Audit exposes widespread failures, culture of apathy in Memphis-Shelby County schools
House and Senate Republican leaders joined Tennessee Comptroller Jason E. Mumpower on Wednesday to discuss the findings of an interim forensic audit of Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) that uncovered widespread operational breakdowns flagged as waste or abuse.
The audit, conducted by CliftonLarsonAllen LLP (CLA), examined fiscal years 2022 through 2024. It identified nearly 175 deficiencies and observations, spotlighting “significant and recurring weaknesses” in the district’s internal controls, documentation, procurement practices and records management.
Auditors flagged $1,146,000 in transactions consistent with waste or abuse, including approximately $1,112,750 in contract-related spending and more than $33,000 in payroll-related transactions. Notably, CLA has only completed only 25% of its review of MSCS contracts. An additional $1,730,000 in transactions violated district policies and procedures.
The comptroller delivered a blunt assessment of the district’s leadership, saying the school district has the “worst management” of any organization he has ever seen in his career.
“It is clear, and again, no surprise, that there is an absolute culture of apathy and carelessness within the membership of the county school system,” Mumpower told reporters.
Specific examples cited in the report illustrate the depth of the problems. Employee personnel files were not securely stored. During testing, auditors requested 250 employee Form I-9 records and could not locate 100 of them. The interim report notes that some conclusions could be revised or supplemented as auditors review additional documentation. A final forensic audit report is expected later this year.
“The Board of Education, the leadership of the school system, does not now, and has not ever, exhibited an expectation that things (are) done right. There is a major lack of accountability across the (Memphis-Shelby County) school system,” Mumpower said.
MSCS is Tennessee’s largest school district, with an annual budget of nearly $2 billion.
Legislation is currently pending that would create an oversight board for MSCS. House Bill 662, sponsored by State Rep. Mark White, R-Memphis, authorizes intervention to improve students’ academic outcomes and college readiness.
Lawmakers on Wednesday discussed how the city’s high crime rate and persistent poor educational performance have held Memphis back for decades. Dozens of schools in the MSCS system received D or F grades in the 2024-25 school year. In January 2025, the Shelby County Commission approved a no-confidence resolution against the MSCS board, citing concerns over student success and the district’s trajectory
The House and Senate are expected to work out the final details of the bill in conference committee in the coming weeks.
“Some will try to minimize the partial audit findings, however this historic systemic failure of the Memphis school system doesn’t even take in the culture of academic failure,” said House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville. “We must right this financial mess, fix the academic failure, and continue fighting crime. Memphis is too important for us to not intervene.”
GOP blocks foreign control of TN land, minerals
Legislation strengthening protections against foreign adversaries acquiring property in the Volunteer State now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature.
The House this week gave final approval to House Bill 2547, sponsored by House Majority Leader William Lamberth, R-Portland, and Assistant Leader Mark Cochran, R-Englewood.
The bill applies existing restrictions on foreign ownership of agricultural and non-agricultural land to also include the acquisition of mineral rights, such as oil, gas and coal.
“These changes ensure hostile foreign regimes cannot bypass state law to control Tennessee’s strategic resources. This closes loopholes so they can’t have access to our valuable minerals and water rights,” Cochran told the House chamber on Monday.
The legislation also broadens the definition of a prohibited foreign party to include individuals or businesses designated as foreign adversaries by the U.S. Department of Commerce and lowers the ownership threshold that constitutes significant control over a business. The new law will take effect upon Gov. Bill Lee’s signature.
Republicans support rural school districts, low-income students
Two proposals by K-12 Subcommittee Chairman Kirk Haston, R-Lobelville, to support small school districts by adjusting their funding and how the state identifies low-income students advanced in the House this week.
House Bill 226 adjusts the current Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) formula to provide a one- to two-percent increase for school systems serving fewer than 1,500 students. Specifically, the proposal includes 2% additional funding per student in school systems with 1,001 to 1,500 students, and districts under 1,000 students would see their extra funding weight increase to 6%.
“The fact of the matter is, there’s just not as many local tax dollars coming into these smaller districts,” Haston told the Education Committee this week. “You’re looking at 37 districts that are going to be helped significantly by $6.5 million per year annually.”
House Bill 226 is expected to be heard in the Finance, Ways and Means Subcommittee on April 8.
House Bill 2485 expands the definition of economically disadvantaged students for TISA funding purposes to include students enrolled in TennCare, or those in a household that receives federal nutrition assistance such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families(TANF), and who are eligible for free or reduced lunch.
