‘I love Tennessee:’ Trump touts Memphis safety efforts
House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, and Memphis state lawmakers joined President Donald J. Trump in West Tennessee on March 23 to highlight the success of the Memphis Safe Task Force. “I love Tennessee,” Trump said, expressing his appreciation for the Volunteer State and suggesting he might move there someday.
The task force, a multi-agency initiative to combat violent crime, began operations on Sept. 29. As of March 20, officers have made 7,342 arrests, including 40 for homicide and 94 for sex offenses. Trump announced significant drops in several areas, including carjackings by 74%, murders by 70% from their peak and robberies by 60%. The president commended Sexton for working to build on this incredible progress in Memphis through common-sense public safety reforms.
“I also want to thank Speaker Sexton, who is working with the task force to pass model bills that will be tough on crime to deliver permanent safety to the people of Memphis,” Trump said. “I don’t know if you know, but they’re looking at this all over the country, what you’re doing, they’re studying it.”
Sexton highlighted the Memphians who haven’t fallen victim to crime thanks to Trump’s efforts, remarking, “Those are saved lives that have something else that God’s going to give them to do in their lives other than be a crime statistic.”
Lee’s budget amendment signals final stretch
The pace picked up this week on Capitol Hill with lawmakers moving several bills through committees and onto the House floor. The Finance, Ways and Means Committee continued its work advancing Tennesseans’ priorities for next year by completing its 10th week of hearings. Committee members heard from Finance Commissioner Jim Bryson, who presented Gov. Bill Lee’s final budget amendment on Tuesday, signaling the General Assembly is nearing the end of session.
Lee’s amendment proposes $230 million in new spending, bringing the total proposed budget to $58.2 billion. It includes $190 million in one-time spending and $40 million in recurring funding. Bryson said the state’s budget will see a modest 0.3% increase, while the total budget decreases due to reduced federal funding.
“We’re in a slow-growth environment. The odds of a recession are low, but so are the odds of fast growth. We expect growth, but we expect it to be relatively slow,” Bryson told the committee.
Key investments in the amendment include infrastructure projects such as a $40 million bridge replacement in Montgomery County, funding for TennCare services, rural health clinics, $10 million for school safety grants, and technology upgrades. The amendment also allocates money for tourism, parks, and community initiatives across the state.
Lee in February outlined his legislative priorities in a balanced $57.9 billion budget, which includes critical investments to strengthen families, boost public safety and ensure economic and educational opportunity. Lawmakers are expected to review and potentially revise the proposal in the coming weeks before adjourning the 114th General Assembly.
Pilot program opens doors for affordable housing
Legislation advancing in the House aims to address Tennessee’s growing housing challenges by establishing a pilot program through the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) to support affordable housing development statewide.
House Bill 2509, sponsored by House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, and House Republican Caucus Chairman Jeremy Faison, R-Cosby, establishes a public-private partnership initiative designed to increase access to affordable housing for working families earning between 80% and 150% of the area median income. It creates the Community Workforce Housing Innovation Pilot Program, administered by the THDA, which will provide loans for the construction or rehabilitation of housing projects across all three grand divisions.
The program will prioritize innovative housing projects in high-growth areas where rising home prices have made homeownership increasingly out of reach. The pilot program offers financial incentives and promotes regulatory flexibility. Priority consideration will be given to projects that include a significant share of workforce housing, are located near major employment centers and involve local incentives or partnerships.
Applications for the pilot program will be accepted through March 31, 2027, with a full evaluation of the program’s effectiveness required by Jan. 1, 2029.
This legislation represents a targeted effort to expand housing options, support economic growth, and strengthen communities across the state. House Bill 2509 is expected to be heard in the Finance Ways and Means Subcommittee next week.
House protects life by cracking down on mail-order abortions
The House this week passed legislation by State Rep. Gino Bulso, R-Brentwood, to protect the unborn and build on Tennessee’s existing pro-life laws. House Bill 5 creates a civil cause of action against out-of-state abortion pill suppliers who unlawfully send abortion drugs into Tennessee, resulting in the death of an unborn child. A parent or family member who can prove by a preponderance of the evidence that a drug caused death would be entitled to $1 million in statutory damages from the supplier.
