House votes to regulate hemp-derived THC products The House on Thursday passed legislation to protect consumer safety and health by regulating the sale and distribution of hemp-derived products, which are widely available in Tennessee in the form of gummies, patches, beverages and flowers. Hemp and cannabis both originate from the marijuana plant, but can vary […]
House votes to regulate hemp-derived THC products
The House on Thursday passed legislation to protect consumer safety and health by regulating the sale and distribution of hemp-derived products, which are widely available in Tennessee in the form of gummies, patches, beverages and flowers.
Hemp and cannabis both originate from the marijuana plant, but can vary widely in their uses and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content, the psychoactive compound that causes users to get high when smoked or consumed.
Sponsored by House Majority Leader William Lamberth, R-Portland, House Bill 1376 transfers regulatory authority from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture to the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (ABC) and establishes a hemp distributor license.
It requires hemp suppliers to register hemp brands and assign a distributor through the Tennessee Department of Revenue. It will be regulated similarly to the way alcohol is regulated in Tennessee.
“(These are) extremely intoxicating substances and what we do with these products can change lives for better or worse,” Lamberth said on Thursday. “They should be regulated and sold just like wine, liquor and beer are, with the same type of restraints on them, recognizing that there is great danger in these products. We’ve tried to truncate down the percentage of THC that’s in these products so Tennesseans know exactly what they are purchasing.”
Cannabis with a concentration of less than .3% delta-9 THC is defined as legal hemp federally and in Tennessee. Cannabis with a potency greater than .3% is classified as marijuana and is illegal to possess, grow or sell in Tennessee. Approximately 2,000 retailers are currently selling THC products statewide.
The bill would restrict sales to 21 and older establishments, licensed manufacturers and businesses with wine and spirits or liquor-by-the-drink licenses. The companion version of the bill is expected to be on the Senate floor next week.
Key highlights of the bill include:
- Bans the sale of THCa, THCp and synthetics
- Prohibits hemp sales within 1,000 feet of a school
- Adds a 2-cent tax per milligram of THC in hemp products in addition to a 10% wholesale tax
- Only allows the sale of hemp products at liquor stores and licensed hemp retailers
- Prohibits direct shipment of hemp-derived THC products to consumers. Specifies that hemp sales must be face-to-face transactions.
- Serving size reduced to 15 milligrams and sets a cap of 20 servings per package
- Taxes plant products (flower) at $50 an ounce at wholesale
- Taxes liquid products at $4.40 a gallon (same rates as liquor)
Republicans promote prosperity through proven life plan
Republicans in the Tennessee General Assembly this week approved legislation to provide Tennessee students with instruction on a life plan that is proven to promote prosperity.
The Success Sequence Act, sponsored by State Rep. Gino Bulso, R-Brentwood, updates Tennessee’s family life curriculum by adding instruction on the success sequence, which includes obtaining a high school degree, entering the workforce or pursuing a post-secondary degree or credential, getting married then having children.
Ninety-seven percent of millennials (adults aged 32-38) who followed the success sequence avoided poverty in adulthood, including more than 95% of black and Hispanic adults, according to a report from the American Enterprise Institute (AEI). Conversely, more than half of millennial adults who failed to follow the sequence entirely found themselves in poverty.
“The success sequence is a proven way to flourish and it’s essential that we convey this vital information to Tennessee children,” Bulso said. “The nuclear family and these other important milestones have a rich tradition in our nation, and the evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates that someone who follows this order of life events has an exponentially higher probability of success. Our state will continue thriving if we invest in strong children and provide them with a wealth of resources and guidance.”
Children who grow up in traditional nuclear families consisting of a married mother and father are healthier, earn higher grades and are less likely to have behavioral or emotional issues, a study published in the peer-reviewed journal Linacre Quarterly found. Research consistently shows that education leads to increased wages and earnings in adulthood, with one study finding annual earnings rise by roughly 20% for each educational level achieved, according to a report from the Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation within the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
A majority of American parents, 76%, say they support teaching the success sequence in public schools, including 85% of Republicans, 70% of Democrats and 72% of people who did not follow the sequence, the AEI reports.
House Bill 178 seeks to provide Tennessee students with instruction and evidence regarding the positive personal and societal outcomes that result from following the success sequence. Family life curriculum is taught to students in grades 5-9 in Tennessee. Parents can opt their children out of instruction.