The definition of economically disadvantaged students has changed several times over the years, putting student eligibility and related funding in limbo. If approved, this legislation would bring the state’s definition back to its original form. If the reclassification causes a loss of funding for school districts, the state would temporarily make up the difference through July 1, 2030. House Bill 2485 was placed behind the budget for consideration at a later date.
Tennessee limits digital devices in elementary education
Lawmakers on Thursday approved legislation to ensure students in kindergarten through 5th grade receive a high-quality traditional education.
House Bill 2393, sponsored by State Rep. Michele Reneau, R-Signal Mountain, would minimize unnecessary screen time by requiring school districts and charter schools across Tennessee to adopt a policy prioritizing in-person, teacher-led instruction and non-electronic materials as the primary mode of learning. The proposal prohibits social media use during the day and ensures digital devices can only be used where there is a clear educational benefit.
“Screens tend to encourage skimming and distraction while real learning requires focus, memory formation and deep comprehension,” Reneau said on the House floor. “Fundamentally, humans, especially children, learn best from other humans, from teachers with real interaction, discussion, feedback, and relationships that technology simply cannot replicate.”
The legislation exempts the use of digital tools for accommodations for targeted instructional support, intervention or remediation, students with disabilities, virtual or hybrid learning environments, teacher preparation and other limited circumstances. The proposal now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature. It will take effect July 1.
General Assembly reins in frivolous out-of-state lawsuits
Tennessee lawmakers this week passed legislation to place reasonable guardrails on the grounds on which a plaintiff, particularly out-of-state entities, can sue the state, while preserving the fundamental rights of Tennesseans to seek justice and hold their government accountable.
House Bill 1971, sponsored by State Rep. Andrew Farmer, R-Sevierville, strengthens liability protections for Tennessee by removing the ability to seek legal action by potential plaintiffs if no injuries or damages have occurred. The proposal is a response to legislation passed in 2018, which created an avenue for out-of-state actors to pursue frivolous lawsuits against policies adopted by the General Assembly.
“We’ve had out-of-state entities come in and use this law against us to basically entertain a fishing expedition on the policy that we pass,” said Farmer. “What’s happening here is we are getting sued based off the policy and not the fact that we’ve damaged someone in any way. This bill does not preclude anyone from suing the State of Tennessee. This just brings it back to 2018, to where we’ve been doing this for over 200 years, and it’s been operating this way.”
House Bill 1971 does not limit any cause of action or grant immunity to the state, but it does require a plaintiff to be negatively affected to have grounds to seek legal compensation.
The proposal now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk to be signed into law.
Nixing Mx: Bill aligns teacher honorifics to biological sex
Legislation ensuring students are not forced to address a teacher or school employee with an honorific that does not match their biological sex advanced out of the State and Local Government Committee this week.
House Bill 1666, sponsored by State Rep. Aron Maberry, R-Clarksville, adds honorifics like Mrs. or Mr. to the existing state law regarding the use of names and pronouns that don’t align with an individual’s biological sex.
“We need to make sure we are standing on objective truth. A male is a male and a female is a female,” Maberry told committee members. “Our children need to know that and not have those thoughts introduced to them at a young age.”
This proposal builds on a 2025 law passed by Tennessee Republicans to ensure students, teachers and school employees are not required to use preferred pronouns if they are not consistent with an individual’s biological sex. It also extends the civil liability immunity and safeguards from disciplinary action for refusing to use someone’s preferred pronouns to include honorifics.
This proposal would apply to any teacher, professor or employee in Tennessee public schools, colleges, universities and state government. House Bill 1666 is expected to be heard in the Education Committee on April 8.
Proposal seeks to help cure physician shortage
Republicans this week advanced a proposal to help alleviate the health care workforce shortage. Sponsored by State Rep. Sabi “Doc” Kumar, R-Springfield, House Bill 2571 incentivizes internationally-trained physicians and surgeons to practice in the Volunteer State by requiring the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners to issue provisional training licenses if certain requirements are met.
“As many as 4,600 U.S citizens went to medical school abroad last year to offshore medical schools,” said Kumar. “This provides a pathway to attract them to Tennessee to come and practice.”
The medical credential would be valid for two years and it may be extended for one additional year to any internationally trained physician who has successfully met all necessary medical criteria and exam requirements.
An Association of Medical Colleges report predicted a nationwide loss of 13,500 to 86,000 physicians by 2036, with 74% of that reduction representing surgeons. Research from the Tennessee Hospital Association shows the state has 264 physicians per 100,000 people, which is short of the national benchmark. House Bill 2571 will be heard in the Government Operations Committee on April 6.
Legislature passes SHIELD Act to protect pediatric clinics
Lawmakers approved a measure this week to strengthen and safeguard pediatric patient care throughout Tennessee.