“The overturning of Roe v. Wade marked an important step in the fight to eliminate abortion in the United States, but our work is far from finished,” said Bulso. “Tennessee already has strong pro-life laws on the books, but tragically, mail-order abortions continue to kill thousands of innocent unborn children every year. It’s time we end the slaughter once and for all and recognize that each of us is made in the image of God.”
A person who intentionally mails an abortion-inducing drug to a person in Tennessee commits a Class E felony. Bulso’s proposal strengthens existing law by holding out-of-state abortionists financially responsible for the harm they cause. The act does not apply to delivery carriers or to Tennessee-licensed pharmacists and physicians.
Tennessee ranks among the most pro-life states in the nation, and Republicans continue to encourage strong families and protect the most vulnerable in our society. Still, an increasing number of women in the Volunteer State and across the nation are opting for abortion drugs like mifepristone and misoprostol.
In 2025, 7,570 women in Tennessee terminated their pregnancy with abortion drugs, a more than 300% increase since 2023, according to a study by the Guttmacher Institute. Sixty-five percent of abortions in the U.S. were medication abortions in 2023.
The proposal now heads back to the Senate for further consideration. If approved and signed into law by Gov. Bill Lee, it would take effect July 1.
Republicans pass land protections against foreign adversaries
A proposal to further protect Tennessee’s land from foreign adversaries was approved by the General Assembly this week.
The Sen. Frank Niceley National Security and Economic Protection Act, sponsored by State Rep. Jay Reedy, R-Erin, bars certain foreign parties from buying or owning non-agricultural land in Tennessee and prevents them from using a third party to purchase the land to circumvent the rule.
“[This bill] adds prohibited foreign parties to the current list of foreign-controlled entities that are prohibited from acquiring by grant, purchase, devise or otherwise an interest in non-agricultural land in the state,” Reedy told committee members.
If a prohibited foreign party already owns land illegally, the land must be sold within two years, or the Tennessee Attorney General can take legal action. The proposal also creates a Class A misdemeanor for violations. Tennessee Republicans have strengthened existing land laws by banning foreign adversarial nations from purchasing or acquiring land in the state unless certain conditions are met and by requiring foreign entities that do purchase land to report to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.
House Bill 1788 now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature.
Crush Transnational Repression in Tennessee Act passes House
The House on Thursday passed legislation to deter and punish foreign adversaries from using intimidation tactics in the Volunteer State.
The Crush Transnational Repression in Tennessee Act, or House Bill 2279, sponsored by Assistant House Majority Leader Mark Cochran, R-Englewood, would require criminal offenses to be punished one classification higher if an individual is acting on behalf of a foreign adversary, a foreign terrorist organization or a proxy who harasses, intimidates, or coerces people in Tennessee to influence their behavior or suppress protected legal rights.
“A lot of times the [Chinese Communist Party] will use student organizations at public universities, and they will plant an agent in those student organizations, and they will use that person to harass Chinese descendants, folks who are American citizens who may have emigrated from China long ago,” Cochran said on the House floor.
House Bill 2279 creates a Class D felony offense for intentionally attempting to enforce the laws of a foreign adversary in violation of state or federal law. If an offender acts as a foreign adversarial agent, the violation would be considered a Class C felony.
Any decision or ruling by a state court, arbitration panel, tribunal or administrative agency based on foreign law would be considered void and unenforceable if it denies someone liberty, rights or privileges guaranteed by the Tennessee or U.S. constitutions, according to the legislation.
Foreign adversaries include China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea and Russia, as defined by the federal government. The companion version of House Bill 2279 will be considered on the Senate floor in the coming weeks.
Assistance for rural water infrastructure projects advances
A proposal by State Rep. Kelly Keisling, R-Byrdstown, to assist rural communities in completing critical water infrastructure projects is advancing in the House.
House Bill 2205 would require the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) to include counties with populations of 57,000 or fewer on its loan-consideration priority list for funding through the Drinking Water System Revolving Loan Fund (DWSRF). The measure would apply to 58 of Tennessee’s 95 counties, representing approximately 61% of the state.
“Access to safe, reliable water should not depend on a zip code,” said Keisling. “Too often, rural communities face barriers trying to secure resources needed to maintain and improve critical infrastructure. This legislation ensures these communities are no longer overlooked and are better positioned to compete for the funding necessary to protect public health and support long-term growth.”