The legislation was overwhelmingly backed by Republicans and passed the House on Monday without a single Democrat vote in favor. The Success Sequence Act now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk to be signed into law.
The legislation will take effect on July 1, 2026, and instruction will begin in the 2026-27 school year.
Resolution supports regulation of kratom in Tennessee
The House on Monday passed a resolution advocating for the regulation or prohibition of kratom in Tennessee.
House Joint Resolution 147, sponsored by State Rep. Esther Helton-Haynes, R-East Ridge, encourages the strictest legislative action to protect citizens by limiting the availability of kratom, an herbal substance that is derived from a tree species native to Southeast Asia. Health experts in recent years have spoken out about the severe dangers of the products.
“While kratom has been touted as a safe way to mitigate pain and boost energy, it can cause devastating and fatal side effects for unsuspecting users,” Helton-Haynes said. “These consequences were felt right here in Hamilton County last year, when Matthew Davenport’s life was tragically cut short because of kratom. I thank my colleagues for their bipartisan support of this resolution and I look forward to continuing to find ways to protect Tennesseans from this dangerous and unregulated substance.”
Matthew Davenport passed away on March 18, 2024, following a lethal interaction between his doctor-prescribed medication and kratom. Commonly referred to as “gas station heroin,” kratom products are widely sold across the United States as mood boosters, anxiety aids and pain relievers.
More than 2,000 kratom-related overdoses occurred between 2021 and 2023 across 40 states and Washington D.C., according to numbers from public health officials reported by the Tampa Bay Times. The United States Drug Enforcement Administration calls kratom a “drug of concern” and warns that it can be addictive and lead to psychotic symptoms, including hallucinations, delusions and confusion. House Joint Resolution 147 will now be considered in the Senate before heading to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk.
Sound Science in Regulations Act approved by legislature
The General Assembly this week passed legislation to ensure state rules and regulations protect the health and safety of Tennesseans without infringing on their freedoms.
The Sound Science in Regulations Act, sponsored by State Rep. Chris Todd, R-Madison County, ensures that state regulatory actions relating to drinking water, water pollution control, contaminated site remediation, air quality and solid or hazardous waste are based on the best available science.
“Tennesseans should be confident that all rules and regulations passed by state agencies will protect their health and well-being,” Todd said. “The Sound Science in Regulations Act is really a common-sense approach that gives Tennessee families the peace of mind they deserve while allowing our state to continue promoting the highest possible quality of life. This legislation will help safeguard the Volunteer State’s abundant natural resources, and I’m grateful to my Republican colleagues for passionately supporting the preservation of clean air and drinking water.”
House Bill 896 prohibits agencies from adopting rules establishing numeric limitations on contaminants, pollutants, hazardous substances, and solid or hazardous waste relating to certain environmental controls unless it is based on the best available science. Additionally, data must establish a direct link to bodily harm to be used to establish limits and would only apply to proposed rules more stringent than existing federal regulations, according to the legislation. The bill defines best available science as reliable and unbiased, using supporting, peer-reviewed studies, among other criteria. House Bill 896 applies to agency rules, not including the Tennessee Department of Health or Tennessee Department of Agriculture, adopted on or after July 1, 2025. It does not apply to federally required rules or certain emergency rules.
Scientists and legitimate academic journals in recent years have warned about a rise in “predatory journals,” a deceptive practice in which journals publish work for fees without peer review or editorial services, according to the Toxicology Pathology academic journal. Those could then be cited as support for onerous regulations on a state level.
The Sound Science in Regulations Act now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature.
Todd has also proposed legislation to lower the allowable levels of fluoride in Tennessee drinking water in the 114th General Assembly. United States Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Monday revealed plans to have the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stop recommending fluoride in drinking water, according to the Associated Press.
Republicans protect free speech, promote common sense
A Republican bill to protect Tennesseans from coerced speech advanced in the House this week.
House Bill 1270, sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Mark Cochran, R-Englewood, will ensure no student or contractor in school districts, charter schools, and public institutions of higher education is required to use preferred pronouns if it is not consistent with an individual’s biological sex. These protections will also extend to state employees and contractors for the state.
“House Bill 1270 is very simply a protection against coerced speech,” said Cochran. “Students, teachers, employees and contractors at public schools and (local school districts) do not shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech and expression while at school or work. … This (bill) is to ensure that none of those parties just mentioned are ever coerced into saying something that is in opposition to their deeply held religious convictions.”