The Stopping Health Insurers from Excluding Legal Decisions (SHIELD) Act, or House Bill 2243, sponsored by State Rep. Brock Martin, R-Huntingdon, addresses how managed care organizations (MCOs) calculate pediatric quality scores, which are used to determine performance-based payments for providers. Current scoring models include all patients in performance calculations, including when parents make individualized medical decisions, such as forgoing vaccination. Currently, these choices fall outside of recommended care guidelines and result in a quality score reduction. As a result, clinics can face significant financial penalties despite providing quality care.
“(House Bill 2243) mandates that when a family makes an individualized decision, the MCO must remove that patient from the quality form denominator,” said Martin. “This corrects the math, protects the clinic’s operating margin, keeps its doors open, and makes it more likely a physician will treat a patient whose parents have made the decision to potentially not vaccinate them.”
The SHIELD Act requires MCOs to remove patients from a clinic’s quality score calculations when care decisions are made independently by a patient’s parent or guardian. By correcting this structural imbalance, the legislation protects provider performance metrics and helps ensure clinics are not unfairly penalized.
House Bill 2243 now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature.
Bill allows instruction on nation’s Christian heritage
The General Assembly this week approved legislation to ensure students across the state can receive a robust education regarding the nation’s history and founding principles.
House Bill 1822, sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Mark Cochran, R-Englewood, authorizes public schools to provide instruction on the religious influences that led to the creation of the United States. The bill does not mandate instruction; it simply gives local school districts the ability to teach certain facts regarding the founding fathers and the nation’s religious identity.
“(This legislation) is really just clarifying for our public schools that teaching the historical positive impact of religion on American history is consistent with the First Amendment to the United States Constitution,” Cochran said on the House Floor on Monday.
The proposal allows instruction on the religious history of the Pilgrims and the Mayflower Compact, references to divine authority in the Declaration of Independence, the influence of religious leaders, the role of religion in the First and Second Great Awakenings, religious influences on the U.S. Constitution, the role of the Ten Commandments in the American legal tradition, the impact of religion on the civil rights movement and the history of the national motto and pledge of allegiance.
House Bill 1822 now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk to be signed into law. It will apply beginning in the 2026-27 academic year.
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Biological sex: A proposal reinforcing Tennessee’s commitment to science and common-sense policies passed the House on Monday. House Bill 1271, sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Mark Cochran, R-Englewood, establishes as state policy that Tennessee recognizes only two sexes: male and female. All rules, policies or procedures from state governmental entities would be required to refer to sex based on immutable biological characteristics. Tennesseans would be able to file complaints with the state Comptroller of the Treasury if they suspect certain entities are non-compliant with this measure. The companion version of House Bill 1271 is expected to receive a final vote in the Senate in the coming weeks.
Academic holiday: House Bill 2167, sponsored by State Rep. Jody Barrett, R-Dickson, was unanimously approved by the Tennessee House of Representatives this week. The proposal requires all public higher education institutions to observe Election Day as an academic holiday, allowing students to vote in general elections without incurring an unexcused absence. The companion version of House Bill 2167 is still advancing through the Senate.
Ending sanctuary courts: A Republican effort to ensure all Tennessee courts cooperate with federal immigration agencies was approved by the House of Representatives this week. House Bill 1707, sponsored by State Rep. Rick Scarbrough, R-Oak Ridge, would require Tennessee courts to cooperate with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and other federal immigration authorities when they are enforcing immigration law. If a judge obstructs or interferes with federal immigration enforcement actions, the judge can be referred to the Tennessee Board of Judicial Conduct. If misconduct is found, it could lead to disciplinary action or removal from office under the Tennessee Constitution. This proposal is part of a comprehensive illegal immigration legislative package proposed by Tennessee Republicans to enforce existing laws, protect taxpayers and close sanctuary loopholes. The companion bill is still advancing in the Senate.
Recourse for coerced gender transitions: House Republicans on Thursday passed legislation to ensure Tennesseans who were harmed after being coerced into medical gender reassignment procedures have a clear path to seek justice. House Bill 1872, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Jason Zachary, R-Knoxville, establishes a private right of action for individuals who believe they were coerced into undergoing gender-related medical treatments and later suffered harm. The bill sets a clear statute of limitations, allowing individuals to bring a civil action within 18 years of the procedure or from the point at which harm is discovered. It defines applicable procedures as those intended to help a person identify with a sex inconsistent with their biological sex. The Tennessee General Assembly in 2023 passed a law prohibiting gender-mutilating chemical and surgical procedures from being performed on children. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld Tennessee’s ban in 2025. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature.
