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature.
Foreign land purchases: The House of Representatives approved legislation this week to ensure the state has a record of land owned by foreign companies. 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 percent of the property value for failing to comply. This bill expands on a law passed in 2024 banning foreign adversaries from purchasing or acquiring land in the state, unless certain conditions are 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. The companion version of House Bill 219 is still moving through the Senate.
Veteran designation: The Tennessee General Assembly this week approved House Bill 790 to allow honorably discharged National Guard members to add a veteran designation to their driver’s licenses. State Rep. Greg Vital, R-Harrison, sponsored the bill, which expands the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s ability to accept National Guard separation records in addition to the DD-214 form to verify military service. Veterans of the United States armed forces, including the Air Force, Army, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard, and Space Force who have been honorably discharged, may already receive the designation on their license. The designation provides proof of service and could allow access to certain discounts and benefits. The bill now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature.
Consumer protection: Legislation protecting consumers from unfair billing practices when terminating contracts for services like phone, cable, internet, and broadband now heads to the governor’s desk. House Bill 141, sponsored by State Rep. Michael Hale, R-Smithville, prevents service providers from billing for a subsequent cycle if the contract ends during the first half of a billing cycle. If a contract is terminated in the second half, providers can bill for the remaining cycle and one additional cycle. The bill imposes penalties on violators under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act of 1977.
Foreign investments: The Tennessee House of Representatives on Monday passed legislation protecting state investments from foreign adversaries, including the Chinese Communist Party. House Bill 805, sponsored by State Rep. Rusty Grills, R-Newbern, directs the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System and local pension plans to review investments annually and identify holdings in “restricted entities.” If any are found, the state treasurer and local leaders must sell those assets by Dec. 31 or submit a divestment plan by July 1. The bill protects officials from legal liability during the divestment process. The companion version of House Bill 805 is still advancing through the Senate.
Student athletic eligibility: Legislation allowing virtual school students to try out for athletic teams at local public schools now heads to the governor’s desk. House Bill 355, sponsored by State Rep. Dennis Powers, R-Jacksboro, ensures virtual students have the same opportunities as their peers in traditional schools but does not guarantee team selection. It requires schools in athletic organizations to allow virtual students to participate and mandates that schools outside those organizations permit participation for zoned virtual students.
State Rep. Kevin Raper, R-Cleveland, returned to the General Assembly on Thursday following a successful liver transplant in February. He has experienced a rapid recovery that doctors say is well ahead of schedule, with his new liver operating at full function and no signs of rejection.