The DWSRF program provides low-interest loans to cities, counties, utility districts, and water authorities to support drinking water infrastructure. Eligible funding includes planning, design, and construction of public water systems. Tennessee law requires TDEC to prioritize projects based on risks to public health, regulatory compliance, and the financial needs of communities.
House Bill 2205 now heads to the Calendar and Rules Committee before heading to the House floor for a final vote.
Bill restricts celebratory gunfire in crowded areas
A proposal to protect Tennesseans and deter people from recklessly firing a gun advanced out of the Criminal Justice Subcommittee this week. House Bill 1757, sponsored by State Rep. Iris Rudder, R-Winchester, creates a Class A misdemeanor for recklessly firing a gun into the air, ground, water or nearby objects at large public gatherings of 25 people or more.
The bill follows a tragic incident that occurred last year during July 4 fireworks at Tims Ford Lake in Winchester.
“While celebrating (the) Fourth of July with his wife and family, Mr. John Cobb was struck and killed by a stray celebratory bullet during fireworks celebrations,” Rudder told committee members. “John’s wife, Michelle, administered CPR, not knowing that her husband had been struck in the head by a stray bullet.”
The proposal includes several exceptions, including self-defense, hunting and shooting ranges. It also ensures this offense is taught to students in state-authorized handgun safety courses. House Bill 1757 is expected to be heard in the Judiciary Committee on April 1.
Republicans propose protections for religious gatherings
Three Republican proposals to protect the right of all Tennesseans to worship freely advanced out of the Judiciary Committee this week.
House Bill 2065 by State Rep. Chris Todd, R-Madison County, would add disrupting a religious assembly to the offense of aggravated criminal trespass, a Class D felony.
House Bill 2264 by State Rep. Greg Martin, R-Hixson, creates a Class A misdemeanor for the disruption of a religious assembly, which includes intentionally obstructing, disturbing, or interfering.
House Bill 2309 by State Rep. Michele Carringer, R-Knoxville, creates a Class A misdemeanor for anyone who interferes with a religious service or threatens members of a congregation. If they intentionally damage or destroy property, the offense would be elevated to a Class E felony for the first offense and a Class C felony for subsequent offenses.
In addition to the sentence, Carringer’s proposal would require a judge to impose a fine of at least twice the total amount of any property damage, loss or expense for cleaning or restoration costs.
The bills were filed following nationwide outrage after protesters opposing federal immigration enforcement disrupted a Christian worship service at Cities Church in Saint Paul, Minn., on Jan. 18. More recently in Tennessee, a man allegedly barged into a Cookeville church service in January and threatened congregants. He was taken into custody by local law enforcement.
The proposals now head to the Finance, Ways and Means Subcommittee.
GOP bill supports detransitioners who regret sex changes
The House on Thursday approved legislation to protect vulnerable Tennesseans who regret undergoing radical gender transition procedures.
House Bill 754, sponsored by House Republican Caucus Chairman Jeremy Faison, R-Cosby, requires health insurers that choose to cover gender transition surgeries and related procedures to also cover detransition surgeries and treatments. Previously, many insurers covered the former but denied coverage when patients sought to reverse those procedures.
“Since about 2014 in America, the notion of gender-affirming care and transgender surgeries has really exploded,” Faison said on the House floor. “What we’ve also seen is that a lot of people have buyer’s remorse … and wish they would not have gone down that road.”
The bill also requires gender clinics operating in Tennessee to report de-identified clinical data on the number of patients they treat. The data, which contains no personally identifiable information, will help state officials and researchers better understand trends, outcomes, and long-term impacts of these treatments. The companion version of House Bill 754 will be considered on the Senate floor in the coming weeks.
House advances expanded testing options for ESA students
A Republican proposal to ensure Tennessee students are administered testing options that match their curriculum advanced in the House this week.
Currently, students participating in Tennessee’s Education Savings Account program are required to take the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program in math and English language arts. House Bill 1881, sponsored by Education Administration Subcommittee Chairman William Slater, R-Gallatin, would also authorize qualified nationally standardized achievement tests aligned with a school’s instructional plan.