Protecting children: The Tennessee General Assembly this week passed legislation by State Rep. Greg Martin, R-Hixson, to give prosecutors additional tools to hold convicted child rapists accountable in Tennessee. House Bill 1454 strengthens existing law by expanding the aggravating circumstances under which prosecutors may pursue the death penalty for the rape of a child. The proposal would allow prosecutors to pursue the death penalty under the following conditions: aggravated rape of a child under four; defendant holds a position of trust over a victim; defendant is a registered sex offender; defendant knows a victim was mentally or physically defective; incest; previous felony or misdemeanor conviction for an offense involving sexual contact with a minor; filming or recording video or photos of the offense; sedating victims with intoxicants, controlled substances; use of a deadly weapon; especially heinous, atrocious or cruel actions or torturing a victim; remuneration to a victim or another person for access to or to silence a victim; or an additional conviction for rape of a child, aggravated rape of a child, aggravated sexual battery, or continuous sexual abuse of a child. House Bill 1454 now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk to be signed into law. It will take effect July 1.
Sanctity of Life Day: The House on Monday approved legislation that reinforces Tennessee’s commitment to protecting and preserving life. House Bill 1784, sponsored by State Rep. Gino Bulso, R-Brentwood, designates January 22 annually as Sanctity of Life Day in the Volunteer State. The U.S. Supreme Court on Jan. 22, 1973, improvidently issued its ruling in Roe v. Wade, which prohibited states from banning the practice of killing preborn children in the nation. House Bill 1784 honors the lives lost to legalized abortion, recognizes the right to life as the first unalienable right in the Declaration of Independence, and highlights Tennessee’s efforts to protect innocent human life. The companion version of House Bill 1784 will be considered by the Senate in the coming weeks.
Pre-K for children of teachers and school staff: The General Assembly on Thursday passed legislation to help school districts across Tennessee recruit and retain high-quality educators. House Bill 2048, sponsored by State Rep. Jake McCalmon, R-Franklin, allows teachers to send their children to their district’s voluntary pre-kindergarten program serving at-risk kids if it’s not already at capacity. Current law already grants eligibility to children of teachers outside of the school district. House Bill 2048 takes effect upon Gov. Bill Lee’s signature.
Clarifying expungement eligibility after a pardon: House Bill 2452, sponsored by State Rep. Johnny Garrett, R-Goodlettsville, broadens opportunities for pardoned individuals to clear their criminal records while maintaining safeguards for the most serious crimes. The bill removes the previous limitation that only nonviolent offenses could qualify. Instead, the bill establishes a specific list of serious offenses, including murder, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated child abuse, terrorism, and sexual offenses, that remain ineligible for expungement. The legislation also creates a rebuttable presumption in favor of granting expungement for eligible petitioners, meaning courts are generally expected to approve requests unless there is a compelling reason not to. Judges must still weigh public safety and the interests of justice, including whether the offense was violent, before making a final decision. The bill passed both chambers this week and now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature.
Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Act: Legislation allowing Tennessee families to benefit from a new federal education scholarship program now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature. House Bill 2187, sponsored by House Majority Leader William Lamberth, R-Portland, creates a framework for Tennessee to participate in the Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Act. Created in 2025 as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill, the Federal Tax Credit Scholarship aims to expand school choice by giving taxpayers a federal tax credit for donating money to scholarship organizations, which then provide financial aid to K-12 students. Tennessee residents are currently unable to participate in the program. House Bill 2187 directs the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) to participate in the federal tax credit program and identify scholarship-granting organizations (SGOs) operating in Tennessee. The bill establishes the necessary structure so Tennesseans can access scholarships funded by charitable donations. The TDOE will also be required to publish a list of approved SGOs on its website and ensure the state complies with federal eligibility requirements. House Bill 2187 goes into effect upon the governor’s signature.
Mercenary rioting: Legislation holding financiers of activism-for-hire accountable for damages, disruptions to critical infrastructure, or other unlawful conduct carried out by demonstrators they compensate heads to the governor’s desk for his signature. House Bill 2109, sponsored by House Majority Whip Clark Boyd, R-Lebanon, creates a new legal pathway for victims to sue under vicarious liability when someone pays people to join demonstrations, often referred to as “activism-for-hire” or “mercenary rioting.” The practice of activism-for-hire involves paying individuals to participate in rallies, protests and public demonstrations with the goal of creating the appearance of strong support and influencing public opinion. Covered offenses would include rioting, aggravated rioting, disorderly conduct, obstructing a highway, civil rights intimidation, harassment, and disorderly conduct at funerals. The bill takes effect upon the governor’s signature.
