Lawmakers Celebrate Tennessee’s Agricultural Heritage Lawmakers were joined by farmers and exhibitors from across the Volunteer State to celebrate Tennessee’s agricultural heritage at the Capitol in Nashville this week. Tennessee’s annual Ag Day on the Hill featured a variety of events, including a corn-shelling contest between state legislators, judicial members and state executive leadership. “A […]
Lawmakers Celebrate Tennessee’s Agricultural Heritage
Lawmakers were joined by farmers and exhibitors from across the Volunteer State to celebrate Tennessee’s agricultural heritage at the Capitol in Nashville this week.
Tennessee’s annual Ag Day on the Hill featured a variety of events, including a corn-shelling contest between state legislators, judicial members and state executive leadership.
“A strong agricultural industry is vital to the Volunteer State’s success,” House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Chris Todd, R-Madison County,and House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee Chairman Rusty Grills, R-Newbern, said in a joint statement. “Ag Day on the Hill is a time when we put politics aside to celebrate farmers across Tennessee, who play a tremendous role in driving – and feeding – the American economy while providing national security through food security.”
The event was held on National Agriculture Day, which recognizes the role of farmers and the agriculture community in America’s success.
Tennessee’s agriculture and forestry industries employ hundreds of thousands of Tennesseans and contribute more than $81 billion to the state’s economy every year.
Tennessee Public School Accountability Act advances
A Republican proposal seeks to overhaul Memphis-Shelby County Schools to improve student academic outcomes and college readiness.
The Tennessee Public School Accountability Act,introduced by State Rep. Mark White, R-Memphis, will authorize the creation of an oversight committee to assist the Memphis-Shelby County School Board in addressing areas of insufficient performance within the district.
“Administrative mismanagement and inefficiency have created an atmosphere that is no longer focused on the student in Memphis-Shelby County Schools,” White said. “This is the largest school district in Tennessee and should be the gold standard of quality education in our state and nation. Shelby County residents and local leaders have expressed serious concerns about the consequences of continuing with the status quo. Children in our community deserve better, but there is no unified plan to get back on track. This bill will provide an avenue for an appointed board composed of Memphis and Shelby County experts to boost achievement and college and career readiness.”
White’s proposal ensures the local education agency is meeting the needs of the students in Shelby County and efficiently utilizing its budget, which totaled $1.8 billion in the 2024-25 school year. Dozens of schools in the MSCS system received D or F grades in the 2023-24 school year, and the district has continuously underperformed in recent decades.
The current MSCS school board would continue to serve in an advisory capacity under House Bill 662, but the oversight board would have final decision-making authority. The Shelby County Commission in mid-January approved a no-confidence resolution against the MSCS school board, citing student outcomes and the trajectory of the district.
House Bill 662 advanced out of the House K-12 Subcommittee on March 18 and is scheduled to be heard for consideration in the House Education Committee on March 25.
Bill creates offense of human smuggling, harboring illegals
A proposal to improve public safety in Tennessee by cracking down on human smuggling and illegal immigration advanced in the House this week.
House Bill 322, sponsored by State Rep. Chris Todd, R-Madison County, will create the Class E felony offense of human smuggling, which includes encouraging or inducing someone to enter or remain in Tennessee by concealing, harboring or shielding them from detection. The offense would also include transporting one or more persons for commercial advantage or private financial gain while intending to conceal them. The bill creates the Class A felony offense of aggravated human smuggling when a victim is less than 13 years old.
“President Joe Biden failed the American people for four years when he opened our border and allowed millions of illegal immigrants to move throughout our nation,” Todd said. “Not only has his dereliction of duty placed an immense financial and public safety burden on states, but it also helped fuel a heartbreaking human smuggling and trafficking crisis affecting men, women and children. This legislation will improve public safety in Tennessee by protecting victims, prosecuting the evil people driving the multi-billion-dollar industry and holding people accountable for harboring illegal immigrants.”
House Bill 322 will make it a Class A misdemeanor to harbor or assist someone in harboring a known illegal immigrant in Tennessee, punishable by $1,000 for each harbored person. The bill also adds promoting the prostitution of a minor to the criminal offense of human trafficking. Finally, House Bill 322 permits the Tennessee Attorney General to bring action against any person or organization believed to be committing a human trafficking offense in the Volunteer State.
Human smuggling is a multi-billion-dollar industry that serves as a “gateway crime” for illegal immigration, gang activity, financial fraud and terrorism, according to United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
House Bill 322 is scheduled to be heard for consideration in the House Judiciary Committee on March 26.