“When students are in a different school, in a different system in a private school, the standards can be different. That’s what it means to be a private school,” Slater told members of the K-12 Subcommittee. “Therefore, the private school must have the opportunity to choose the test that is aligned. That is just good education policy.”
Schools would be required to provide the results of a chosen test to ESA-participating students in grades 3-11 and their parents. They would also submit student results annually to the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury’s Office of Research and Education Accountability, which would submit an annual report to the education committees in the General Assembly.
House Bill 1881 will be heard in the Education Committee on March 31.
Proposal expands Tennesseans’ ability to defend property
The Criminal Justice Subcommittee this week advanced legislation by State Rep. Kip Capley, R-Summertown, to strengthen the ability of Tennesseans to lawfully defend their property. House Bill 1802 would allow the use of deadly force if immediately necessary to protect property where a person lawfully resides in certain circumstances, including to prevent arson, burglary, robbery, aggravated robbery or aggravated cruelty to animals. There must be a reasonable belief that deadly force is necessary and that there is no safe alternative.
“The right to defend ourselves, our families and our property is fundamental to the freedoms and safety we all value,” said Capley. “This critical step supports victims, especially in rural communities where law enforcement response times are understandably longer, and ensures all Tennesseans can reasonably protect what they’ve worked their lives to build.”
While Tennessee is a Stand Your Ground and Castle Doctrine state, allowing residents to use deadly force in self-defense and against home intruders, residents are limited to threatening or using non-deadly force against another to protect private property. Capley’s proposal strengthens Tennesseans’ right to protect their property by establishing clear, reasonable standards. House Bill 1802 is scheduled for further consideration by the Judiciary Committee on April 1.
Meat labeling bill supports Tennessee producers
Legislation to promote Tennessee-raised products advanced out of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee this week. House Bill 2252, sponsored by State Rep. Rusty Grills, R-Newbern, creates a voluntary labeling and promotion program for meat born, raised and processed in Tennessee.
“The goal is to help local producers living in this state that do a really good job of providing protein for our economy [to be] able to say [this is] a guaranteed Tennessee product,” Grills told committee members.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture would be responsible for creating the rules and administering the program. If enacted, any labels must follow the federal regulations established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to ensure food safety and accuracy. House Bill 2252 will be heard in the Government Operations Committee on March 30.
AI protections for children move through House
The Commerce Committee unanimously advanced legislation to ensure major artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots protect children in Tennessee. The Artificial Intelligence Public Safety and Child Protection Transparency Act, or House Bill 1898, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Jason Zachary, R-Knoxville, would require certain AI companies to develop, implement and publish plans for managing catastrophic risk and risks to children. Plans would be continually updated and modified to safeguard Tennessee consumers.
“We are working to be proactive and be a national leader when it comes to protections related to AI,” Zachary told committee members on Wednesday.
Zachary’s proposal requires developers to report to the Tennessee Attorney General within 15 days of a critical safety incident, or within 24 hours if it poses an imminent risk of death or serious physical injury. It also clarifies that this would not supersede any future federal government action imposing similar guardrails or additional requirements.
House Bill 1898 would only apply to large frontier developers, which include five major AI models. It is scheduled to be heard in the Government Operations Committee on March 30.
General Assembly celebrates Tennessee’s outdoor heritage
Members of the Tennessee General Assembly this week celebrated the Volunteer State’s incredible resources, thriving tourism industry and plethora of recreational activities during the second annual Outdoors Day on the Hill.
Organized by the Tennessee Outdoors Partnership, the event highlighted several organizations and state agencies for their work promoting and preserving the unparalleled beauty of Tennessee. Legislators competed against the executive branch in an archery contest put on by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
Tennessee ranks first in the Southeast and No. 2 in the United States for 10-year GDP growth in outdoor recreation. The industry generated $15.6 billion for Tennessee’s economy in 2024, according to the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. Tennessee is home to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the nation, as well as 62 state parks, more than 100 wildlife management areas and 80 natural areas.