Penalties for feeding black bears: A proposal to increase public safety and hold people who feed black bears accountable was approved by the General Assembly this week. House Bill 2215, sponsored by State Rep. Fred Atchley, R-Sevierville, would give the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) the ability to partner with local law enforcement agencies to help enforce state wildlife laws, rules and proclamations. Videos of people feeding black bears in downtown Gatlinburg have circulated on social media, raising concerns among law enforcement and community members. The bill prohibits feeding black bears in areas where the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission has specifically banned feeding wildlife. Anyone who knowingly feeds a black bear could be subject to a Class B misdemeanor offense with a minimum $250 fine. Those who unknowingly feed a bear, including by leaving food out or garbage open, could receive a written warning for a first offense or the same minimum $250 fine for repeat offenses. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature.
DCS investigations: The General Assembly this week passed legislation to protect children and caregivers during investigations by the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS). House Bill 2262, sponsored by State Rep. Greg Martin, R-Hixson, establishes a standardized process for assessing child safety and determining the appropriate responses to reports of potential maltreatment. This proposal allows DCS to implement a standardized screening tool to assess the risk of potential child maltreatment by caregivers. Four actions could be taken based on results, including initiating a formal investigation. This process is already available to family members of a child. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk to be signed into law.
Expanding mental health resources: Legislation to establish an evidence-based home-visiting program focused on early childhood mental health was passed by the House of Representatives this week. House Bill 2313, sponsored by State Rep. David Hawk, R-Greeneville, authorizes the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) to collaborate with the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to create and oversee a mental health home visiting program for children from birth to five years old. The program would be voluntary and would require both parents and children to attend psychotherapy sessions and receive access to care coordination, developmental and mental health resources and assessments, as well as fidelity monitoring to ensure compliance with TDH guidelines. House Bill 2313 now heads to Gov Bill Lee’s desk to be signed into law.
Expediting bond hearings: Legislation expediting bond hearings affecting parental contact, custody or visitation passed this House this week. House Bill 2078, sponsored by State Rep. Andrew Farmer, R-Sevierville, places guardrails on the process a parent undergoes by requiring a judge to hold a bond hearing within 15 days of a complaint to determine whether a child can remain in a home. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk to be signed into law.
Canine first responder care: The Tennessee K-9 Emergency Medical Care and Transport Act, or House Bill 1694, sponsored by State Rep. Michele Reneau, R-Signal Mountain, allows emergency medical service personnel (EMS) to stabilize and transport a canine first responder injured in the line of duty. Care may be administered only in the event there are no human patients in need of medical attention, and medical services performed must be limited to stabilization. The legislation does not expand veterinarian practice amongst EMS personnel, but it does provide them with good-faith, civil and criminal immunity to render care without fear of disciplinary action. House Bill 1694 passed the General Assembly and will take effect upon the governor’s signature.
Appalachian dialect: The House on Monday passed legislation to recognize the importance of the Appalachian dialect to the culture and history of the Volunteer State. House Joint Resolution 803, sponsored by House Republican Caucus Chairman Jeremy Faison, R-Cosby, urges the Tennessee Secretary of State to include a section on the dialect in the Tennessee Blue Book. The dialect is a grammatical, systematic way of speaking with elements of the languages of the diverse individuals who inhabited the Appalachian region early in our nation’s history. House Joint Resolution 803 will now be considered in the Senate.
Driver’s education: The House on Monday approved legislation to promote consistency and high standards in driver’s education courses. House Bill 2125, sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Mark Cochran, R-Englewood, requires the Tennessee Department of Education to collaborate with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOS) to develop guidelines for public school districts that offer driver education and training courses. The course must include tips for safe driving and sharing the road, using the driver license manual developed by the TDOS for instruction purposes and the dangers of distracted driving and driving under the influence. House Bill 2125 now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature.
Secure storage lockers: The House on Monday passed legislation by State Rep. Clay Doggett, R-Pulaski, to protect county courthouses while preserving the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Tennesseans. House Bill 2376 will authorize sheriffs across the state to provide secure storage lockers for lawfully carried firearms that are restricted from possession in county courthouses. It is a Class E felony in Tennessee to carry a firearm in any building where judicial proceedings are in progress. The companion version of House Bill 2376 is expected to be considered on the Senate floor in the coming weeks.