House Bill 1270 protects Tennessee students, teachers, state employees and contractors’ speech through civil liability immunity and safeguards from disciplinary action for refusing to use preferred pronouns. Current Tennessee law ensures local school district employees cannot be required to use a student’s preferred pronoun, and this legislation extends these protections to students and contractors.
The bill also creates a private cause of action and a complaint process for Tennessee public K-12 students, teachers, employees and contractors subjected to adverse action or discipline for refusing to use a preferred pronoun. House Bill 1270 now heads to the House Finance, Ways and Means Committee for further consideration.
General Assembly seeks to protect child sexual abuse victims
The General Assembly this week passed legislation sponsored by State Rep. Jake McCalmon, R-Franklin, to protect victims of child sexual abuse.
House Bill 973 will extend the statute of limitations for 24 specific child sex abuse offenses from 25 to 30 years after a victim’s 18th birthday.
“Sexual abuse of a child is a heinous crime and the evil people responsible must be held accountable,” McCalmon said. “Increasing the statute of limitations is a common-sense way to ensure victims receive the justice they deserve while getting some of the worst of mankind off our streets. I’m incredibly grateful to my colleagues for unanimously supporting this legislation and I look forward to continuing to protect the most vulnerable in our society.”
McCalmon’s bill also increases the statute of limitations for civil action to be taken for certain child sex abuse offenses from 15 years to 30 years from the date a victim turns 18 years old. House Bill 973 applies to offenses that occur after July 1, 2025. The legislation now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature.
Fertility Treatment and Contraceptive Protection Act passes
Legislation to codify a woman’s right to contraceptives and fertility treatment in Tennessee was approved by the General Assembly this week.
The Fertility Treatment and Contraceptive Protection Act, or House Bill 533, sponsored by State Rep. Iris Rudder, R-Winchester, secures the right to birth control, including emergency contraceptives, and protects access to fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF).
“This bill is about life. It brings life into the world. It gives families the right to access IVF. It gives families the opportunity to plan their families through contraceptives,” Rudder said. “I stand with women in this state and families in this state that want the ability to have these precious babies that they may not have an opportunity to have otherwise.”
The bill defines contraception and fertility treatment in state code and ensures no law can prohibit the use or provision of fertility treatments or contraceptives in Tennessee. Tennessee ranks among the most pro-life states in the nation, and Republicans continue to protect life and encourage strong families. House Bill 533 now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature.
Bill expands protections for first responders, law enforcement
The House State and Local Government Committee this week advanced legislation to support Tennessee law enforcement officers and first responders diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
House Bill 310, sponsored by State Rep. Aron Maberry, R-Clarksville, expands the James ‘Dustin’ Samples Act to include law enforcement officers and emergency responders. The James ‘Dustin’ Samples Act defined a firefighter’s PTSD from traumatic calls as a work-related injury, making them eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. It also created a grant program to mitigate the cost to an employer providing workers’ compensation to firefighters diagnosed with PTSD, improving access to resources and effective treatment.
“This bill comes from a state trooper in my district,” Maberry said in committee. “He was diagnosed with PTSD from the job, and it took him a very long time to receive these benefits, so he asked me to run this bill to include law enforcement officers.”
Research shows that law enforcement officers are two to four times more likely to suffer from PTSD compared with the general population of the United States. House Bill 310 is expected to be heard in the House Finance, Ways and Means Subcommittee on April 14.
Grant program to combat violent crime advances
Legislation seeking to create a grant program to help decrease violent crime in Tennessee is advancing through the House of Representatives.
The Tennessee Violent Incident Clearance and Technological Investigative Methods Support Act (TN-VICTIMS), sponsored by State Rep. Lowell Russell, R-Vonore, aims to help law enforcement agencies and district attorneys’ offices solve and close violent crime cases.
“The grants could be used to hire more investigators, purchase technology to improve laboratory test result turnaround time or to support victims,” Russell said.
Violent crime includes offenses like homicide, aggravated assault, robbery and rape. In 2023, the violent crime rate in Tennessee was 68% higher than the United States average, according to theCouncil of State Governments Justice Center, and only 39% of reported violent crimes were solved. House Bill 1027 is scheduled to be heard in the House Finance, Ways and Means Subcommittee on April 14.
Republican bill prohibits discrimination in higher education
The House on Thursday passed legislation aligning state higher education policies with a 2023 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Students for Fair Admissions Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College. The decision ended affirmative action, a practice of higher education institutions basing admissions and scholarship awards on an applicant’s race.