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Privacy protections for law enforcement: The House on Thursday passed legislation to protect law enforcement officers engaged in high-risk operations. House Bill 2506, sponsored by House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, and co-sponsored by State Rep. Dan Howell, R-Cleveland, requires state and local government entities to keep certain personal information of law enforcement officers confidential in limited or undercover circumstances, including immigration enforcement operations. Current law does not provide a uniform policy across state governments. A state or local official who releases protected information through criminal negligence could be charged with a Class E felony and face removal from office. The bill also establishes misdemeanor and felony offenses for individuals required to maintain the confidentiality of protected records but who negligently or intentionally disclose them. House Bill 2506 addresses growing concerns about the safety of law enforcement officers and the increasing use of social media to target them. Itnow heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk to be signed into law.
Optometric scope of practice: Legislation to make Tennessee more attractive for optometrists passed the General Assembly this week. House Bill 1952, sponsored by State Rep. Ryan Williams, R-Cookeville, will authorize doctors of optometry in Tennessee to perform three safe, non-invasive office-based light amplification by stimulated emissions of radiation (LASER) procedures. These include peripheral iridotomies, selective laser trabeculoplasties and YAG capsulotomies if done by an optometrist certified to perform the procedure. House Bill 1952 now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk to be signed into law.
Homeschool testing: A proposal by State Rep. William Slater, R-Gallatin, to enhance testing freedom for Tennessee homeschoolers passed the House this week. House Bill 1729 authorizes the use of additional nationally-normed standardized exams for homeschool students in grades five, seven and nine. Currently, independent homeschool students are required to take the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program in person at their zoned public school. This proposal provides alternative testing options by allowing families to select an eligible English language arts and mathematics exam, and adds the Classic Learning Test as an option for all Tennessee students as an alternative to the ACT or SAT. Additionally, it eliminates an antiquated section of Tennessee law that allows a school district to require a homeschool student to enter public or private school if the child fails to meet certain testing requirements. The companion version of House Bill 1729 will be considered by the Senate in the coming weeks.
Child care staff age requirements: A proposal by State Rep. Sabi Kumar, R-Springfield, to lower the minimum age for working at certain child care programs passed the General Assembly this week. House Bill 2573 requires a person working as a teacher or teacher’s assistant in a preschool or daycare facility for children between birth and 4 years old to be at least 18 years of age. The Tennessee Department of Education requires staff to be at least 21 years of age, while similar facilities regulated by the Tennessee Department of Human Services require teachers and teacher assistants to be at least 18 years of age. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature.
Tennessee Anti-Grooming Act: House Bill 2317, sponsored by State Rep. Jody Barrett, R-Dickson, closes a gap in Tennessee law by establishing a criminal offense for engaging in preparatory stages of sexual misconduct with children, commonly referred to as grooming. While existing statutes address direct solicitation and the display of sexual material to minors, the Tennessee Anti-Grooming Act targets early behaviors that often precede abuse, such as isolating a child from their guardians, encouraging sexual contact and cultivating secrecy. The legislation does not duplicate existing offenses but gives law enforcement the ability to intervene before sexual contact occurs. House Bill 2317 is scheduled to be heard in the Judiciary Committee on April 1.
Recognizing the nuclear family: The General Assembly this week approved a proposal to designate June 2026 as Nuclear Family Month in Tennessee. House Joint Resolution 182, sponsored by State Rep. Bud Hulsey, R-Kingsport, recognizes the importance of the nuclear family, consisting of one husband, one wife and any biological, adopted or foster children, in the formation of Tennessee and the United States. Hulsey proposed the legislation last year at the request of a young college student in his district, who wrote the resolution. It now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature.
Protecting first responders: A proposal by State Rep. Kip Capley, R-Summertown, to add first responders to Tennessee’s Back the Blue Act advanced to the Judiciary Committee this week. House Bill 2428 would increase the offense of assaulting a first responder from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony, punishable by a mandatory $10,000 fine and a minimum of 60 days in jail. In 2024, the General Assembly passed the Back the Blue Act, creating the same penalties for assaulting a law enforcement officer in the Volunteer State. House Bill 2428 will be considered on April 1.
Suicide awareness: A resolution to designate March 12, 2026, as Be the One to End Suicide Day in Tennessee was approved by the General Assembly this week. Senate Joint Resolution 592, sponsored by State Rep. Tim Hicks, R-Gray, recognizes the American Legion’s Be the One initiative aimed at preventing veteran suicide and reducing the prevalence of suicide among younger generations. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth aged 10-25, and accounted for more than 49,000 deaths in the United States in 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).The resolution urges public and private entities across Tennessee to hold suicide prevention training annually and promote the 988 suicide prevention hotline.