Teacher professional development: A proposal to ensure Tennessee teachers are aware of the dangers and benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) advanced in the House this week. House Bill 545 by Assistant Majority Leader Mark Cochran, R-Englewood, would require the Tennessee Department of Education to provide at least one professional development course on the use of AI in the classroom at no cost to teachers in grades 6-12. Educators would be required to take the course by August 1, 2028, or within two years of becoming a licensed teacher in Tennessee. House Bill 545 is scheduled to be heard in the Finance, Ways and Means Committee on April 7.
Attorney fee awards: The General Assembly this week approved House Bill 2429, sponsored by State Rep. Andrew Farmer, R-Sevierville, which clarifies the Tennessee Families’ Rights and Responsibilities Act by allowing a magistrate to award a legal counselor representing a child court-ordered attorneys’ fees. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk to be signed into law.
Animal vaccinations: The House on Monday passed legislation to scale back certain responsibilities of the Tennessee state veterinarian. House Bill 2517, sponsored by State Rep. Chris Todd, R-Madison County, specifies that the Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture and the state veterinarian can recommend, not order, tests or vaccinations of animals in the state to protect their health. They would retain the ability to order tests or vaccines if the purpose is to detect or treat notifiable or monitored diseases. House Bill 2517 now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk to be signed into law.
Solid waste disposal: A bill by State Rep. Chris Todd, R-Madison County, declares that it is the policy of Tennessee to plan for sufficient landfill capacity to dispose of unrecovered or unrecycled solid waste. House Bill 2516 also requires municipal solid waste regions to identify where waste will be disposed of and managed for ten years. Plans must be updated and resubmitted to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation at least once every ten years. The proposal is a response to a report by the Tennessee Advisory Commission of Intergovernmental Relations, commissioned by the General Assembly last year. House Bill 2516 now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk to be signed into law.
Vehicular homicide offenders: The House this week approved legislation to strengthen the penalty for drivers convicted of vehicular homicide by intoxication who flee the scene of an accident. House Bill 2014, sponsored by State Rep. Mary Littleton, R-Dickson, requires a person convicted of vehicular homicide by intoxication to be punished as a Range II offender if the person is also convicted of leaving the scene of the accident. Currently, vehicular homicide by intoxication is a Class B felony. The Range II sentence would increase the penalty from approximately four years to between 12 and 20 years. If the offender is sentenced as Range III, it would be no less than 20 years and a maximum of 30 years. The bill now heads back to the Senate for further consideration.
Caregiver support: The House this week approved a proposal to cut government red tape and protect senior citizens and their caregivers. House Bill 1495, sponsored by State Rep. William Slater, R-Gallatin, increases the number of hours limited respite care services can operate without licensure from 12 to 16 per week. It also increases the number of adults that can be served simultaneously from 15 to 20. These services provide temporary relief to primary caregivers from normal caregiving duties and responsibilities. Limited respite care services exempt from licensure are operated by or affiliated with religious organizations. They must be registered with the Tennessee Department of Human Services, not administer medications, and maintain records of adults’ attendance. The bill now heads to the Senate for final consideration.
Content creation compensation: Legislation strengthening child labor compensation laws to reflect today’s revenue-driven social media landscape passed the General Assembly this week. House Bill 1723, sponsored by State Rep. Ron Travis, R-Dayton, prohibits minors between the ages of 14 and 17 from posting content in exchange for compensation. The proposal requires a parent or other adult with a minor engaged in content creation who earns at least $15,000 annually to maintain financial records until the minor turns 21 and to set aside the minor’s earnings in a trust account. House Bill 1723 will take effect July 1.
Biomarker testing: House Republicans on Monday passed legislation to improve insurance costs for patients facing certain diagnoses. House Bill 484, sponsored by State Rep. Brock Martin, R-Huntingdon, would require state-regulated health insurance plans to cover biomarker testing when ordered by a health care provider for diagnosis, treatment, or ongoing monitoring of a patient’s disease or condition. Biomarker testing helps physicians identify the most effective treatment for a patient and is also used to treat other serious conditions, such as cancer, autoimmune and neurological diseases, cardiovascular disorders, arthritis, and preeclampsia. Currently, insurance coverage for the testing has not kept pace with medical advancements, often leaving patients with delayed care or expensive out-of-pocket costs. The companion version of House Bill 484 is still moving through the Senate.
Open meetings: A bill clarifying which entities are subject to the Tennessee Open Meetings Act, or Sunshine Law, regarding posting meeting agendas was unanimously approved by the General Assembly this week. House Bill 1797, sponsored by State Rep. Susan Lynn, R-Mount Juliet, requires school boards and any other local governing body that makes binding decisions or appropriates funding to make meeting agendas publicly available in advance. Private nonprofit community organizations are not included in this requirement. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature.