House Bill 377, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Jason Zachary, R-Knoxville, will prohibit colleges and universities in Tennessee from basing admission, financial aid or scholarship decisions on an applicant’s race, color, ethnicity or national origin.
“This legislation simply codifies what was ruled by the Supreme Court to ensure that students are judged … by academic achievement, by their merit, by their community engagement, to ensure that merit and (the) accomplishments of that student is the lens in which we see the admission (process) and the awarding of scholarships to students,” Zachary said on the House floor Thursday.
The legislation prevents the exclusion of students from participating in any program or activity at an institution on the basis of race, color, ethnicity or national origin. It also prohibits the use of aggregated data for admissions or student population quotas based on race, color, ethnicity or origin.
The legislation ensures students are evaluated on an equal platform based on their merit, with no preference given based on the student’s race. Students who believe they have been denied opportunities based on their identity may pursue legal action. The legislation now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature, when it will immediately take effect.
Legislature approves drug testing for deceased mass shooters
The General Assembly this week approved legislation requiring post-mortem drug testing and studies on mass shooters.
House Bill 1349, sponsored by State Rep. Mary Littleton, R-Dickson, requires the county medical examiner’s office or regional forensics center to test the suspect for the presence of any psychotropic drugs.
“We are just wanting to see if other drugs that are present, other than the psychotropic drugs, if they have any interaction and what the psychotropic drugs have done inside the body,” Littleton said.
It also requires them to consult with any health care provider or mental health professionals treating the deceased at the time of their death.
Medical examiners will send blood samples to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s College of Pharmacy to study the interactions between the psychotropic drugs and any other drugs that were present in the decedent’s system. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature.
Organizations could be liable for illegal immigrant crimes
The House chamber will soon consider a bill to hold charitable organizations accountable for damages or injuries caused by crimes committed by individuals unlawfully in the United States.
House Bill 811, sponsored by State Rep. Rusty Grills, R-Newbern, would apply if an organization knew a person was in the country illegally, the person was receiving long-term housing services and the organization was negligent or engaged in misconduct while providing housing. Housing under this legislation includes long-term accommodations, such as helping with leases for apartments or rental homes, but does not cover temporary overnight housing like homeless shelters.
“This is a public safety bill keeping up with the Trump administration’s renewed focus on illegal immigration,” Grills said. “This bill requires non-governmental organizations to be more vigilant in their vetting and supervising.”
House Bill 811 will now go to the House Calendar and Rules Committee before heading to the House floor for a final vote.
Republicans propose property tax relief for TN veterans
Two Republican lawmakers are backing bills to increase property tax relief for disabled veterans.
House Bill 48, from State Rep. Michael Hale, R-Smithville, would eliminate the limit on home value for veterans receiving tax relief, allowing qualified homeowners to receive full reimbursement of their local property taxes regardless of their home’s worth.
“The goal of this legislation is to provide another way for our state to show gratitude to those who have sacrificed so much for our nation,” said Hale.
House Bill 436, sponsored by State Rep. John Crawford, R-Bristol/Kingsport, updates Tennessee’s property tax relief program for disabled veterans. The bill requires the state to cover all or part of local property taxes on a qualifying veteran’s primary home.
The relief applies to the first $175,000 of the home’s market value with the state reimbursing based on 25% of that amount and the local tax rate. The bill also removes the equalization factor, simplifying the process for veterans and their surviving spouse.
Both bills are expected to be heard in the House Finance, Ways and Means Subcommittee April 14.
Deputy whips appointed for 114th General Assembly
House Majority Whip Johnny Garrett, R-Goodlettsville, has named six members to serve as deputy whips for the 114th General Assembly. Newly appointed deputy whips include State Reps. Renea Jones, R-Unicoi; Aron Maberry, R-Clarksville; Lee Reeves, R-Franklin; Michele Reneau, R-Signal Mountain; Rick Scarbrough, R-Oak Ridge; and Tom Stinnett, R-Friendsville. Deputy whips will support the majority whip by assisting in counting votes and communicating with members about important legislative initiatives.
GOP protects religious materials in schools
Legislation prohibiting school boards from removing books from school libraries solely because it is religious has passed the Tennessee General Assembly.