School librarians: A proposal by State Rep. Greg Martin, R-Hixson, would expand the pathways for public schools to hire librarians. House Bill 2423 qualifies an advanced degree in media and technology for the purposes of obtaining a library information specialist endorsement. Eligibility would be determined by the Tennessee State Board of Education and the Tennessee Department of Education. The proposal also allows schools with fewer than 750 students to employ someone with a valid teacher’s license as a librarian. Currently, only certified librarian information specialists can become school librarians. House Bill 2423 will be considered in the Finance, Ways and Means Subcommittee on April 1.
Fertility clinic certification: A proposal to set guidelines for in vitro fertilization in Tennessee advanced in the House this week. House Bill 2290, sponsored by State Rep. Ryan Williams, R-Cookeville, would create a licensure process for IVF laboratories and certificate licensure requirements for physicians who wish to practice IVF in Tennessee. It also directs clinics to follow current clinical practice guidelines and professional standards for genetic testing, as determined by a nationally recognized organization in reproductive medicine or obstetrics and gynecology. The proposal heads to the Government Operations Committee on March 30.
Elder financial exploitation: Legislation to provide flexibility on how the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) handles reports of elder financial exploitation advanced out of the Criminal Justice Subcommittee this week. House Bill 354, sponsored by State Rep. Dennis Powers, R-Jacksboro, gives the TBI discretion to determine the best investigative approach for suspected elder financial exploitation rather than requiring coordination with a district attorney or other law enforcement agencies. When the General Assembly created the Elder Financial Abuse Hotline in 2024, the law required investigators to coordinate with a district attorney. If enacted, the TBI would decide the most effective course of action on a case-by-case basis. House Bill 354 is expected to be heard in the Judiciary Committee on April 1.
DUI in school zones: A bill to strengthen the penalties for individuals driving under the influence (DUI) in a school zone advanced out of the Criminal Justice Subcommittee this week. House Bill 1755, sponsored by State Rep. Iris Rudder, R-Winchester, establishes a minimum 30-day mandatory jail sentence for anyone convicted of DUI within an active school zone. Currently, this violation is a Class A misdemeanor and requires a minimum of 48 consecutive hours in jail, or seven days if the person’s blood alcohol concentration was 0.15 or higher. Mandatory minimums would increase with subsequent convictions. House Bill 1755 is expected to be heard in the Judiciary Committee on April 1.
Patronizing prostitution: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee advanced a proposal this week to strengthen the penalties for individuals who pay or offer to pay for sexual acts, especially when vulnerable adults or minors are involved. House Bill 1787, sponsored by State Rep. Mary Littleton, R-Dickson, increases the penalty for soliciting an undercover officer posing as a minor from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class B felony. It also establishes a Class B felony for offenses involving adults with intellectual disabilities and a Class A felony when it involves minors. Additionally, the bill reclassifies these offenses so they are prosecuted under prostitution laws rather than human trafficking statutes related to commercial sex acts. House Bill 1787 is expected to be heard in the Judiciary Committee on April 1.
Child care employment: Legislation to strengthen the child care workforce and give students real-world career experience advanced out of the Health Subcommittee this week. House Bill 2398, sponsored by State Rep. Tom Stinnett, R-Friendsville, would allow high school students ages 16 to 18 to work in a child care center outside of school hours or during school hours through a work-based learning program. Students must complete two courses in the education and training career cluster before being eligible. The bill specifies that a student may not work in a child care center located in the primary caregiver’s home. House Bill 2398 is expected to be heard in the Health Committee on March 31.
Medical abbreviations: Legislation expanding categories a person may use to display their medical expertise or certification as abbreviations after their name passed the General Assembly this week. House Bill 1770, sponsored by State Rep. Brock Martin, R-Huntingdon, adds clinical informatics, lifestyle medicine, and medical virtualist to the list of words and abbreviations that can be used to indicate an individual’s practice of medicine. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature.