Prayer at school board meetings: A bill to codify a school board’s right to open its meetings with prayer was approved by the General Assembly this week. The Tennessee Religious Freedom Act, or House Bill 1834, sponsored by State Rep. Rick Eldridge, R-Morristown, would allow school boards to open meetings with a voluntary prayer led by a board member if they choose. The bill does not require anyone in attendance to participate, and no one may be coerced or pressured into participating. The proposal aligns school boards with other legislative bodies that are permitted to open meetings with prayer. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature.
School safety planning: The General Assembly this week passed House Bill 2275, sponsored by State Rep. Debra Moody, R-Covington, to establish a Safe School Design Advisory Board to provide guidance and recommendations on measures to protect students. The board will include members representing a range of relevant disciplines and expertise, with a focus on ensuring schools consider safety best practices when making design or structural changes. The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance will oversee the board. House Bill 2275 now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature.
Anti-communism education: The General Assembly this week passed legislation to ensure students are educated on the history of communism and how it conflicts with the founding principles of the United States. House Bill 1805, sponsored by State Rep. Jody Barrett, R-Dickson, directs the Tennessee Standards Education Committee and State Board of Education to recommend grade-appropriate coursework that can be incorporated into the Volunteer State’s academic curriculum. The curriculum will include instruction on the threat of communism to the U.S. and its allies in the 20th century, communist movement tactics and heinous acts committed by foreign governments under the guise of communism. House Bill 1805 will now head to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk to be signed into law.
Emergency service consumer protections: The House this week passed legislation to strengthen consumer protections for emergency medical services. House Bill 1061, sponsored by State Rep. Greg Vital, R-Harrison, protects patients from surprise billing by prohibiting out-of-network ambulance providers from charging patients the remaining balance for emergency transport services covered by their health insurance plan. Emergency ambulance services are required by law to respond to 911 calls regardless of a patient’s insurance coverage or inability to pay. Because patients cannot choose their ambulance provider during an emergency and providers cannot select which insurance network to join for emergency calls, patients must pay the significant difference between the total charge and the amount covered by their insurance plan. The companion version of House Bill 1061 is still advancing through the Senate.
Cell-phone jamming: A resolution urging the U.S. Congress to allow states to use cell-phone jamming technology in prisons was approved by the House of Representatives this week. House Joint Resolution 863,sponsored by State Rep. Susan Lynn, R-Mount Juliet, highlights the growing problem of inmates smuggling cell phones into prisons to coordinate drug deals, orchestrate violence, and commit fraud or other criminal activities. The resolution emphasizes that jamming systems are the most effective way to stop these illegal activities without interfering with emergency calls. It also requests that a certified copy be sent to President Donald J. Trump and Tennessee’s federal delegation. The resolution now moves to the Senate for consideration.
Parenting plans: The General Assembly this week unanimously approved legislation to clarify that a child’s best interest must remain the paramount factor in custody and parenting schedule decisions. House Bill 590, sponsored by State Rep. Fred Atchley, R-Sevierville, adds that a judge must consider whether a proposed parenting schedule gives each parent meaningful opportunities to participate in the child’s life when reviewing the plan. The measure does not create a presumption of equal parenting time but ensures courts evaluate parental involvement when determining custody arrangements. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature.
Abrial’s Law: The General Assembly approved legislation expanding Abrial’s Law to ensure children are not returned to abusive situations in child custody cases. House Bill 2127, sponsored by State Rep. Rebecca Alexander, R-Jonesborough, ensures courts review written findings on past abuse or visitation restrictions regarding a parenting plan, whether a placement is temporary or permanent. Since its passage in 2024, the legislature has approved several expansions to Abrial’s Law, providing crucial protections for victims of child abuse who are entangled in their parents’ custody battle. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature.
Advocates for human trafficking victims: Legislation to further support children who may be victims of human trafficking was unanimously approved by the General Assembly this week. House Bill 2527, sponsored by House Majority Leader William Lamberth, R-Portland, and State Rep. Mary Littleton, R-Dickson, requires a representative from a nonprofit specializing in combating the commercial sexual exploitation of minors to be included on the multidisciplinary team in cases involving suspected child human trafficking. The proposal also requires members of the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS) protection teams to complete 15 hours of annual training on severe child abuse and child sexual abuse. DCS must determine whether abuse allegations are substantiated and report findings to the state abuse registry within 90 days, or within 180 days for cases involving a child fatality, with one possible 180-day extension if needed. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature.