House Bill 1085, sponsored by State Rep. Greg Martin, R-Hixson, protects religious freedom provided by the First Amendment by requiring schools to maintain religious materials in their libraries.
“This bill reaffirms Tennessee’s commitment to protecting religious beliefs in line with the First Amendment,” Martin said. “It ensures that the fundamental right to religious freedom is upheld in the state.”
A 2021 survey by the Becket Fund found that 83% of people believe the freedom to express or share religious beliefs is an essential part of religious freedom. The legislation guarantees equal access to religious content in schools. House Bill 1085 now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature.
Immunity protections for alcohol overdose approved
Legislation to expand the Good Samaritan Law was approved by the General Assembly this week. House Bill 995, sponsored by State Rep. Iris Rudder, R-Winchester, provides the same limited criminal and civil immunity protections for alcohol overdoses as state law currently does for drug overdoses.
“By removing fear of prosecution, I hope this legislation will especially encourage young Tennesseans to call emergency services and potentially save someone’s life,” Rudder said.
This bill extends immunity protections for alcohol-related misdemeanors like public intoxication, and those involving individuals under the age of 21, such as providing or purchasing alcohol for minors and selling alcohol or beer to minors.
House Bill 995 specifies that immunity does not apply to anyone licensed by the Tennessee Alcohol Beverage Commission (ABC), such as bar owners, bartenders or servers, if they violate the law while at work. An estimated 2,200 people in the United States die every year from alcohol overdose, according to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics. The legislationnow heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature. It will take effect July 1.
Briefly…
School safety: As Republicans continue prioritizing student safety in Tennessee, one lawmaker seeks to expand a school safety alert pilot program to more districts across the state. House Bill 505, sponsored by State Rep. Ron Gant, R-Piperton, will create a two-year statewide school safety alert program to assist local school districts with the installation of rapid response devices. House Bill 505 builds on legislation passed last year, which created a pilot program to assist a select number of schools across Tennessee with emergency alert devices. This bill removes the limit on grants that may be awarded in a fiscal year and creates a fund known as the school safety alert grant fund. House Bill 505 is scheduled to be heard in the House Finance, Ways and Means Subcommittee on April 14.
District attorneys generals: Legislation by State Rep. Ron Travis, R-Dayton, will help streamline Tennessee’s criminal justice system. House Bill 706 creates ten additional criminal investigator positions, ten additional assistant district attorneys general positions, and ten assistant district public defender positions to be designated for judicial districts that include a state correctional facility. Legislation passed by the 113th General Assembly required offenses committed in correctional facilities to be reported to law enforcement, increasing the caseload for judicial districts with prisons. House Bill 706 seeks to ease this burden while promoting public safety across the state. The bill is scheduled to be heard for consideration in the House Finance, Ways and Means Subcommittee on April 14.
Animal fighting: The Tennessee General Assembly this week passed House Bill 540, expanding the state’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) Act of 1989 to include animal fighting. Sponsored by State Rep. John Crawford, R-Kingston/Bristol, the bill makes it a crime to engage in, plan, encourage or assist animal fighting. The bill now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature.
Department of Corrections: Legislation to help streamline operations at the Tennessee Department of Correction (DOC) advanced in the House this week. House Bill 454, sponsored by State Rep. Chris Hurt, R-Halls, will create the Tennessee Office of the Corrections Ombudsman within the legislature, which will be responsible for commencing investigations, working with the DOC to investigate complaints, rendering decisions on the merits of investigations and advising the General Assembly on the state’s correctional system. The ombudsman would be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Speaker of the Senate. House Bill 454 is scheduled to be heard for consideration in the House Finance, Ways and Means Subcommittee on April 14.
Synthetic food dyes: Legislation to ban the synthetic food dye Red 40 from Tennessee public schools was approved by the House of Representatives this week. House Bill 134, sponsored by State Rep. Elaine Davis, R-Knoxville, prohibits public and charter schools from providing or selling any food or beverage items containing Red 40 through the school’s nutrition program. Red 40 contains benzene, a known cancer-causing substance, and potential side effects include hyperactivity, irritability and depression, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The companion bill is still moving through the Senate.
Bullying prevention: Legislation aimed at deterring bullying and cyberbullying was approved by the General Assembly this week. House Bill 1025, sponsored by State Rep. Lowell Russell, R-Vonore, suspends a juvenile’s driving privileges for one year if they are found adjudicated delinquent for harassment, bullying or cyberbullying. This legislation expands on a law championed by Russell formally defining bullying, cyberbullying and harassment in state code. This bill contains an option for first-time offenders to receive a restricted license to use only to commute to school, work and church. House Bill 1025 now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature.