Vape tax revenue: A Republican proposal to optimize tax revenue from vape products advanced in the House this week. House Bill 2359, sponsored by State Rep. David Hawk, R-Greeneville, expands the definition of consumable material to include natural and synthetic liquid nicotine solutions. The bill builds on a law Hawk passed in 2025 that permitted the taxation of vape products made with natural nicotine. By adding synthetic nicotine, tax revenue from vapes will be properly assessed. The legislation also streamlines enforcement of the prohibition on underage vaping by requiring the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission, rather than the Tennessee Department of Revenue, to issue fines for violations of the Prevention of Youth Access to Tobacco, Smoking Hemp, and Vapor Products Act. House Bill 2359 is scheduled to be heard in the Finance, Ways and Means Subcommittee on April 1.
Homestead exemptions: The General Assembly this week passed House Bill 1903, sponsored by State Rep. Bryan Terry, R-Murfreesboro, which extends homestead protections to families with adult children who have developmental or intellectual disabilities when the head of the household dies. Currently, homestead protections primarily apply to a surviving spouse and minor children. This legislation allows the exemption to continue for an adult child with a qualifying disability who lives in the home and permits up to $35,000 from the sale of a homestead property to be provided to an eligible survivor if the property cannot be set apart. House Bill 1903 now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature.
Adult changing table signage: Legislation to improve accessibility communication for visitors to the Volunteer State’s rest areas and welcome centers passed the House of Representatives this week. House Bill 1912, sponsored by State Rep. Kevin Raper, R-Cleveland, requires the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) to install highway signs with language or symbols indicating to motorists that a facility has an adult changing table. The legislation also requires TDOT to provide a list of rest areas and welcome centers with accessible tables on the department’s website and update signage as new tables are installed. House Bill 1912 now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature.
New state song: House Bill 1543, sponsored by State Rep. Jody Barrett, R-Dickson, designates “Tennessee” by Drew Holcomb as an official state song. The tune joins a host of other hits designated as official songs in the Volunteer State. The earliest official song adoptions include the first, “My Homeland, Tennessee,” by Nell Grayson, adopted in 1925, followed by “When It’s Iris Time in Tennessee” by Willa Waid Newman, adopted as an official song a decade later, in 1935. In all, Tennessee has adopted 15 state songs. House Bill 1543 now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature.
Food assistance for former inmates: A Republican proposal to ensure inmates have the opportunity to apply for food assistance programs near the end of their sentences advanced out of the Health Subcommittee this week. House Bill 684, sponsored by State Rep. Andrew Farmer, R-Sevierville, would require the Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS)to provide the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) with food assistance application forms for inmates preparing to be released. The proposed legislation requires TDOC to give inmates sufficient time to complete and submit the form before release. House Bill 684 is scheduled for consideration in the Health Committee on March 31.
Rescue squads: The Rescue Squad Recognition Act, sponsored by State Rep. Dennis Powers, R-Jacksboro, prohibits a municipality, county, political subdivision or nonprofit from operating a rescue squad unless it has been duly authorized to perform rescue services by the State Fire Marshal’s Office. If enacted, the state fire marshal, the Tennessee Association of Rescue Squads and other stakeholders will be tasked with creating a list of standards and qualifications for becoming and maintaining a rescue squad. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature.
Eagle Capital of Tennessee: The General Assembly this week approved legislation designating Lake County as the Eagle Capital of Tennessee. House Bill 1981, sponsored by State Rep. Rusty Grills, R-Newbern, emphasizes the large population of eagles around Reelfoot Lake and the surrounding areas, which attract many visitors for eagle watching. For more than 20 years, Lake County has been home to the Reelfoot Lake Eagle Festival, offering eagle tours, special programs and photography contests for visitors from across the nation. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature.
Clog Dancing Day: House Bill 2566, sponsored by State Rep. Sabi Kumar, R-Springfield, designates Aug. 8 annually as Clog Dancing Day. Known for its high-energy, complex footwork and expressive American folk art form, clog dancing, also known as clogging, originated in the Appalachian Mountains and has deep roots in Tennessee. The historic dance form derives from a cultural fusion of European, African American and Native American dance styles that merged over time, blending bluegrass and folk music. House Bill 2566 now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk to be signed into law.