Honey producers: A proposal to support local honey producers was approved by the General Assembly this week. House Bill 1825, sponsored by State Rep. Renea Jones, R-Unicoi, increases the annual amount of honey a producer can sell from 150 gallons to 835 gallons without triggering the food manufacturing and inspection requirements of the Tennessee Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. There are more than 24,000 honey bee colonies across more than 2,800 farms in Tennessee, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Census of Agriculture. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature.
Nitrous oxide sales: Legislation banning the retail sale of nitrous oxide products in Tennessee was approved by the General Assembly this week. The Nitrous Oxide Abuse Prevention and Retail Sales Prohibition Act, or House Bill 1644, sponsored by State Rep. Fred Atchley, R-Sevierville, prohibits retailers from selling or offering nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas or whippets. The proposal creates a Class E felony offense for anyone who sells or gives nitrous oxide to another person knowing it will be used for intoxication. Violations carry escalating civil penalties starting at $2,500 for a first offense and $5,000 for repeat offenses, and products may be seized as contraband. Businesses may also have their license revoked for repeat violations. Manufacturers and distributors of nitrous oxide for legitimate medical, dental, and food-related uses, such as whipped cream chargers, are exempt from the legislation. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature. If enacted, the ban would take effect on July 1.
Relative caregivers: A proposal to make it easier for the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS) to place children with family members when they have been removed from their parents’ custody was unanimously approved by the General Assembly this week. House Bill 2283, sponsored by State Rep. Michele Carringer, R-Knoxville, removes the requirement that children must have their own bedroom before being placed in the relative’s home, unless there are specific safety or medical reasons that would make an arrangement unsafe. A relative caregiver is currently defined as a person within a first, second or third degree of relationship to the parent or step-parent of a child who may be related by blood, marriage or adoption. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature.
Mooring boats: The General Assembly approved a bill this week to deter boaters from anchoring or tying their boats up for extended periods of time along the shoreline of certain Tennessee waterways. House Bill 1786, sponsored by State Rep. Mary Littleton, R-Dickson, creates a Class C misdemeanor for boaters moor a vessel for more than 14 consecutive days along a reservoir’s shoreline or within one mile of it; temporarily moor within primary or secondary navigation channels of the Tennessee River system; or block or hinder access to any part of a reservoir with mooring lines. Boats secured at marinas, docks and slips, and those with federal permits are not affected by this legislation. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature.
Deed preparations: The House this week passed legislation that clarifies statutory language by adding that, in addition to licensed surveyors, attorneys licensed to practice in the Volunteer State may prepare deeds when the survey divides property. House Bill 1970, sponsored by State Rep. Andrew Farmer, R- Sevierville, is still advancing through the Senate. If approved and signed into law, it would take effect July 1.
Driver’s licenses for released inmates: Legislation to help eligible inmates get their driver’s license back at the end of their sentence was unanimously approved by the General Assembly this week. House Bill 1551, sponsored by State Rep. Elaine Davis, R-Knoxville, authorizes the Tennessee Department of Correction to coordinate with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security to provide driver’s licenses to inmates who have or previously had a driver’s license and was in good standing prior to incarceration. Current law already allows this process for photo identification. The departments would coordinate to assist inmates in obtaining or renewing a license prior to their release. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature.
Criminal prosecutions of state inmates: The House of Representatives unanimously approved legislation this week to shift the financial burden from counties to cover the costs of prosecuting a state inmate. House Bill 1986, sponsored by State Rep. Rusty Grills, R-Newbern, requires the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) to reimburse costs incurred by counties during the prosecution of an inmate who committed a crime within the prison or institution in the county. If enacted, the county would provide invoices to TDOC, which must pay the county within 60 days. The companion version of the bill is expected to be heard in the Senate in the coming weeks.
Constable training: Legislation updating the requirements to become a constable in Tennessee was approved by the House of Representatives this week. House Bill 1820, sponsored by State Rep. Lowell Russell, R-Vonore, requires anyone elected or appointed as a constable on or after Jan. 1, 2029, to have graduated from a law enforcement training academy certified by the Tennessee Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission. Current constables who have already completed one full term and are re-elected would be exempt. It also requires candidates to submit a letter from a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist confirming they are free from any mental impairment that would affect their constable duties. The companion bill is still advancing in the Senate.
Protections for Native American children: Legislation proposed by State Rep. Bryan Terry, R-Murfreesboro, to safeguard child custody proceedings involving a Native American child was approved by the General Assembly this week. House Bill 1904 ensures that if the federal Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) is ever repealed, Tennessee will maintain the same procedures and protections for these sensitive cases until the General Assembly can reconvene and establish new state policy. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of ICWA in 2023, and it continues to govern these proceedings today. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature.
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