Republicans crack down on obstructing roadways
The House Criminal Justice Subcommittee this week advanced legislation that increases penalties for obstructing highways, streets, railways and other public passageways.
House Bill 729, sponsored by State Rep. Kelly Keisling, R-Byrdstown, upgrades obstruction of any passageway from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony. A Class A misdemeanor carries a maximum sentence of 11 months and 29 days in jail and a $2,500 fine while a Class E felony can result in 1-6 years in prison and a $3,000 fine.
“By increasing penalties for intentionally obstructing public passageways, we are sending a clear message that disrupting the flow of traffic and public movement will not be tolerated,” Keisling said. “This bill ensures the safety and efficiency of our communities while holding individuals accountable for actions that hinder public access to essential spaces.”
The bill also establishes a higher penalty for intentionally blocking highways, streets or other vehicle routes, making it a Class D felony. A Class D felony carries two to 12 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000 while a Class C misdemeanor results in up to 30 days in jail and/or a $50 fine. A Class C misdemeanor penalty remains for obstructing passageways not used by vehicles.
House Bill 729 will be heard in the House Judiciary Committee on March 26.
Republicans expedite completion of Tennessee road projects
The General Assembly this week passed legislation that will help expedite the completion of road projects in Tennessee. Sponsored by House Majority Leader William Lamberth, R-Portland, and carried by House Transportation Committee Chairman Dan Howell, R-Cleveland, House Bill 1320 builds on the Transportation Modernization Act of 2023, which invested more than $3.3 billion in Tennessee’s infrastructure.
House Bill 1320 aims to improve the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT)’s use of alternative delivery methods like Design-Build (DB), Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC), and Progressive Design-Build (PDB), which have successfully delivered complex projects.
The Transportation Modernization Act of 2023 expanded these methods, making it possible to quickly rebuild bridges following the devastation of Hurricane Helene in September 2024.
Currently, CM/GC and PDB proposals are scored independently, leading to irregularities. The bill would allow collaborative scoring to improve evaluations, ensure consistency in selection, and grant TDOT the ability to use these contracts in emergency situations, similar to traditional Design-Bid-Build contracts. House Bill 1320 ensures a high-quality evaluation process and continuity in procedures. The legislation now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature.
Tennessee Professionals’ Freedom of Religion Act advances
Legislation promoting religious freedom in the Volunteer State advanced out of the House Business and Utilities Subcommittee this week.
The Tennessee Professionals’ Freedom of Religion Act, or House Bill 470, by State Rep. Tim Rudd, R-Murfreesboro, will prohibit government entities and accrediting, certifying or licensing bodies from denying, revoking or suspending someone’s professional or business license based on the lawful expression of their religious beliefs outside of their profession.
“I’m all for a code of ethics inside the association so that you treat all customers (respectfully),” Rudd told committee members this week. “But what you say and do, and your convictions outside of the association, should not be held against you.”
House Bill 470 also prohibits those entities from otherwise penalizing, disadvantaging or discriminating against a Tennessean who holds a professional business license because of the expression of religious beliefs concerning marriage, sexuality or family outside of work. The legislation is scheduled to be considered in the House Commerce Committee on March 26.
Republicans advocate for victims of Hurricane Helene
The House Departments and Agencies Subcommittee this week advanced legislation to provide $100 million to Hurricane Helene victims in Northeast Tennessee.
State Rep. Timothy Hill, R-Blountville, has proposed theHurricane Helene Rapid Response Act creating two funds to assist local governments and citizens in impacted counties.
“We took a tremendous first step during special session to help our communities in upper East Tennessee, and this bill seeks to expand that,” Hill said. “I’m working with the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) every week to try to reach a solution that’s appropriate and provides relief to our citizens who were devastated by Helene.”
The General Assembly recently approved more than $450 million in direct disaster relief and to prepare for future disasters. Multiple grant funds were established to help stabilize local finances while creating an avenue for the state to provide immediate disaster relief in the future.
The Hurricane Helene County Relief Fund would initially receive $50 million in state funds, with the potential for future funding. Receiving counties must use the funds for infrastructure, property repairs, remediation and general recovery efforts. They also have to keep a record of fund disbursements for audit purposes.
The Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration would distribute grants to these impacted counties:
- Johnson, Unicoi, Washington and Cocke counties: $7.5 million each
- Carter County: $10 million
- Greene County: $6 million
- Hamblen County: $2 million
- Sullivan and Hawkins counties: $1 million each
The Hurricane Helene Rapid Response Fund would benefit citizens and their personal recovery efforts. Individuals must be residents of impacted counties and meet certain criteria.
Citizens would apply on an online portal created by TEMA, which would be the agency responsible for administering the grants. The General Assembly must approve the funds in the 2025-26 state budget.
House Bill 1278 is expected to be heard in the House State and Local Government Committee on March 26.
Combatting food insecurity on Tennessee campuses
State Rep. Michael Hale, R-Smithville, has introduced House Bill 7to create a hunger-free campus grant program for higher education institutions.
To qualify for the grant, schools must have a food pantry or partner with a community pantry and create a “Hunger Task Force” consisting of at least two students.
“This bill ensures that no student has to choose between their education and having enough to eat,” Hale said. “By providing resources and support, we can eliminate food insecurity and help students focus on their studies.”
The grants will support initiatives like meal credit donations, meal vouchers and financial aid for food pantries. Schools will raise awareness about available resources.
Institutions would be required to submit an annual report to the House Education Administration Subcommittee detailing their efforts and best practices. A Tennessee Higher Education Commission report estimates that 30% of students face food insecurity.
House Bill 7 will be heard in the House Education Committee on March 25.
Honoring forgotten Statehouse laborers
House Republican Caucus Chairman Jeremy Faison, R-Cosby, is leading a bipartisan effort to honor prison laborers, enslaved workers and others who helped build the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville.
House Joint Resolution 318 urges Gov. Bill Lee and the State Capitol Commission to name a new entrance to Motlow Tunnel leading to the Capitol building as the “Heritage Gateway Entrance.” It calls for a monument or plaque to be erected bearing the known names of these individuals at the entrance.
“For two centuries, our state’s most treasured landmark has stood strong as a symbol of struggle, resilience and transformation,” Faison said. “This is an appropriate way to express our gratitude and pay our respects to those skilled individuals from all backgrounds who contributed to the beauty and solid foundation of our Statehouse.”
Construction on the Tennessee State Capitol, designed by William Strickland, began in 1845 and was completed in 1859. It was built from solid limestone quarried directly from the site. The workers included 15 African American slaves who quarried limestone, an unknown number of prison laborers who performed masonry work, immigrant stonemasons (12 Irishmen, five Germans, and one Frenchman), and 52 stonecutters. Among the 52 stonecutters, five were identified as African American; eight had Irish surnames, five were German or Prussian, and 17 were believed to be from the British Isles.
Bill regulates disposal of camping property on highways
State Rep. Tom Leatherwood, R-Arlington, has introduced House Bill 197 to regulate the collection, storage and disposal of personal property left on state highways, including shoulders, under bridges and in underpasses. It requires the Tennessee Department of Transportation to work with local law enforcement, homelessness service providers and other community organizations to develop a policy on these issues.
The bill requires a 72-hour notice before removing property, ensures secure storage for up to 90 days and establishes procedures for individuals to reclaim their belongings. It also requires the immediate disposal of hazardous items, including trash, perishable food and abandoned property.
The General Assembly in 2022 passed legislation that made camping along controlled-access highways or on entrance and exit ramps a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a $50 fine and community service. The law also expanded the Equal Access to Public Property Act of 2012, making unauthorized camping on state-owned property a Class E felony. House Bill 197 will be heard in the House Transportation Committee on March 25.
Republicans work to combat antisemitism in schools
A Republican proposal advancing in the House aims to protect Jewish students and employees from discrimination and harassment at K-12 schools, colleges and universities. House Bill 1188, sponsored by State Rep. Rusty Grills, R-Newbern, treats antisemitic harassment the same as racial discrimination.
Key highlights:
- Requires schools to define antisemitism in their codes of conduct, provide awareness training and encourage the inclusion of Jewish-American heritage in curricula.
- Requires each K-12 school and public higher education institution to designate a “Title VI Coordinator” to monitor incidents, investigate complaints and submit an annual report.
- Clarifies that criticism of Israel is not antisemitic unless it leads to discrimination and ensures it does not infringe on First Amendment rights or conflict with existing laws.
“Antisemitism has no place in our schools or communities,” Grills said. “This legislation ensures Jewish students and employees are protected and that public institutions take proactive steps to address this issue.”
A 2024 Gallup poll shows 81% of Americans now view antisemitism as a serious issue, up from 57% two decades ago. House Bill 1188 will be heard in the House Education Committee on March 25.