Rural health care: House Bill 173, sponsored by State Rep. Brock Martin, R-Huntingdon, sets payment rates for rural hospitals treating TennCare patients between 100% and 120% of the Medicare rate. It allows TennCare to seek federal approval to implement this without expanding Medicaid. Annual updates to the list of treatment categories for participating hospitals will be required. The bill has been placed behind the budget to be considered at a later date.
Medical ethics: The General Assembly this week approved legislation protecting Tennessee health care providers from performing procedures or services that go against their beliefs. The Medical Ethics Defense Act, sponsored by State Rep. Bryan Terry, R-Murfreesboro, protects the rights of doctors, pharmacists, nurses and medical students to practice medicine in alignment with their ethical, moral or religious beliefs. Alongside the ethical protections, the Medical Ethics Defense Act aims to address the growing physician shortage across the nation. House Bill 1044 now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk and will take effect immediately upon his signature.
Precious metals fund: Legislation sponsored by State Rep. Bud Hulsey, R-Kingsport, would help ensure Tennessee remains fiscally strong. House Bill 439 would create a precious metals fund to purchase and sell precious metal bullion or specie. Another bill by Hulsey, House Bill 440, will allow the Tennessee state treasurer to enter into agreements for the creation of a state mint to securely store the state’s bullion depository. Both bills have been placed behind the budget for consideration at a later date. Hulsey in 2023 passed legislation allowing the Tennessee state treasurer to buy and sell gold or precious metals to be owned by the state.
Hunter safety: Blaze pink will soon become an official hunter safety color in Tennessee after being approved by the General Assembly this week. House Bill 646, sponsored by State Rep. Michele Carringer, R-Knoxville, allows hunters to wear daylight fluorescent pink, or “blaze pink,” as a substitute for the traditional fluorescent orange when hunting big game. The change would align Tennessee’s hunter safety standards with 12 other states. House Bill 646 is part of a larger effort by the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency (TWRA) to encourage more girls and women to hunt and enjoy the outdoors. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature and, once signed, will go into effect July 1.
Katie Beckett program: Legislation to extend the health reimbursement account option of the Katie Beckett Waiverprogram to all enrollees is advancing through the House of Representatives. The program is for children under the age of 18 with disabilities or complex medical needs to help families afford specific housing requirements and health costs needed to keep their children at home. House Bill 1158, sponsored by State Rep. Susan Lynn, R-Mount Juliet, asks TennCare to take any necessary steps to offer a health reimbursement account, like they do for part B families, for families enrolled in Part A. House Bill 1158 is expected to be heard in the House Finance, Ways and Means Subcommittee on April 14.
Combating antisemitism: A Republican proposal to protect Jewish students and employees from discrimination at schools and universities passed the Tennessee General Assembly. House Bill 1188, sponsored by State Rep. Rusty Grills, R-Newbern, treats antisemitic harassment as racial discrimination. It requires schools to define antisemitism, provide training, promote Jewish-American heritage and designate a Title VI Coordinator. The bill also clarifies that criticism of Israel is not antisemitic unless it leads to discrimination. House Bill 1188 now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature.
Student searches: Legislation to keep schools safe while protecting the rights of students moved through the House this week. House Bill 764, sponsored by State Rep. Ryan Williams, R-Cookeville, directs principals to notify the parents of a student within a reasonable amount of time regarding a physical search of a student, locker, vehicle or other property on school grounds. The bill also clarifies that all searches must comply with the United States Constitution and Tennessee Constitution. Physical searches must be conducted by a school resource officer, school security officer or an administrator who has completed required training. House Bill 764 directs the Tennessee Department of Education to establish an orientation and training program to inform school administrators of a student’s rights when it comes to searches. The legislation now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature. It will take effect July 1, 2025.
Blood samples for DUIs: A bill allowing police officers to assist medical professionals in using reasonable force to collect a blood sample from a person suspected of driving under the influence has passed the House Judiciary Committee. House Bill 1204, sponsored by State Rep. Sabi “Doc” Kumar, R-Springfield, also extends the driver’s license revocation for a first implied consent violation from one year to one year and six months. The bill is set to be heard in the House Finance, Ways and Means Subcommittee on April 14.
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