Briefly…
Protecting children: Tennessee Republicans have led the nation in protecting children from the dangers of left-wing gender ideology. The General Assembly this week approved legislation to enhance these safeguards by ensuring children use the bathroom and facilities that correspond with their biological sex. House Bill 64, sponsored by State Rep. Gino Bulso, R-Brentwood, requires all residential educational programs that allow minors access to separate facilities like showers, restrooms and changing areas by biological sex. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk to be signed into law.
Fentanyl protections: A proposal to protect Tennessee children from the dangers of fentanyl was approved by the House this week. House Bill 751, sponsored by House Republican Caucus Chairman Jeremy Faison, R-Cosby, will enhance the penalty to a Class E felony for knowingly placing a child in danger of death or injury by possessing any amount of fentanyl or its derivatives in their presence. It would a Class B felony if the child exposed to the dangerous drug is under eight years old. Poison centers in the United States managed 539 cases of children under six years old being exposed to fentanyl in 2023, an increase from 10 cases in 2016, according to America’s Poison Centers. The companion version of House Bill 751 is still advancing through the Senate.
Protecting victims of abuse: A proposal to protect victims of child sexual abuse advanced out of the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee this week. House Bill 973, sponsored by State Rep. Jake McCalmon, R-Franklin, will extend the statute of limitations for certain child sex abuse offenses from 25 to 30 years after a victim’s 18th birthday. The legislation, which also extends the statute of limitations from 15 to 30 years for civil actions, applies to crimes committed after July 1, 2025. House Bill 973 is scheduled to be heard for consideration in the House Judiciary Committee on March 26.
Rideshare drivers: The General Assembly approved legislation protecting citizens from fake taxi and rideshare drivers across the Volunteer State. House Bill 786, sponsored by State Rep. Elaine Davis, R-Knoxville,creates a Class B misdemeanor for criminal impersonation of a taxi or rideshare driver and increases the penalty to a Class E felony if the impersonation occurs during the commission of a separate felony. If convicted, offenders face up to six months in jail and a $500 fine. House Bill 786 now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature.
Disabled veteran placards: Legislation creating a disabled veteran placard was approved by the General Assembly this week. House Bill 1350, sponsored by State Rep. Mary Littleton, R-Dickson, allows qualifying veterans to choose between a distinguishing license plate or placard at no cost. If a veteran already has the license plate, they are able to purchase a placard separately. This provides flexibility for veterans who are often in different vehicles to still have their parking privileges. House Bill 1350 now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature. It will take effect July 1, 2026.
Public health communications: The General Assembly approved legislation seeking to restore public trust in health messaging this week. The Restore Trust in Public Health Messaging Act, sponsored by State Rep. Susan Lynn, R-Mount Juliet, requires local and state health departments to ensure all public health messaging about FDA-regulated products is consistent with the FDA-approved or authorized labels. It also establishes penalties for those who do not comply. House Bill 1157 now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk to be signed into law.
Month of prayer and fasting: The House of Representatives has designated July as a voluntary, annual period of statewide prayer and fasting across the Volunteer State. House Joint Resolution 51, sponsored by State Rep. Monty Fritts, R-Kingston, encourages citizens who are spiritually inclined to join in a time of prayer and intermittent fasting from July 1 to July 31 each year. The resolution seeks God’s hand of mercy and healing due to the increase in violence, drug addiction and family breakdowns in many Tennessee homes and beyond. House Joint Resolution 51 now heads to the Senate for a vote.
Victims of Communism Day: A resolution acknowledging the centennial anniversary of the Bolshevik Revolution and the formation of the first communist government was approved by the House of Representatives this week. House Joint Resolution 355, sponsored by State Rep. Susan Lynn, R-Mount Juliet, condemns the violence, oppression and human rights violations caused by communist regimes worldwide, which have resulted in the deaths of over 100 million people and the persecution of countless others. It calls for the observance of Victims of Communism Day on November 7, 2025, to honor those who have suffered under communist regimes. The resolution now heads to the Senate for a vote.
Immunity protections: Legislation to expand Tennessee’s Good Samaritan Law advanced out of the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee this week. House Bill 995, by State Rep. Iris Rudder, R-Winchester, provides the same immunity protections for alcohol overdoses as it does for drug overdoses. The law is designed to encourage people to seek medical attention for themselves or others without fear of prosecution. An estimated 2,200 people in the United States die every year from alcohol overdoses, according to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics. House Bill 995 is expected to be heard in the House Judiciary Committee on March 26.
Reckless endangerment: The House Criminal Justice Subcommittee this week advanced legislation to make the penalties for firing into a vehicle the same as a residence. House Bill 468, sponsored by State Rep. Lee Reeves, R-Franklin, increases the penalty from a Class E felony to a Class C felony if the vehicle is occupied and a Class D felony if it’s unoccupied. These penalties can be enhanced if there are any aggravating factors or if it was in the commission of another crime. House Bill 468 is expected to be heard in the House Judiciary Committee on March 26.
Animal fighting: Legislation to combat animal fighting in Tennessee advanced out of the House Criminal Justice Committee this week. House Bill 540, sponsored by State Rep. John Crawford, R-Bristol/Kingsport, expands the definition of racketeering activity under Tennessee’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) Act of 1989 to include animal fighting. The bill makes it a criminal offense to commit, conspire to commit or assist in animal fighting as well as to coerce or intimidate others to participate in such activities. House Bill 540 is scheduled to be heard in the House Judiciary Committee on March 26.
Sober living homes: A new bill allows local governments to regulate sober living homes for people recovering from alcohol, drug or substance abuse, as long as the rules abide by federal housing laws. House Bill 783, sponsored by State Rep. Greg Martin, R-Hixson, lets local governments require these homes to be at least 1,000 feet from schools, preschools or daycare centers. It also mandates that operators get a referral from a licensed health care provider before accepting new residents. The goal of the legislation is to support recovery while addressing community concerns. House Bill 783 will be heard in the House State and Local Government Committee on March 26.
Sexual Assault Response Teams: State Rep. John Gillespie, R-Memphis, has introduced House Bill 696 to establish a statewide Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) coordinator. The coordinator will provide training, support and oversight for local SARTs to ensure effective responses to sexual assault cases. They will also be responsible for submitting an annual report on the program’s progress, training efforts and effectiveness in responding to sexual assault. The bill builds on the 2023 Sexual Assault Response Team Act, which requires local law enforcement agencies to form SARTs for adult victims. The SART coordinator will work with the Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence. Several other states have SART coordinators to improve coordination and response to sexual assault cases. House Bill 696 will be heard in the House Judiciary Committee on March 26.
Preserving history:The House State and Local Government Committee on March 26 is expected to consider legislation protecting historic seals in Tennessee. Sponsored by State Rep. David Wright, R-Corryton, House Bill 1071 designates any seal on public property honoring a historic conflict, figure, event, or entity as a memorial, granting it protection under the Tennessee Heritage Protection Act. The legislation seeks to recognize and safeguard Tennessee’s rich history.
Athletic trainers: A bill that expands the role of athletic trainers now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature. House Bill 62, sponsored by State Rep. Scott Cepicky R-Culleoka, permits athletic trainers to perform dry needling on athletes, with the requirement of additional training. Dry needling is vital to injury prevention, treatment, and management. The bill would become law on July 1.
Public safety fund: In an effort to provide more resources for public safety, Assistant Majority Leader Mark Cochran, R-Englewood, is sponsoring legislation that allows counties to create a public safety fund for the District Attorney General’s Conference (DAGC), much like the existing one for public defenders. House Bill 547 requires revenue for the fund to be provided through a $12.50 charge for every felony and misdemeanor court cost bill. The fund would be used as an additional revenue stream for the district attorneys to carry out their work to prosecute criminals. House Bill 547 is expected to be heard for consideration in the House Finance Way and Means Subcommittee on March 26.
Government efficiency:The House Government Operations Committee this week advanced House Bill 1330, which seeks to establish the Less is More Act of 2025. Sponsored by House Majority Leader William Lamberth, R-Portland, and carried by State Rep. Justin Lafferty, R-Knoxville, this bill makes various changes to regulatory boards and groups to cut red tape and limit government involvement. The Less is More Act will eliminate licensure barriers, amend provisions to board appointments, allow for electronic meetings, introduce a variety of cost savings, and more. House Bill 1330 moves to House Finance, Ways and Means Committee for further consideration.
Disabled veteran benefits: Legislation to enhance benefits for disabled veterans who reside in Tennessee was approved by the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee this week. House Bill 918, sponsored by State Rep. William Slater, R-Gallatin, will provide a temporary hunting license for disabled veterans to be used in hunting experiences sponsored and paid for by not-for-profit organizations. The legislation is scheduled to be heard for consideration in the House Agriculture Committee on March 25.
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